CLOSED: Forvm's One Year Anniversary [Archive]

J-Dawg

01-09-08, 4:53 pm

Damn Fellas.
I can't believe it's already been one year that this great Forvm has been up and kicking. On behalf of all of us here, I just wanna thank you all for your support in making this one of the, if not the best forums out there. As I read many of the threads that come up each day, I'm impressed by not just the sheer number of posts that the Forvm gets each day, but by the quality and heart behind all of you who post here. With this in mind and in honor of the Forvm hitting a year, we'd like to do a more interactive promo to hear about how the Forvm has impacted you.

Here it is:
In your own words, tell us how the Forvm has influenced your life and what kind of impact has it had on you thus far.

This thread is open for everyone to post in. To be eligible to win-- we will select 12 members to win a newly designed can of Animal Pak along with one of the highly sought after Animal Yellow Iconic T-Shirts. To be eligible, ya gotta have a US mailing addy, gotta be 18 to win product, however, those 18 and under are eligible to win the Animal Yellow Iconic T-Shirt and 2 Animal DVDs of your choice.

I'm looking forward to reading everyone's entries.
Promo ends 1/20/08.

naturalguy

01-09-08, 5:02 pm

That was a quick year and my how we have grown!

Nice promo. Good luck to all, I look forward to reading the entries.

Freakshow

01-09-08, 5:06 pm

That was a quick year and my how we have grown!

Nice promo. Good luck to all, I look forward to reading the entries.

Ditto. I may have to draft my own as well, just so everybody else can see how grateful I am to be a part of this great place.

krazyassmexican

01-09-08, 5:13 pm

krazy ass mexican a year ago:

clueless about nutrition
cardio fiend and afraid of free weights

this forvm changed my life completly

now i know what works for my body
and i know that good nutrition comes first

shit i honestly never knew i was gonna get this lean
and all thanks to this forvm and the brothers

kyderz

01-09-08, 5:21 pm

Holy shit..

Where do I begin?

When I first came here, I really didn't know what to expect.

I mean, this could just be "another board" right?

WRONG.

The genuine sincerity behind the board, and those who created it, really wanted to make a place that was legit; a place where literally ANYONE could come to learn something, or share something.

Where do I fall in this? I have shared some, and learned 100x more than I would have ever imagined.

Now, about the people..

I can PM anyone at anytime, and I will get a positive reply everytime whether it be a question, or just a statement.

As for the threads? Same.

The thing about being here is that it is so inspirational.

Sometimes after hitting up the boards, even if I just finished a workout, I want to go back for more! This place really fires me up like no other. Not only do I have the fire inside of me, but the push I get from this place is unbelievable.

So, thanks to every single person here.

You've made my year, and I doubt I will have something less to say a year from now!

--Kyle

wedge

01-09-08, 5:22 pm

Though I don't post as much as some on this forum, I am always reading it and seeing what is going on.
Along with all of the lifting knowledge, this website has helped me grow as a man and and as a human. I take the lessons I have learned and had reinforced here-such as hard work, determination and honesty-and have included them more so into my overall life and career.
It has helped increase my productivity and taught me to keep things in perspective, no matter what I may be going through personally at any time.
On the lifting side of things, Animal has helped me reached long held goals (weigh 200 lbs at 5'6'', with little body fat) and taught me new exercises and routines to go beyond this and other goals.
Using tips and knowledge gathered from the posts here, I competed in my first local amateur strongman competition. I didn't win, but I took home a moral victory by having the winners invite me to come train with them for the event this year.
In a nutshell, this forvm has taught me what it is to be an Animal, inside and outside of the gym.

Upstatebuilder07

01-09-08, 5:23 pm

I remember recieving the emails about this place opening up. I was so excited for the day, due to some glick my original screen name was deleted, finally after weeks I got in and found hands down the greatest resource for info on bodybuilding out there period. It helped my greatly in my profession as a trainer as well as a dedicated iron slinger. This place also turned me on to new animal products and great reviews and user testamonies. Presently this place keeps me focused, with so much shit going on around me I know when i step in the door here im focused on my journey. This plsce then gives me so much motivation that it carries over into my life, workouts ect. Also where else can you win such great shit, the promos are insane in this place. peace

dexz101

01-09-08, 5:29 pm

the forvm was my inspiration to get back into bodybuilding, after many years off. It made me see past alot of the HYPE, in the sport.

"I'm not here to talk" so,

"shut up and train"

Shaffer_515

01-09-08, 5:40 pm

From the past year...well since the last arnold...this place has been my home away from home....countless hours I have reserched and applied all I could..From every diet training or LIFE in general this place has been there for not only me but for everyone else here this place has touched so many people in a positive way!

From Pros to the the bullshit section everyday we learn....I have met some of the most down to earth and dedicated people i would probubly never would of met with out the forvm...

