CLOSED: New F O R V M Members

[J-Dawg]

This promo is for anyone with under 100 posts, so essentially the "newbie" to the Forvm.
We'd like ya to tell us what brought you here to the Forvm and what ya like about it so far.
We'd like to pick 10 winners from this thread who will get one of the new, highly coveted Yellow Animal Pak Iconic t-shirts. Also, there's no age restriction for this promo but ya gotta have a US mailing addy.

[mustgetbig]

the thing that brought me to this forum is knowledge so i can learn and help others so i could better myself as a bodybuilder and to talk to people who actually support what im doing unlike my family. the thing that i like about the forum is the support you get,the people you talk to, and the different beliefs meaning how people will tell others if they think differently than what they do but yea the forum is a great place and im glad i joined it.

[HoldFast]

Over a year ago I opened a bodybuilding magazine. Inside the cover there was an add for Animal. It was the infamous "Journey" adds that were in the magazines every week. I saw that face on the person sitting there ( this I now know is Wrath ) I was instantly enthralled. I saw the black and white add and the words on the page spoke volume to me. I thought to myself, "Wow these guys mean business". At the time I was nothing more than a know nothing that tracked myself in the gym to do what little I knew. I was from then on hooked on Animal Products.
It was from this add that I stumbled onto this site. After purchasing my first can of Animal Pak and Animal Arms DVD. The forum came about. At first I was hesitant to join. I would read what I could from a guest status and soak in the knowledge of the other Animals. Learning how to train, eat like a real lifter and start to transform myself. A silent member of some sort. After a long period of time, when I considered myself one of the fold I joined. I figured that after a year of slamming paks, cuts, nitro, and the new flex. I could consider myself one of the few.

[Iron Jaw]

Guess I'm a new member, seeing as this is my first post. I've always seen the ads and loved them, but I guess I never got around to checking out Animalpak.com or this forum. Love not attitude here. Positive. It's a real community.

[BigCountry021]

I have been an Animal fan for about 2 years now. That's about how long I've actually been into bodybuilding. I bought my first can of Animal Pak and never turned back from there. Then the FORVM came around. I figured if the supps help me out so good, the FORVM has to back it up that much more. I like coming to a site and being surrounded by people who are as serious about this sport as me. When I need a question answered, I can ask it and get plenty of informative replies back, and I don't feel stupid after it's all said and done. I can also help out other people with what experience I have as well. One of the biggest positives about this place nobody else has is all the Pros on here, willing to help out in any way that they can. It means alot when you can shoot the shit with people you look up to and follow. I hope this keeps growing and growing because there's no better place to be.

[The_Black_Dahlia]

This promo is for anyone with under 100 posts, so essentially the "newbie" to the Forvm.
We'd like ya to tell us what brought you here to the Forvm and what ya like about it so far.
We'd like to pick 10 winners from this thread who will get one of the new, highly coveted Yellow Animal Pak Iconic t-shirts. Also, there's no age restriction for this promo but ya gotta have a US mailing addy.


What brought me here…well here goes and I will probably sound like a dork but I will do anything for the super cool Animal T-shirt. I have never ever, and I do mean never “always been athletic” .As a matter of fact in high school I had a note several times a month just to get out of PE! I was never interested in muscle as a female because it just makes you look like a man is what I thought way back when. I was always skinny and never had a problem with weight until after my first child. I went form a lamb to a fucking whale! I never lost the weight so baby number 2 I was an elephant ….loss the weight which made me look mushy and was small again by kid 3 but very soft. After kid 3 I dieted until I almost disappeared and then I got tired of dieting .I figure there had to be a better way to maintain .I started going to the gym 3 days a week, then 4 then 5 and 6 .
I loved it! It made me feel good and I was not killing myself trying to stay small and mushy …….Animal Pak was the first supplement I saw an ad for at the gym .I looked it up online and ordered it. I liked it so much that I decided to try other supplement not all Animal and not all worth your fucking hard earned money either .After a year of wasted money I went back to just the basic supplement Animal Pak. Since it worked so well I figure I would try the less hyped products and I have been with only Animal (as far as spending my cash on supplements) every since. I found the site read all the dairies of a Madman and training programs and posts and then I ordered the Manual which I have read from front to back and back to front .I keep it open to my favorite page which is Rust Or Shine. I final got up the nerve to post recently and here I am. I read a lot of the different post here and didn’t see any females to speak off so I was a little scared to post but G Diesel said I would get the proper respect here so I am here! To learn,share, bitch whatever I am here.

