Ok to Skip Stage I?

[Dragonfly]

Let me preface my question by saying that I've been working out for 4 years and do a lot of strength training already. I got Alwyn's book for his fresh perspective, to change up my workouts, and to try the structured workouts included in the book..
The problem for me is that the Stage I workouts (and even Stage IIa, really) are too easy for me. Please know that I am NOT trying to sound arrogant! But I feel that doing the Stage I workouts would actually be reverse progress from my usual workouts. So I'm wondering if it's ok to skip Stage I altogether.

So far I've done both Stage II workouts and left the gym feeling like I didn't get a good workout, nor have I been sore at all since starting Alwyn's program. I guess I just need to add more weight...

[missjane]

Many of us came to NROL4W after lifting for a while and doing other programs. We all started at Stage 1 and followed the program as designed. You sets should be hard. You should be lifting weights heavy enough that you could not get another 2 reps done. If you aren't pushing yourself to that extent, then you aren't working hard enough. And getting sore isn't an indicator of how effective a workout is, either.

[Dragonfly]

I always push myself to that extent. I'm just having a very hard time imagining myself going to the gym to do just 5 exercises -- for 8 weeks!