The ABC sessions are just a small example of what this place has to offer....COUNTLESS thoughts, ideas, training methods and just support...in the sport and the daily grind you can ask anything here and it always get a answer or suggestion to point you in the right direction

the first thing I do in the morning at work is check my PM's then catch up on my subed threads then take a glimpse of "whats new"

I would never be so close and yet still realize how far away i am in my journey in the sport and in life as well...Thank you animal, Uninversal and everyone on here for making this place what it is today!!.....Just think it all came from a little can with 44 little packs of multi-vitamins..wow

For me personally a few of the people here know of the pretty hard time i went through with my personal life in the past year or so...this place always gets that bad shit out of my head and focused to the weights....money..sickness...death....loss of children....this place has been that place i turn to when it looks like there is no reason to keep bettering myself and giving myself another challenge to "overcome"!...when i can silently sit back and just read and see that there is always something out there to keep you going even if you think you are alone....on here you never are.

-shaffer-

feelthepain12

01-09-08, 5:42 pm

The Forvm has made me realize what it means to be truly dedicated to something. Everytime I'm on here I read a post on how someone's busted through a new plateau or acheived a goal they never thought they'd be able to reach. It's also helped me figure out some of the things I need to be doing to properly ready myself for the upcoming rugby season. The Forvm has really helped me become tougher not just during my workouts, but in general just from reading people talking about all the struggles they've been through and what they had to overcome. This place has also helped me become a much stronger, better lifter through all the knowledge I've gained.

DRIVEN

01-09-08, 5:49 pm

Ever since joining the forvm it has been an unbelievable tool for me that fuels my workouts daily. By keeping a log and gathering new information from the thousands of interesting topics here at the forvm, it has kept my motivation levels through the roof and i also have packed on size i never thought i could get on my smaller frame. That is why i think the FORVM is unique and very important to me. Happy 1 year anniversary!

DRIVEN

TEZ

01-09-08, 5:49 pm

I had a friend throw me the rest of his Animal Pak before heading to the States and telling me to get my shit together. I got out of shape and needed an ass kicking! I got it on the Forum.

Didn't know what to expect, but I found it all. Starting a Journey led to focus...reading G Diesel, House, and Machine keep me from quiting...filled me with inspiration. On my worst day, incoming rounds..long hours..crappy meals..I come to the Forum for knowledge, support, and a good ass kicking! I learned the TRUTH. I've read body building mags. Some good stuff, but here...there's TRUTH. I built a stak based off the words on this site. Downloaded Ox's series on the "principles" (AOM). Made my plan of attack, build a workout, and headed on my path, my "journey".

Huge thanks to those who supported me on this site. Big thanks to the Forum and Animal Pak. I'm only two weeks into this Journey...but I know things are going to change. A storm is brewing....

Cstlfx

01-09-08, 9:12 pm

I've been a member for a year now, being here form the beginning. This place has literally changed my life. I started off being highly overweight, without much muscle, a lazy bum not focused on my health. But then I got invited to join the Forvm. I wasnt too sure at the beginning whether or not the place was going to be that great, but worth a try.

Ever since I signed up, it has been one of my most valuable assets. I was a beginner when it came to weight lifting. This place has allowed me to reach out to others for help as well as getting to know people who have the same mentality as myself. I have learned to workout smarter and better with everyone's help. Quotes, threads, and posts have created such a drive in me that I never want to quit, even when times are rough. But that was just lifting.

It even helped change my life. I have always been a pretty easy going guy, but I was quick to hold a grudge and be annoyed by people. Some of the rules set in the Forvm, I have applied to my life, especially Being above the Frey. Things such as this have turned me into a better man, and those around me have been able to see it. I hold myself higher, yet I treat everyone better and with more respect. You can say this site has helped me mature.

The Forvm has also allowed me to talk to people I look up to, which can be quite daunting. I thank the makers of this site very much, this is one of the greatest places ever created. I also thank all of the members for making the site one of the best, chalk full of knowledge and many different views, as well as ideas.

BamBam92

01-09-08, 9:36 pm

The forum has shown me so much and I thank God I have a home to come and read, learn from some of the best, grow (in many ways), and help all of my brothers and sisters however I can. There is such a store of informationin here as well as so many great stories, motivational pieces and writings, pictures, videos, and just ideas that are great to see how a sport that was so "underground" in its nature and popularity is growing into something so powerful. These things help me on days when life just gets me so far down I dont want to go to the gym and put myself through hell once again. Not only has the forum given me some great things to wrap my mind and arms around...but it has given me something I will cherish until the day I die....A family.