[born0withno0soul]

sweet promo. gotta love this site

[Mr. Dead]

I came over here, after Universal Rep posted a link to this site over at bb.com. I REALLY liked what I saw. A boatload of knowledge, no drama or B.S., people are genuinely here, because they want to be. And, everyone is very helpful to help!

[Renegade223]

Last year when I got to college, I wasnt the average freshman. Instead of doing keg stands, I was doing squats or deads. I wondered why I was one of the few who ate strict 6-8 times a day, never missed a day of lifting, and got my sleep.

Then one day I was looking through a bodybuilding mag, and saw an ad for the journey. I kept seeing them, and finally went to the journey website and read all of the updated weeks in one sitting. I couldnt get enough. It was the first time i read something that had the same dedicated/motivated mentality that I devoted to bodybuilding.

I made my first trip to the Arnold last year. I didnt even know ANIMAL would be there, and I had no clue what the cage was. Well now I do. My friends couldnt get me away from the cage. They went and walked around the expo while i sat with the crowd of hundreds of people listening to G Diesel and Wrath, and the other ANIMALS talk and give demonstrations. After that day I knew I had to be a part of this, since I already lived the lifestyle.
When I got home I checked out the forum, and the rest is history...
The people and pros on the site provide tons of knowledge that can and will push you past barriers and beyond your potential to achieve your bodybuilding goals....
I say this because i KNOW this.

[jb71603]

At 49 yrs. old I got rocked with an extreme urge to accomplish something in my life that I had always wanted to do but for whatever reasons I never commited myself too. That something was bodybuilding and becoming the best that I could be at it. The urge is so strong that it became an obsession. I have completed 1 yr. now but for most of that time it seems that I did everything wrong, wrong diet, lifting wrong, wrong supplements at the wrong time. So after about seven months I ran across Animalpak.com. What a God send. I am on this site almost everyday, I have read article after article, thread after thread from you guys and while I am still learning how too, things are starting to come around, progress is being made on the diet front and lifting front. I use Animal Pak and Animal M-Stak along with whey protein and L-Glutamine as my supplements. No giving up now, I believe I have found the roadmap to success. Thanks to everyone on this site, JB

[JMC]

Eight legit replies....that is sad...
There's gotta be more new folks willing to take free shit!!!

[WK]

sick of training with mild intensity....
needed some essentials with a little kick in the ass to get me fucking insane before i went to the gym and hurt feelings....

so i bought pak, flex, and mstack...

haven't looked back yet.

[Rexor91]

Kinda grew up in Athletics... dad played pro ball and did bodybuilding and powerlifting on the side while growing up. Always had the no bullshit attitude towards making youself better in that aspect, coudln't stand all through highschool all the kids in every sport would just be like sheep going through the motions, just following. 2 monthes before I graduated, competition mode just hit me... gave up the chance to play college ball (For whatever dumbass reason). My senior trip was to Columbus, OH... on the 1st weekend in March. Everyone else went to Florida to party on the beach, I went to be submerged in people like me along with about 4 feet of snow. One of the greatest experieces of my life, just happened to stumble onto this big ass cage with freak sized dudes in it. Happened to walk by and saw who turned out to be Machine. He didn't ask, he told me to compete in the bechpress your bodyweight for reps competition. I said, "yes sir." lol. Ended up doing 225 for 18 and won a t-shirt along with a free DVD sample and various Animal pak samples. Walked back to 'em when it was all said and done and said "Thanks, man." He just looked at me ans asked my name. "Rex?" He said, "Name seems to fit" as he autographed the legendary animal poster that said "Shut the fuck up and train". It read... "Rex, always struggle... or you begin to die inside."

That's when I embraced Animal as not just another supplement company, or face for one... but an acutal attitude that cornered the true spirit of Athletics period, much less bodybuilding.

Bought my 1st can of Paks right then and there and made the life that I live now. Training 5-6 days a week, training to win... not to compete. That's the difference.

