Every Monday, I wake up with a mix of terror and excitement.

“Sh*T. Hardpressed.” I pull myself together. Put my hair in a pony tail that I’m inevitably going to destroy. l’ll eventually just pile all of that hair onto the top of my head into something I’ve come to call a “rally bun,” which really just looks like the kind of ponytail someone without the use of their thumbs would cobble together.

The mix of emotions I experience is that same mix that accompanies any challenge that helps you grow.

Terror: When working one-on-one with a strength coach, there is no slacking and there is no quitting. There will be one to three reps every set that are going. to. suck.

Excitement: I know each time, I’ll get a little bit stronger and I’m going to see that in an increase in the weight that I can move or – joy of joys – in the amount of pull-ups I can do.

Hardpressed has been delivering high-intensity strength training in 30-minute sessions since 2012, and now you can find everyone from that guy you saw at Flywheel to some of your favorite trainers using these workouts to add a dose of pure strength to their week. There’s a reason why: it’s addictive and it’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever do  – all while being guided and instructed to safely complete your workout with one-on-one coaching.

If you’ve never tried training at Hardpressed, you can expect the end of your first set to feel something like Cass’s, concluding with a “brief moment of extreme pride and happiness,” before you notice that your trainer is already walking towards your next station.

Thinking about giving the strength workouts a try? Hardpressed offers an introductory pack of four sessions for $119.

Here’s the good news: If you’ve been thinking about dabbling in the strength arts, we’re giving away two intro packs (4 sessions to be used in 21 days) to one winner. One to keep and one to give to a friend, because everything – especially working out – is better with friends.

Giveaway now closed! Congrats to Katie B.