Family- a social unit living together, people descended from a common ancestor, an association of people who share common beliefs or activities, kin, primary social group- That is the definition I found and I couldnt agree more with it. I have found so many brothers and sisters in this one place...this society I never knew could or did exist until I just happened to stumble into it. This is my "Brotherhood of Iron". I have met some of the people in this forum, and they have treated me better and supported me more in the short time they have known me or heard of 'BamBam92' (aka Josh White) than the people I have grown up with. They have brought me into their lives with open arms and a caring I have not known from anyone but my blood relatives, and are helping me become a better person and a bigger and more powerful athlete. I realize now I have 2 families. One at home, and one in here. That is the most important thing in my life...my family..now I have another to cherish. I have been given the free chance to come into this forum and write about my own Journey, vent about my life problems, try and teach those who dont know as much as I do and learn from those who know 1000 times what I do. To always be taught day in and day out I am not the best, but there are so many people in here who want me to get there and will push me and support me while I try and do so. It is a huge support system for me to know I can come home on any given day, no matter what has happened..and there will be someone or something that will help me in my time of need. Why would anyone else ask for anything more? I won't...I have everything I need on my quest to the top...and without the FORUM and it's members...my new "FAMILY BONDED BY IRON"....I would be lost.

That's what the forum means to me...what it has done for me...so THANK YOU ALL!!!

pmug0000

01-09-08, 9:55 pm

I first came to the forum after buying a can of Animal Pak from my local GNC. For a while I was not a member, but I viewed many posts, mostly that were about supplements. I wanted to try to find whatever were supposed to be the best supplements for getting bigger and stronger, because I had been busting my ass in the gym and eating tons of protein, but barely seeing any results despite my best efforts. I thought maybe I could find some 'super-supplements' that would help me get huge.

After reading more and more, I realized that supplements were not the issue; it was lifestyle. I wasn't eating nearly enough calories, not eating at regular increments, overtraining, not sleeping enough, drinking, drugs, you name it, I was doing it wrong. I was getting desperate, and starting to lose motivation.

By becoming a member of this forum, I am beginning to understand what it really takes to make real physical changes. I am eating properly, regularly, training my ass off but not overtraining, sleeping, etc. I know now, after finally seeing the results that I've desired for so long, that I do not need to rely on supplements.

Most importantly though, I am constantly encountering motivational messages. Whether it is from members of the forum or pros or fucking whoever, I am interacting with people who have similar goals to myself. I see other people struggling with, and overcoming obstacles, and I realize that I can do the same. I've even been able to share some of the knowledge I've gained with other less knowledgeable brothers, and that shit feels good. To know that I have been helped, and I can use everything I've learned to make a difference to others is need is pretty fucking cool.

I know I probably won't win this promo with so many other brothers here competing for limited slots, but fuck it, I don't even care.
This is just another chance for me to thank Universal and the Animal Line for finally getting me on track, and keeping me here.

Maharg

01-09-08, 9:59 pm

This place is amazing to me. I met many friends from this site who i now talk to on a regular basis. I have been inspired to clean up my diet. It is just a amazing experince to talk with so many of these awesome people who are never condcending. It is just a huge family. I love coming to this site and talking to so many of these people who lend a helping hand in anyway they can. And with out the Forvm, we wouldnt have all of these amazing ABC's were someone can hook up with like minded people and enjoy a amazing day. Here is to ten more years of the forvm at the least.

LegendKillerJosh

01-09-08, 10:04 pm

I never thought a website could change the way I live. I got a very dumb infraction early in my forvmhood that I can't wait to expire. I am a more respectful person, and carry myself in a whole new way since becoming a member. I have no idea how I ended up here. I tried the old m-stak and I had a question about it so I came to the forvm and the rest is history.

Renji007

01-09-08, 10:10 pm

Last year I looked almost anorexic in the quest for a "six pack" I had a GREAT one, but I was doing it the wrong way by not eating and running my ass off.

After coming here and using Universals products and Knowledge I've now become the animal I know that I want to be by gaining 20 pounds of muscle, and I will only keep going until the day I die. This place has changed me, and I hope to always be here and always have a "PAK" in my hand to give out so that others may follow into this wonderful world that has given me so much.

THANK YOU UNIVERSAL, THANK YOU FORVM, AND THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP

Hercules

01-10-08, 2:53 pm

I've been registered with The Forvm since day 1. Since that point, over 11,000 others have joined. Impressive...

To be able to see and read the journeys, training routines, diet plans, and life's trials and tribulations of those 11,000+ members really puts things in perspective for me. I am very intrinsically motivated; honestly, I'd be lifting hard even if this site did not exist. But reading about the success of others and how they overcame obstacles to become who and what they are is very inspirational and uplifting. Other boards get so far off topic that it's sick. The Forvm is an incredible place with a wealth of knowledge. Being disciplined and using the knowledge this site offers has certainly helped me through tough times, injuries, etc. When I asked for help with routine design after I shattered my finger, I was overwhelmed with the support and assistance I received. It's the members on The Forvm that make this place so great. Quality contributions that inspire and encourage are what I enjoy reading and appreciate most.

escholar05

01-10-08, 3:14 pm

Since I made the decision to stop lifting just for the hell of it and to start bodybuilding, never in that experience have I come across a place that is so full of information. Not only can you find answers to every question here, almost every bump in the road you experience has already been overcome by someone, and they will help you get through it too. No one ever sets out to belittle people who know less than they do, this is not just an online community, its a family of like-minded people.