Went the next year and had yet another surreal experience, got to talk to all the guys... who actually talked, instead of getting shuffled through the mix like every booth at the Expo. Didn't get to go the next 2 years, then met Sam Byrd. Met a guy who lives like me, trained on a whole new level, has even less of a temper lol, but had the attitude of competing isn't enough. Started training with him, and he's still probably one of my best, if not my best, friends even though we live 3000 miles apart now. He got invited to do a guest lift for the animal cage last year. OH.MY.GOD. I said, no damn way!? "Yeah dude, wanna spot?" "Fuck yes I wanna spot!" lmao. Every dude in the cage was so personable, excited to be there, excited to show/share/teach what they do everyday. Getting to sit down and just bullshit about absolutly nothing with all of 'em was just too awesome. But even in the laid back atmosphere of the cage... the intensity gives you goose bumbs, the speakers pounding your brain as you yell at the top of your lungs for Joe to bench, Jeremy to bench, Sam to squat, and Rock to deadlift. Fuck, I'm getting pumped just writing this shit out lol.

In the end, the supplements are great... but it's not the supps. The advice is priceless, in every way... but it's not the advice. Maybe it is the advice as part of it lmao. But the comradery(sp?), the brother hood if you will: being on here for like 2 weeks now I think... I could goto any state in the U.S., hell almost and country it seems like and a day before I left I could find a place to lift, multiple people to pump with, and it would be for real. I mean, I've met the most of the pros here a couple of times... and aside from the ones I actually got to sit down and talk to, or talk on a regular basis have no damn idea who I am... but when you ask a question, reguardless of topic they answer it as if you've known each other for years and actually care about making you better or helping you get to the next step and level. The attitude of what happens in the gym, court, field, and stage bleeds in to everyword typed on this thing... and everytime a group gets together for a ABC event, good hell... who knows how much it's amplified in being there.

In the end, I live this shit... and appreciate a place to goto when I cant find a goddamn person in an entire area to take shit seriously besides my little brother for crying out loud. Props to changing lives everywhere, props to being real, props to making shit the way it sould be made.

Now give me my fucking yellow shirt, cause I'm tired of wearing my black ones, white ones and grey one.

[Brotta]

I first came to the forvm during wrestling off-season looking for a weight lifting routine.But I kept coming back to see the progress of the "Journey". Now i regularly come to the site to read about what's happening and get new ideas for when im lifting and how i can get bigger and stronger for my next season of wrestling. I'm posting on the forvm for the 1st time because i want one of those sick shirts.

[Carpe Diem P.T]

us poor aussies dont get anything

[Aniaml41]

i'm a young college football player lookin for the best advice on lifting and supplements. as all college students know, money is difficult to come by. i have zero time for work with football year round and a nursing major. i came here to learn about better supps and to buy the best ones for my needs and not waste tons of money. this free supps would help a ton, i'm already loving the animal pump but lookin for something to add to it, possibly the protein, shock therapy, storm, etc. but dont have the money to experiment. i want to be able to succeed in the gym and on the field, i believe lifting gives me that edge over other players and strength to take on guys bigger than me. nothin feels better than making some big star look like a fool. i've been lifting heavy for almost 2 years and my gains have improved greatly. i really hope to be able to represent Animal buy wearing that T! if anyone has any thoughts, hit me up and let me know. i'm more than willing to share my knowledge as well, (another reason i joined). i've been looking on this fourm on and off for the past year reading and researching, i just joined to hopefully help as many people as possible and if i cannot help them right then, i'll find someone who can help them. i hope this is good enough to be a winner! =)

[Aaron_Cole]

