Monday morning, I awoke at 5:30, excited about the day. Having broken my fast over the weekend, I created a healthy meal and exercise plan and did all my grocery shopping. After a little searching in my closet, I found my weight lifting gloves and gym pass. I was ready to start!

The gym was a familiar friend. About two years ago, I was going regularly and had dropped 14 pounds through weight lifting and cardio workouts. I have gone off an on over the past two years, but frankly hadn't gone in months until Monday. Last summer, I fell about 8 feet down some boulders and landed on my back, causing a disk in my spine to bulge. It took months for my doctor to refer me to a specialist, and I finally went through physical therapy last month. The therapist was a God-send. She taught me all sorts of stretches and exercises to put that disk in its place. I finally feel OK to exercise again.

I was resting between reps on the incline bench when a man approached. "Is this your first time?" he asked. I must have been screaming "newbie." But I didn't want him to give me advice; I knew what I was doing.

"No, I used to workout at night. Now I'm trying mornings," I said. I was telling the truth -- I did use to workout in the evenings.

"Well it's nice to see you. I hope to see you here every morning. Keep up the good work!"

Wow, I had a gym angel! How did he know I needed encouragement?

The next morning, as I did a warm-up set on the seated row, the man again appeared. "It's good to see you here again. I didn't catch your name. My name's Randy," he said.

"I'm Jennifer. Nice to meet you." We shook hands.

"I'm going to be your cheerleader," Randy said.

Wow, I had a gym cheerleader!

"Great! Thanks!" I said.

This morning, Randy was in the weight room again, and this time introduced me to his friends. As I made the circuit to work out my legs, they bantered nearby. I could feel their positive attitudes surrounding me. For the first time ever, I didn't feel alone in the room full of men. As much as I've lifted weights, I've never had a decent conversation with anyone. Usually men just try to tell me what to do and how to do it. But Randy simply gives me words of encouragement. That's more than I could ever ask more.

I can't wait to go to the gym tomorrow!