Then there's the Animal Barbell Clubs that have been organized through the forvm, and having finally attended the columbus ABC, this is truly a great thing for those of us just starting out in this game. The wealth of knowledge available on this forvm is not just taken from a book or a research report, it is taken from real life daily experience. And that is why it is so valuable of a resource.

Because of this forvm, I have become so much more knowledgeable about everything bodybuilding, not just because I just soak up everyone's answers, but because I took those answers, tried them out, and then modified them into something that works for me. To me, the forvm is better than having a 24/7 personal trainer, because you get such a multitude of answers it becomes easy to find the middle ground that works best for you.

The forvm is an excellent resource for everything bodybuilding, and I just wanna thank everyone who makes it great.

musclealchemist

01-10-08, 3:38 pm

Well first of all, all i drink now is gatorade (which i make myself) and water. I eat 6 times a day, and now love eating just as much as working out. I pretty much put animal stickers and posters on everything i own. THe forvm truly help me understand what bodybuilding was all about and what i had to do to get places. Because of the forvm, i have put on about 35lbs of weight. Also, none of my clothes from a year ago fit me. The forvm also turned me onto m-stak, and all the other great supps universal makes. The forvm changed me as a person, and it was for the better. Im so thankful the forvm was created; its on of the best things to happen to bodybuilding in a longgggg time.

Brute

01-11-08, 3:40 pm

While the Forvm has inspired and encouraged beyond any other community, my experience with the ABC is what really brought it all together. As a catalyst for bringing like-minded, hardcore animals together, the Forvm has provided an open atmosphere for questions, criticism and change like no other of its type. You can ask the veterans anything you want, you can hear about the struggles of others and relate - and we're global - animals all over the world.

Previously, I thought such an old-school attitude was far smaller with much of the mediocre approaches over-running things. The Forvm proved otherwise and I'm glad to be part of it.

Far Beyond Driven

01-13-08, 1:24 pm

Well, let's see. Jan. '07 was a bad time for me. My drinking was out of control, often killing a whole pint of 100 proof liquor before bed. My idea then of preserving lean mass was to down a protein\creatine shake before passing out. I'm not even kidding. I would then take a pak in the morning as a sort of hangover cure, and on an empty stomach, at that. I actually used to wonder why I threw up in the morning at work sometimes. The forvm was, as harsh as it is, the only place I felt comfortable dealing with this, because I knew that tough love is often the best way to go, and that the criticism here is, while sometimes harsh, well intentioned and constructive. Since joining, my knowledge has increased tenfold. I'm bigger, stronger, and more determined than ever before. My supplementation has gone from every suggested thing under the sun, to a few well selected things. My dietary knowledge has gone from thinking that McD's was the perfect blend of protein, fats, and carbs, to being able to give solid advice to coworkers, and seeing real results when they listen. But most importantly, my anger has taken on a different form. It's more focused. It's not an explosion anymore. It's a well controlled beam. I'm healthier. And I believe that's the whole point.

sgtmason

01-13-08, 8:52 pm

Those famous words have been embedded in my mind since my first encounter with Animal many years ago. I would flip through magazines for hours on end just looking for new Animal ads to pin up on my wall. This was my motivation. This was my fuel. This was who I would become.

When I learned of the Forvm, I couldn't have been more thrilled because I knew it would be the place to go. The other forums just don't deliver like this one. The brothers and sisters in this community leave the bullshit at the door when they enter. We are all here for the same reasons: to learn, share, and grow into the Animals that the rest of the world views as 'FREAKS' because they could never understand.

Whenever I need that extra pick-me-up before I hit the Iron, this is where I turn to. When my taste buds are begging and pleading for some new recipes, this is where I turn to. Whenever I need a good kick in the ass to get me back on my feet, this is where I turn to.

I am consistently reminded of that phrase: "This is Animal...Can you handle it?"

born0withno0soul

01-13-08, 9:53 pm

I must say i am very proud and grateful that i found such a great forum. I appreciate the no bullshit approach we take towards improvement in bodybuilding and powerlifting. As with everyone else i dont agree with all the rules all the time but if we didnt have them it would just be another bodybulidng,com. Great supplements, dedicated people, encouraging bodybuilders and powerlifters, and did i mention great supplements? Thanks Guys. congrats AnimalPak Forvm, im off to the gym for leg day

propstm

01-13-08, 9:57 pm

How has my life changed? Well to say it was the beginning of many thing goes without saying.