Hey Animals,
I found out about this site after looking at the side of my Animal Pak and saw the website. I figured, "Hey, what the heck, right?". So I checked out this website, and one of the first things I did after signing up is read the rules, just to see what the mindset for the place was like. The main rule that got me was #11 that talked about being "Above the Fray". I immediately gained the utmost respect for the people on this forum who agree with the rules; being a big shot and acting like you are the best really upsets me...it's one of the things that made me quit working out a couple years a go because the other football players in the weight room were better than the rest, and if you weren't a star player, then you were on the bottom of the list. After a while, I got tired of the way I felt and looked, and began working out again at our local community gym. I was interested in different things that I saw the players use in the weight room (creatine, protein, etc) and began researching. Most of my research gave me mixed results. I wanted to lose fat and become muscular. Most of everything I saw talked about eating a lot and bulking up..going on diets, etc. I also saw a big arrow pointing towards multivitamins and good nutrition along with exercise. I then compared different multi's and found Animal Pak to be pretty much a cut above the rest. Having a multivitamin was an extreme staple in my diet; I also began cardio, work outs I found on the web, and a healthy lifestyle. I used to wish that most of my past life had gone differently, but now I look back and see that if it hadn't went the way it did, I probably wouldn't be typing this, and spending time learning and talking with other Animals. Everything happens for a reason, and I know that The Forvum is probably one of the best things in my life so far.
Another aspect of The Forvm that I really admire is the mature authority and helpful members. I enjoy going to a site and seeing that BS isn't tolerated; it really shows a lot about commitment to this site. Also, the members themselves are great help, not putting anyone down and treating them as an equal. Being able to go on this site, post my beginning stats for weightlifting (which I was ashamed of for the longest time) and not being made fun of, however, but entirely the opposite. The one's who post are encouraging to me and keep me pushing so I get better. If there weren't any people like that on this site, I probably would've given up, as well, in the areas of becoming stronger and an overcoming odds to a better lifestyle. I would like to give a personal "Thank You" to all who have helped me or encourage me in some way. You are my inspiration and motivation, and one needs those things every so often in life.
Thirdly, I would like to say that I greatly enjoy being able to log in to The Forvm and see member's logs and their "journeys" as they also work to become the best they can be. If I ever need some motivation before a workout, I might look at the logs of GK, G Diesel, or others who are working hard and giving all they've got into their lifestyle. It gives me something to look forward to myself as I continue along the long and hard road to success.
I also enjoy checking out the different diet suggestions, reading "Things that happen at your Gym" - type threads, or learning about new workout combinations and the like.
Overall, I would have to honestly say that there is absolutely nothing and no one I would comment negatively about in The Forvm; it is my place of solitude that I can confine in after a long day of school and just immerse myself in the world of an Animal. They way of an Animal and The Forvm has become a part of my lifestyle, you guys are my friends, family, and teammates, and I am entirely blessed and extremely grateful to be a part of this. Even if I don't win a shirt (of which I have none, lol), I have enjoyed writing this "memoir" for your read, and to maybe be an inspiration to an Animal that was in the same position I was, or that has wondered if anything that they did or said helped anyone, and to read this and feel the satisfaction that their words did not fall onto deaf ears. God Bless.
-Aaron

[razormansports]

Over the past few months, I spent a lot of time researching bodybuilding forums. I was looking for a site that was mature and helpful. After reading the "Twelve rules," and reading posts from actual pro bodybuilders, I was stoked. This site has been everything I could ever ask for and more. Not to mention, that Universal products kick some major Ass! Since joining, I have logged onto this site almost daily. The site gets me pumped up and ready to lift evertime I log on. Whether I win the shirt or not, thanks for the Fucking awsome insights and information. You guys Fucking rock!

[Brute]

Now give me my fucking yellow shirt, cause I'm tired of wearing my black ones, white ones and grey one.

lol, I like it. Kick ass story too, some unreal experiences, thanks for sharing.

[Brick By Brick]

Ended up doing 225 for 18 and won a t-shirt along with a free DVD sample and various Animal pak samples. Walked back to 'em when it was all said and done and said "Thanks, man." He just looked at me ans asked my name. "Rex?" He said, "Name seems to fit" as he autographed the legendary animal poster that said "Shut the fuck up and train". It read... "Rex, always struggle... or you begin to die inside."
- Rexor91

I can't wait to see this guy play for the Boise Burn this year.

[Rexor91]

lol, I like it. Kick ass story too, some unreal experiences, thanks for sharing.

It was too awesome to even put in words dude, I tried my hardest though... I got pumped just from posting it lol

[Rexor91]

Ended up doing 225 for 18 and won a t-shirt along with a free DVD sample and various Animal pak samples. Walked back to 'em when it was all said and done and said "Thanks, man." He just looked at me ans asked my name. "Rex?" He said, "Name seems to fit" as he autographed the legendary animal poster that said "Shut the fuck up and train". It read... "Rex, always struggle... or you begin to die inside."
- Rexor91

I can't wait to see this guy play for the Boise Burn this year.

Heck yeah, the team is lookin' pretty good so far... practices are all intense. Be sure to bring the little fella too, we all hang out and take pictures and stuff after the game.... its' gonna be a blast

[G Diesel]

Good promo... Lot of potential in these new posters like Rexor, HoldFast, mustgetbig and The Black Dahlia, just to name a few. Welcome guys, look forward to your contributions. Peace, G

[krazyassmexican]

my dumb ass friend tech6163 is missing this bad ass promo!