The changes I've seen in my life as a result of the Forvm is a new commitment and seriousness in my training. I've found some place that is not only a forum, but also a forum where we hold the rules important and look to uphold them. The admins, and moderating groups have helped to foster the brotherhood and family feeling of the forvm that has plenty of camaraderie. Through the Forvm I've realigned my nutrition not just for my lifting, but for how i eat in general. By learning more about my nutritional needs the Forvm was there to help me take it up another notch and help build my physique, which is still a work in progress.

The Forvm has allowed me to find other lifters in the area through the ABCs. I can't say enough good about the ABCs.

Lately I'd say the best thing I've gotten from the Forvm is the way since it has been around for a year, I can look back and see what knowledge and physical results I've gained in the past year. I know I can take all that I've gained with me onto this year. I started M Stak one week ago, and I can't wait to see how i'm doing two weeks from now.

Thanks!

gjn5002

01-13-08, 10:17 pm

I've been into lifting weights since junior high but bodybuilding since i joined the forvm a year ago. Ive amassed an asrenal of knowledge about nutrition, technique, and excercises as well as a daily dose of reality from bros that have been in the game a lot longer than me. Having the forvm is like having a bodbuilding encylopedia at your fingertips that is updated everyday with realtime support from pros. No other resource can beat that unless you had BigAnt for your training partner.

widdlewade44

01-13-08, 10:29 pm

and keep 'em coming Legion!

This is an awesome promo and we've got one year under our belts, so lets celebrate it!

Kevin
widdlewade44

scott

01-13-08, 11:23 pm

for me, this forvm has been all about BROTHERHOOD. all about the sense that i BELONG to something of this magnitude. it feels great to feel accepted by all of my brothers in iron, some of which i have no business even spotting them. but no matter how great they are, they care about you just the same. it is unbelievable. just to come here and tell my story...just to vent if i have something on my mind. if i ever need ANYTHING i come here. through the year i have learned so much due to this forvm. my animal brothers have taught me so much. not only of the iron but of life in general as well. great men like k1usa, and sgt. rock. both of which who have contributed so much to my maturity. sarge...in the ways of iron(he may not even realize), and k1usa just in life in general. before this forvm i was just another hot-headed teenager. i was big, so i thought i was bad. i was uncontrollable, and my anger was an untamed beast. i thought that is what made me a man. this forvm has taught me control. it has shown me that it is not my uncontrollable anger that makes me a man, and it is not necessarilly my strength or physique either...it is my CONTROL of that anger, and my DESIRE for that strength. it has taught me respect. and i love all my brothers here. i have grown through this forvm. this forvm has made me a man. this forvm has made me an ANIMAL...

firsthorseman97

01-14-08, 11:57 am

I found this place when I was at rock bottom. My marriage was over and it was my fault. I drank to forget seeing one of my best friends die 3 weeks before my wedding and never looked back. Needless to say the drinking led to unforgiveable mistakes on my part. I was looking for reasons to stop my ways... and I found it... here. I started cleaning myself up, I started a journey, on here and in life. I met an amazing woman and life started to make sense.

I turned my life around with the help of this place. I lost almost every friend I had because they weren't true friends. They didn't understand putting down a bottle for a dumbbell. Besides my fiance, my friends are here and in the gym. I have not met a single brother from the forvm yet, but I feel closer to all of you than I did to friends I had for years. We are all connected here by a common thread. I hope it never breaks or frays. Even more, I hope to meet as many of you as possible at the Arnold. This is my way of thanking all of you for helping me when you did not know it. Peace.

GRUNT

01-14-08, 12:56 pm

I remember just getting to the middle east and started to find my crew to workout with by scanning the gym and seeing who was there and when. Find my crew, we all started cruising the net for new supps. Came across the universal brand. Saw wrath standing on the home page in the mirror and the beginning of his journey was just taking off. Started reading his weekly log and it just lit something inside of me. I got all my boys hooked on the Animal pak website and we just loaded up on universal supps. It was the same feeling of wanting to be part of something like when Cross Colors clothes hit the streets..hahahaha

Started visiting the site everyday before my workouts to get that fire. Then the message comes out about a possible forum being started. I said to myself, damn, I have been to other forums and I know this one will come correct. So the forum started and I could not stay away from the site, it was like a home away from home. It was my solitude, it gave me something to look forward to even though im stuck away from all that is normal. This place has something good going, its a good balance here of info and people. Nobody is trying to one up the other or cut down eachother. When I log onto this site, it feels like home, brothers and sisters in one house all here for a common cause.

Sir J-Werk

01-14-08, 4:46 pm

The Animal website was introduced to me a little over a year ago. After reading through most of the articles in the "livin'" and "training" sections I slowly made my way into the Forvm.