[BaseballMonster]

Your question of what brings me here, is what I call an inspiration. Without the desire to achieve great goals of my own and live up to the status quo motherfucker: Animal. Your products have inspired my body to change dramatically. I joined this site way after I started to use the Pak, Pump, Nitro, and Stak2. The word Animal is just an inspiration to me. The bonds between fellow brother and others are strong here. I come here for the support as well as the inspiration, by reading others thoughts and providing my own it inspired my body to become something, something that it has never become or knew what it was capable of. I also joined this site because I thought the Animal way of life was pretty fuckin hardcore and I am always up for a challenge, even if it were to survive. In theory the Animal way of life is like Charles Darwin's Theory of natural selection in the sense that only the strong survive. You must not only be strong in your physique, but in your mind as well fellow brothers here. Thank you for inspiring me to achieve what others desire and envy. Thank you Wrath, G- Diesel, Machine, and all the crew members.

[F.Castle50]

There are so many reasons I am on the Forvm, but the most important reason is the environment and atmosphere here. There is such a wealth of information available here, be it from the pros who take the time to answer any questions posed by their fans, or the so-called regular guys here who are so willing to help. At school, I always hear "if you have a question ask, chances are that someone else is wondering the same thing." And if you cant find an answer to your question from looking through the site, everyone is willing to help you with your journey. There's no bullshit here, just a bunch of brothers in iron looking to help people in any way that they can. Gotta love the honesty

[Rexor91]

Good promo... Lot of potential in these new posters like Rexor, HoldFast, mustgetbig and The Black Dahlia, just to name a few. Welcome guys, look forward to your contributions. Peace, G

Awesome promo, thanks bra.

[throwermuscle]

A Year Ago I Picked Up A Flex For The First Time, Now Im Almost 19 Years Old And Its A Little Embarassing To Admit That, But Nonetheless, I Picked It Up And I Was Addicted, Immediately I Started Lifting Weights, Learning All I Could About Muscles, Training, Nutrition, Supplements I Mean Everything. Once I Bought Animal Pak I Found Out About This Site, And I Realized That Im Not The Only One With This Drive, Im Not The Only One That Thinks That Bigger Badder Better Is A Way Of Life Worth Living. Im In This For Girls And Glory. Glory Being The Most Important.

[coolj]

Well let me tell you how I got started here then Ill get into why i come here daily now. I took a look at the site a couple weeks ago from a link on BB.com from Hicks (hope nobody gets pissed about linking other websites) and the second i clicked on the link i was like "shit yeah". Old school dungeon looking website with some real lifting folks...none of this "like oh my god i was like on the treadmill the other day and this girl came up and asked me how much longer i would be on it like what a bitch huh"? If you cant tell i cant deal with that crap. Ok back to the subject at hand...i went into some threads and was like hell yeah these guys are hardcore...just what im looking for. I joined up just the other day and have been on here everyday trying to suck up some knowledge and chime in with inspiration and knowledge when i can. So in short I sweat, curse and act like an animal while training...so i have found a home...this place is for me.

Oh yeah and i gotta say i cant wait to throw up some steel with my brothas on Feb 16th at the ABC in L.A.

[Rexor91]

When are the winners for the promo declared?

[LiftBig315]

I was drawn to the forvm by the, no bullshit, attitude. I like how the threads don't get filled up with useless shit. Everything here is solid information, and that which isn't...is labeled bullshit and has its place. I love that about the forvm. I also like the attitude around here, everybody gives there opinion and if somebody has a debate they don't get their panties in a bunch, they handle it. The quality of members on this board hasn't compared to any other site I have been to. Packed with tons of useful info...after coming on here frequently my whole attitude has changed...hands down the forvm is where it's at for me.

[Frank_The_Tank]

I was drawn to the forvm after seeing a thread about it on bb.com. I was looking for a no bullshit bodybuilding forum. BB.com was so overrun with the misc. that it was difficult to find real information/ threads worth reading. I was always a meat and potatoes kind of guy, right to the point. I looked at other forums, but none of them had the hardcore appeal, member base or wealth of knowledge that I was looking for. As a user of Animal products, I was intrigued by the forum. Sure, I joined other company message boards but most were just tools to pimp product but the Forvm was different. I never like talking to people in the gym. I go there to lift. Get in, get out, so I have few real life opportunities to "talk shop." The forvm not only gives me an outlet to help other lifters but it allows me to interact with professionals, the best of the best, who are more than willing to give advice and share tips.

[mustgetbig]

sounds like we have a great crew of new members here i hope everyone contributes greatly to the forum have a wonderfull experiance along yalls journey pce bro's and stay strong.