The first thing I noticed was how simple and how real it was. It wasn't about posting up 25 photos a day of midsections and asses. Everyones' ego was well placed and in check and if it wasn't it was quickly put in check. Although everyone was different individually, everyone stood together, stood in unison, stood on common grounds, with their goals and their visions. No one was more important or better than the other, everyone was equal.

For someone like me who was completely new to all of this that resonated the most about the Forvm and the REAL PEOPLE that make it what it is. Shortly thereafter I started my own Journey in the Forvm and in my life.

Through everything, highs and lows, that have taken place in that time what has made the greatest impact on my life is the unending support system of total strangers freely going out of their way to give you a pat on the back for deeds unseen or even dig into your ass a bit when you are slippin'. Without a doubt some of the most amazing Men and Women on God's green Earth and why this site and this Forvm will be around for MANY more years to come.

Happy Anniversary Forvm!

hjayss

01-16-08, 1:42 am

The knowledge that I have attaine here alone is worth gold..The friends I have made here is absolutely priceless. I have a lot to thank this forum and its member for and I am so glad that animal pak put this forum together. We have had our ups and downs but that is what family is about..When I say brother I mean it you are all like my brothers and sister this forum keeps me out of trouble...keep me focused one goal and one journey to stay healthy ...

shortstack

01-16-08, 8:34 am

So far, all I've got here is pain, pain, pain. I get hooked on Animal products from pics of Wrath, Machine, and all the other guys in the adds. Then Big Ant goes to Texas and posts all the pics and gets me inspired to possible compete one day. That kicks up the intensity level right there and causes me....pain. Then The House and Ox show up on my radar and their physiques kick me in the ass again and I get even more determined, which causes....that's right more pain. Most recently Tiny's ideas on how to get my traps in line along with a few tips he PM'd me have pushed the levels of pain into the stratosphere.

SO how has the forvm influenced my life. I'm lifting more weight the right way, I'm eating more food the right way, and I'm in non stop pain...in the right way. Not to mention being part of a brotherhood that extends to every corner of the world and knowing that if I ever think I can't, there are a few hundred or more that think I can.

Thanks

houseofpain

01-16-08, 10:59 am

since ive joined the forum, i know im not alone. i know im not the only one who obssesses over my diet and training. i know there are people like that out there.

Lowdown5

01-16-08, 11:20 am

I came here on the advice of G Diesel, was posting at another bodybuilding forum that was out of control. Thought to myself that maybe this place would be different, and maybe it will be a cool place to spend a bit of time everyday. But it is so much more than that. I have made too many friends to count, received so much support and motivation, gotten so much great advice that it can't be measured.

Along the way I have learned to never take this place for granted, that it's members are the heart and soul of this sport. I have trained with my Brothers in the Legion and it has made a lasting impression on me. And with the Arnold drawing near I can tell you that the highlight for me is going to be meeting all those people who have become like family to me.

I love this place, it is a second home. I can't imagine not being a part of this Legion.

live2lift

01-16-08, 1:29 pm

This forum has been a solid place to come almost everyday for a year...I have been here since the beginning on the advice of the Rev. That was some of the best advice that I have ever received...This is a home to all of us who are not "normal", those of us who do not fit the stat quo. We strive to be greater because we know that we are...we are determined to make our mark on the world and leave an impression far greater than most. This is a place where we can all come and "fit in", where we all can learn and teach and at the end of the day we leave the forum a better person than when we logged on. There has never been a place where so much info can be crammed into one place. Not only that but you can follow pro and amateur bb's and pl's alike on their "journeys" into the darkness all so they can come out of it all a better person. Where else can you go and get advice from the pros of our sports and get this info because they want to help not because you are paying their bills like some other pro's sites where they charge. This is the first forum that I have ever been a part of and I love it...it has helped me in so many ways it is unbelievable. I have learned so much from everyone on here...everybody has some knowledge that they can share with others and this place makes it so easy to share it all. The forum is a place where I look forward to coming to and learning or maybe offering a little advice to anyone who is willing to listen. You can come here no matter where you are in you lifting experience and feel welcomed...that is what I love about this place. Nobody makes you feel uncomfortable because you haven't been lifting as long as they have or you might not know as much as them. This is the only true hardcore forum out there and because of what I get from this forum daily I would never even consider going somewhere else...it is all right here for the taking...I love this place. Keep up the hard work everyone and an early congrats to whomever they choose to win this promo. Peace.

Mr. Dead

01-16-08, 1:56 pm

The Forum has shown me that there is an entire Culture out there, with the same views, passion, and intensity towards training. There's tons of resources, from the articles, to the threads, to the people... If I can't find an answer on my own, there's another brother or sister out there, that will help me find it. It's an incredible resource, from the living, to the diet, to the training, all the way down to the "Pak Piss". This place is freakin' awesome, and "home"!

Freakshow

01-16-08, 2:03 pm

Alot of good responses so far...keep them coming.

dido336

01-16-08, 2:16 pm

I feel complete now that I have found the most realistic forum in existence. I havent been a member for long, but I think this forum and Animal in general might just be that extra something that I have needed. The Motivation. The Struggle that we all share. The Aggravation. The Glory and Disappointment. I am proud and honored to be a part of this. I look forward to continue to be able to update and train with the best. The true bodybuilders. All of you. This dark, but refreshing getaway, where all of our twisted minds can get together and show the true evolution of man.

PrometheusCon

01-17-08, 4:52 pm

Two things that have changed dramatically for me has been my knowledge of supplements and motivation.

Starting off, I though guys only got big if they took ridiculous supplements. Animal makes some of the best stuff ever, but I was relying way too much on pills instead of the Iron. I was skeptical at first, seeing how Wrath was one of the biggest guys I'd ever seen. I thought, "Shit.. that guy has to be sponsored out the ass and take every Animal product under the sun. There's no way I could look like that." After reading post after post of people talking about limited budgets and alternative to Animal through food, I decided to give some of those alternative a shot. Boy did it prove my old thinking wrong. I've grown so much and learned that the Iron is my best friend. I think it's silly how I blamed supplements for every bodybuilders success, but in the end its their drive and willing to lift heavy ass weights that makes them who they are.

Because I now saw that, my motivation and drive to lift on a regular schedule shot up. I could become like Wrath if I just hunkered down and did the basics... lift some Iron (haha I still have a LOOONG way to go). I now love the pain and bust my ass because I can. There's no doubting myself now and all the help I need is right in the Forvm. Recipes, diet tips, lifting tips, general advice... anything I need to become a true Animal. Without the addition of the Forvm, I'd still be looking at Wraths forearms on his Journey thinking "That's awesome," instead of going out and getting built like that.

Bulldozin727

01-18-08, 10:53 am

Well, here we all are a year later. It has been a hell of a ride thus far. When I first joined up last January I had only been seriously lifting again for two or three months. I didn't have a plan or a whole lot of knowledge about how to achieve my goals. This forvm opened my eyes to a lot of things. Wrath's Journey got me started on my way and then I devoured all the articles on here from G, Machine, House, Big Ant. It is amazing how page after page of knowledge and experiences continues to accumulate on here. I just can't seem to get enough. Seriously Lifting can lead to a pretty lonely life style though. People I associate with here in Valentine spend more time in the bar than they do in the gym. If I do go to the bar I drink one or two beers and then finish up the night with lots of water. I don't get too many calls to hit the town anymore because they know that I refuse to be the life of the party anymore. Nice to know I'm not alone. This forvm has brought thousands of people with similar values together in one convenient location. It's like having a whole city in your corner all the time, Motivating, Encouraging. Since I have been involved in the forvm I have lost over 40 pounds of unwanted fat and benched 300 + pounds for the first time in my life. I have discovered the importance of non Beach Body workouts (AKA Leg Days). I have discovered what it means to OVERCOME, to beat down the Naysayers, to shed the shackles that bound me mentally and physically. Last but certainly not least I have learned to how to squeeze out that last ounce of fuel when my body tells me I have nothing left, to NEVER QUIT. For this I thank Universal, G, Big Ant, Machine, House, PowerFreak, Vinny and all the rest of my brothers and sisters here on the forvm. Thanks for always being in my corner, arms opened wide, with a full shaker glass.

Be Easy My Friends, Peace- Nick

blueIMlifter

01-18-08, 12:32 pm

Before I found the forvm I thought I was the only one out there who did not want to get plastered every night and would rather go to bed early and lift weights. Finding this place has really opened up my eyes to thousands of others who feel like I do. This site has changed my life dramatically. I now know 100 times more about dieting, training, and hell even life in general because of all my brothers on here. I went from being a devoted lifter before this site to what the normal person would now call "obsessed." I now refer anybody who approaches me about lifting to this site animalpak.com. I've changed my training partner from a somewhat devoted lifter who was a skinny 185 lbs to a true ANIMAL who busts his ass as hard or harder than me in the gym and recently competed in a powerlifting meet at a weight of 220. This forvm has a lifelong follower now.

This site has opened my eyes to the fact that there are others out there who are willing to sacrifice in order to achieve their goals. I no longer feel like an outsider for wanting to devote myself to the iron way of life. Thanks Universal, thanks Animal, and thanks everybody on here for taking me in and making me an ANIMAL.