[r1ck33]

well i was on bodybuilding.com one day buying some supps, i needed a mulit V so was looking around and found animal pak. As i was about to purchase there was a link so i clicked on it. From that day on i cant get enough of this sight. i would like to say that this sight is the most inpiring site i have ever been on. There are days when your just not feeling like breaking your ass at the gym. So on days like that i just jump online and click on any part of wraths journey and start reading. Next thing i know my blood is pumping and i am racing to the gym.

i can go on all day long on how certain days and certain situations relate to the writings on this site, and others on the fourm. which is i guess why i love this. why i love training and why i love the fact there is a place where others relate. TRuLEY hardcore TRULEY ANIMAL>>>>>>>>>

[Genetix]

This place is a home away from home. I signed up early and have been lurking as I belong to a few other boards as well. I read all that I can for information and inspiration, even started a training log a while back. Then I got injured, taken out of the game for a while and just lurked again. Posting felt like admiting defeat to the world, "Here I am , can't train, shrinking shadow of my former self." Then I came back read some of Sgt Rock's diary and said F*ck it! I have to come back. I will fight back and after a disappointing year of setbacks I will prove what a true freak I am. My goal: To conquer the Universe! It might be lofty but I will be busting my a** every day for that goal, that dream of walking off stage in New York as the Team Universe champion. I find support and strength from the fellow Animals of the forum just as I find added strength in the Animal suplements. The board has stayed true to the Animal name: hardcore, result driver, no bs and that is why I value my time here. This is where I am now, allow me to give you a glimpse of where I have been:

Started training after seeing one of my older brothers get great results off the Weider bench my dad got him for christmas. I'd go down to the basement with a cd player crank Gun'sN Roses trying to catch up to where he was. I spent the money I got from my job on magazines to learn more and had my mom order me proteins powders from the ads in the back, my brother lookin out tellin me which ones to try.
I would bring the magazines into school with me to read during breaks in between classes in Jr High. A buddy of mine noticed one and asked if I wanted to join a gym. He said his brother goes to this place and guys that look just like those in the magazines train there. I was in, first time I ever saw Hard Nock's.
I was hooked, their were freaks there. It was like a breeding ground for them, guys benching massive amounts, squating bending bars with a crowd around yelling and the owner asking me what a couple of young kids like ourselves were doing there. He wouldn't let me sign up. I had to have my mom go meet with him so I could get a membership.
Started training there after school, his mom would drop us off and my mom would pick us up. Met one exceptionally strong guy there who gave me advice, he owned his own weight belt company and a supplement store. Since that day Steve Cardillo has been very instrumental in helping me succeed in my never ending assault for size. Always has advice when I need it and I still use the "Genetic Freak" belt he customized for me over 10 years ago.
Competed a few times here and there, improving each time I stepped on stage. Trained with my brother when he was home from school and then from college before he moved. Followed him out to Cali hopin to improve my status in the sport and my life. Met a guy from Wakefield MA who said I could live with him Great guy and genuine I said yeah. Gave me a ton of advice whiel I was there. He won MuscleMania and placed well in the NPC. Tito Raymond is a true freak and a gentleman and I thank him for his help.
Trained with my brother and this mutant. This guy tortured us and we kept going back. It was a different approach from what I was used to but it worked, it definitely worked. He prepped me for my first contest and had me in the posing room of the Marina Athletic Club, now angel city fitness i think, posing alongside Quincy Taylor as Jason Mathas stood in their giving us both adice on what we needed to work on. The mutant eventually won the USA and competed in his first Olympia. Will "World" Harris is still afriend to this day and has helped me a lot as well.
I didn't do as well as I thought I could have so when I returned to Cali, I was depressed. I didn't want to train for bodybuilding anymore. I started training with this guy, looked like an Animal. I was afraid to talk to him when I first saw him but he was exceptionally nice. Told me his brother stopped working out with him and he saw how I trained. He was wondering if I would workout with him and I jumped at the opportunity. I learned so much from this guy. We trained heavy, slow and precise. He hefted weights I couldn't believe, everyone was impressed by how strong he was and here he is my training partner. He helped me get my focus back and even after we stopped working out he was always there to give me advise or any kind of help he could. I owe Joe DeAngelis a debt off gratitude and more for helping me get the fire back.
I moved back to Mass shortly after and kept training hard when I got home. I recently competed in the Team Universe for the first time with the help of my nutritionist and another friend from Cali, Tom Prince. He got me in the best shape of my life to date. I can't say enough good things about that guy either.
So here I am today, still on the journey still struggling for every inch, every pound I gain. With the help of friends along the way it is only a matter of time before I break the barrier. I thank Universal Nutrition for their great products and I thank the Animals in this forum for their on going support. One day I will catch my brother in my size quest, I may not be the smalelr brother of the "Champ" for much longer, he may just have to call me his younger brother.