Nick

lifterkid17

01-18-08, 1:20 pm

Well I really started lifting my senior year of highschool so last year... i really wasnt into it to much and i just did the motions to stay in shape and was getting pissed cause i wasnt seeing results.. then my buddy on here Riesjs a henchmen now told me about this website and all the things goin on in here.. i was hooked instantly.. all the tips and the amazing numbers put up by everybody just took me off the hook... So i started to take training seriously and i hit the weights hard and have made some great gains.... I look up to all the guys on here that give me positive motivation like norrim1, Riesjs, G, Mn Freak, and everyone else that has helped me out in my training, there is no way i would be where i am at right now if i wasnt introduced to this website so on that note thanks a lot for keeping out the bullshit and keepin it positive!!

ironshaolin

01-18-08, 1:20 pm

yeah brother! I've been here since Day 1. I remember first getting into pack, then discovering the website, and my how the articles moved me. I would sit on here day after day trying to take in every article written. Schak, machine, G diesel, bigant, these guys to me were just such great writers. Then I saw they were starting a forum soon, and decided to sign up. WOW! Now I actually got to communicate with these great heavyweights, hear their knoledge, experiences, as well as talk to alot of people at my own level. There is seriously a gold mine of info in this forum now. Stuff you could pay a personal trainer and a nutritionist several hundred dollars a month to learn, can all be acquired here for the cost of obeying the rules and raising yourself to a high standard of excellence. Then Roland turned me onto the DC style of training, and now I have a few boys in here that even though we live miles and miles away, I feel since we train the same, and share the same journey that in a way we are all connected.

Give me another forum anywhere where you get that feeling from.

Maharg

01-18-08, 5:00 pm

Brute

01-18-08, 9:54 pm

Brute has been a serious individual since he came here. I would honestly perfer to see him win more than myself. I don't know if that means anything but i really would.

I appreciate that man, but you're just as deserving. Have a good one.

RenegadeRows

01-18-08, 10:16 pm

Wow! one year! First off, congratulations to all the website designers, maintainers, and mostly universal.

It's kinda hard to piece together what the forvm has done for me. It's like trying to sum up the vast knowledge you gain from a very valuable mentor into one word. That word brothers does not exist yet.

Getting back on track, the Frovm has had three phases in my life...
In the begining: I would read in awe at the intensity of machine's articles and the degree of hardcore that wrath's journals held. It was a real eye-opener for me, a real kick in the pants, a real call towards bodybuilding at 160lbs.
In the middle: I decided to become an active member and actually start posting and reading into the depths of what the pros on here face and though I might be a million miles away from them, they inspired me to work on and push through the tough times (the injuries, the hectic work schedules, the constant heckling of the onlookers, the list goes on), to break records, to line the weight up and knock it the hell down, building the muscle bigger, stronger, thicker, and freakier. This brothers, took me from that skinny ass 160lb kid to the 220lb with a 10%bf guy that I am today.
Towards the future: The pros and the forvm have helped me establish solid workouts, solid diets, and solid plans to get to a goal of 250lb with a 7% bf while staying humble, keeping it real, and always helping the ones in need. Call it what you want it, but this is my home away from home. My refuge from the haters, the light that illuminates my goals, and most importantly, my animal family.

In closing, much thanks to animal, the pros, and universal for being real, being humble, being patient in dealing with the new blood, and delivering quality products time and time again.

amasotto

01-20-08, 4:46 pm

This could be a long post, but it wont be. Everything has probably been said about how hardcore animal is or how much everyone trains and how much information this forvm has helped.To all of you who have said that, your right. It has done everything for me. A year ago i was a fatass and i wasnt powerlifter fat. I was sick. My cousin showed me this and it set a switch in my head that i needed to get going and say fuck everything else. Then i said to myself oh shit, i have no idea about anything or where to start but would u look at this site. yea im not the biggest kid around but i sure as hell am not the smallest. Animal______(insert product name there) its been from your company with the forvms help before i bought it. Im not in this to suck up but thanks for that and to everyone on this forvm for redoing my lifestyle. oh and to anyone else who thinks different. Shut the Fuck Up and Train.

mustgetbig

01-20-08, 9:33 pm

When i first joined this forum i thought okay this is gonna give me the "magic" answers to all of my questions.Well the first thing this website has done for me is showed me that to truly acomplish something that i must work for it, put in the work and then and only then will i be rewarded.But the greatest thing this forum has done for me is change the way my life was going. see when i was 14 i got sent to juvie when i came back from juvie i never went back to school because my stepdad died when i was in juvie so i now needed to stay home and help out my mom (who is dying from hepatitis c) with my two little sisters well my step dad raised me since i was 2 so that fucked me up in the head when he passed away and i was in juvie so i couldnt even go to his funeral and well i told my fellow brothers here that i dropped out and within one day they had me convinced to go back to school. so the following day i registered for school. but they wouldnt accept me so for the time being i have to do homeschooling which is just as good and sure alot better then me doing no school , this website has also given me a family.....a loving supporting family who i know will always pick me up when im down no matter what ive done and the greatest things health wise this site/community has done for me is made me quit smoking,eating healther,lifting weights,doing cardio.i feel like im a whole new person now because of this site.

if you wanna look at the post(to make sure im not lying) where they changed my life here it is
http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=195&page=13