_Matt Cena

[Rexor91]

This place is a home away from home. I signed up early and have been lurking as I belong to a few other boards as well. I read all that I can for information and inspiration, even started a training log a while back. Then I got injured, taken out of the game for a while and just lurked again. Posting felt like admiting defeat to the world, "Here I am , can't train, shrinking shadow of my former self." Then I came back read some of Sgt Rock's diary and said F*ck it! I have to come back. I will fight back and after a disappointing year of setbacks I will prove what a true freak I am. My goal: To conquer the Universe! It might be lofty but I will be busting my a** every day for that goal, that dream of walking off stage in New York as the Team Universe champion. I find support and strength from the fellow Animals of the forum just as I find added strength in the Animal suplements. The board has stayed true to the Animal name: hardcore, result driver, no bs and that is why I value my time here. This is where I am now, allow me to give you a glimpse of where I have been:

Started training after seeing one of my older brothers get great results off the Weider bench my dad got him for christmas. I'd go down to the basement with a cd player crank Gun'sN Roses trying to catch up to where he was. I spent the money I got from my job on magazines to learn more and had my mom order me proteins powders from the ads in the back, my brother lookin out tellin me which ones to try.
I would bring the magazines into school with me to read during breaks in between classes in Jr High. A buddy of mine noticed one and asked if I wanted to join a gym. He said his brother goes to this place and guys that look just like those in the magazines train there. I was in, first time I ever saw Hard Nock's.
I was hooked, their were freaks there. It was like a breeding ground for them, guys benching massive amounts, squating bending bars with a crowd around yelling and the owner asking me what a couple of young kids like ourselves were doing there. He wouldn't let me sign up. I had to have my mom go meet with him so I could get a membership.
Started training there after school, his mom would drop us off and my mom would pick us up. Met one exceptionally strong guy there who gave me advice, he owned his own weight belt company and a supplement store. Since that day Steve Cardillo has been very instrumental in helping me succeed in my never ending assault for size. Always has advice when I need it and I still use the "Genetic Freak" belt he customized for me over 10 years ago.
Competed a few times here and there, improving each time I stepped on stage. Trained with my brother when he was home from school and then from college before he moved. Followed him out to Cali hopin to improve my status in the sport and my life. Met a guy from Wakefield MA who said I could live with him Great guy and genuine I said yeah. Gave me a ton of advice whiel I was there. He won MuscleMania and placed well in the NPC. Tito Raymond is a true freak and a gentleman and I thank him for his help.
Trained with my brother and this mutant. This guy tortured us and we kept going back. It was a different approach from what I was used to but it worked, it definitely worked. He prepped me for my first contest and had me in the posing room of the Marina Athletic Club, now angel city fitness i think, posing alongside Quincy Taylor as Jason Mathas stood in their giving us both adice on what we needed to work on. The mutant eventually won the USA and competed in his first Olympia. Will "World" Harris is still afriend to this day and has helped me a lot as well.
I didn't do as well as I thought I could have so when I returned to Cali, I was depressed. I didn't want to train for bodybuilding anymore. I started training with this guy, looked like an Animal. I was afraid to talk to him when I first saw him but he was exceptionally nice. Told me his brother stopped working out with him and he saw how I trained. He was wondering if I would workout with him and I jumped at the opportunity. I learned so much from this guy. We trained heavy, slow and precise. He hefted weights I couldn't believe, everyone was impressed by how strong he was and here he is my training partner. He helped me get my focus back and even after we stopped working out he was always there to give me advise or any kind of help he could. I owe Joe DeAngelis a debt off gratitude and more for helping me get the fire back.
I moved back to Mass shortly after and kept training hard when I got home. I recently competed in the Team Universe for the first time with the help of my nutritionist and another friend from Cali, Tom Prince. He got me in the best shape of my life to date. I can't say enough good things about that guy either.
So here I am today, still on the journey still struggling for every inch, every pound I gain. With the help of friends along the way it is only a matter of time before I break the barrier. I thank Universal Nutrition for their great products and I thank the Animals in this forum for their on going support. One day I will catch my brother in my size quest, I may not be the smalelr brother of the "Champ" for much longer, he may just have to call me his younger brother.

_Matt Cena

Atta baby, that's what I'm talkin' about. Represent.

[Renegade223]

Genetix and Rexor,

Some good motivating stuff you guys posted.

Renegade223

[Narcissist]

im not here all that often but when I login to the forvm its like returning home after a long trip away, its very welcoming and truthful. kinda like drinking a cup of coffee and looking in the mirror naked at the same time. It is what it is.... thats the beauty of it. Nothing at all, yet everything to say the least, I am very happy this place is around, and it better be here to stay. It grows, as I grow. I love it. I live it. my 2 cents. God bless.
-Narcissist

[mcr923]

I first came to the FORVM about a month ago. I have been lifting for a few years now, off and on, but in the last 6 months or so I have been consumed by it. I'm addicted. It's all I think about and look forward to during my day. I started using Animal Pak a few months ago and haven't quit since. I fell in love. This led me to try other Animal supplements. So two months ago I bought some Stak2 and LOVED the results I saw from that, so I'm on a cycle of it again as we speak. After using these supplements, I discovered this site and found this wonderful place. When I'm not in class, at work, or in the gym, I'm usually on the FORVM just checking out all of the wonderful information here. It's nice to be able to go a place and read about others that live the same lifestyle as you do. Training at a college rec center, you don't see an overwhelming amount of really dedicated individuals, and you start to wonder if others like yourself are out there. Then you come to this place, and you are surrounded by them, having discussions about the things that matter to you that others just don't understand. The FORVM is almost an oasis, if you will, for people like us. It has really given me insight into other ways of doing things such as different training styles and diet ideas, as well as endless motivation. I just recently started posting by starting a "Journey" and that has been really motivating for me train hard and share my experiences so that I can also contribute to this place. I want to try to help others out as much as everyone else here helps me out.

[mdh84]

I heard that Animal was a good brand and wanted to try the pak because I was looking for a multi. So I checked out the website and started reading about training and nutrition and all of the products Universal offers. Then I came across all of the articles from Machine, G, and all of those guys. I started to read "Life is a Freakshow", " The Diary of a Madman", and Wrath's "Journey". From that point on I was hooked. I would go to the site and spend hours reading and just thinking how amazing it is to have all of this information and motivation in one place. I kept reading about "the FORVM" and "joining the legion". I clicked and found what I have been looking for. A community of like minded people from all walks of life and and all places with one common goal. I learned that this was real, not just some marketing ploy to get you to buy a product. These are real people on here like me, who have found common ground and respect among each other. I can be on this FORVM for hours a day when I click 'New Shit", there is so much more that I can learn. The chance to get advice from pros is awesome. And the opportunity to log my own journey here and get help and advice from others here is a great thing to have. I love this site and this FORVM, and I have gained so much knowlege and respect for this lifestyle and the fellow animals here. Thanks to Universal and the Animal brand for having something real in an industry that seems to be just hyped up products and expensive marketing schemes.

[Cellerator65]

What brought me to the forum? hmmm... where do i start?

I bought my first animal pak/m-stak the summer of 07. I was just trying something new, i had no idea what i was getting into. I was lifting hard and wanted that extra edge to push myself through my plateu (sp?). What i noticed was 20 pills of hell that would turn me into a beast. I made great gains and found my favorite product. About 3 months ago I checked out bodybuilding.com, and found the article "bench like an animal". Intrigued, i started reading the other articles by animalpak. After reading what machine wrote... i thought to myself that this dude is totally fucked in the mind, and i love it. I got to the animalpak website and started reading article after article in the "livin'" section. Those articles ignited the fire in my soul and made me re-think my way of life. Instead of just going through the motions of lifting, i started to concentrate and push myself to the extreme. I joined the forum when i saw the ABC article on the main page. This is where i saw what i want to be. People who put themselves through the pain for personal salvation. I read people's journeys and think to myself "wow, they're just like I am". I read about what goes on in other people's mind, and it inspires me. I see how people turned their lives around, overcame huge obsticles, help people without a second thought. I can honestly say that the forvm has changed me from a boy to a man. I've said in another thread, since joining and changing my way of thinking... i cant remember the last time i had a bad day. When something affects me negatively, i just tell myself it could be worse and i should be thankful im still alive.
In the end, i've found hundreds of my lost brethern. Thank you.

[Aaron_Cole]

Anyone know when the contest is over?

[Frosty]

I came to the forvm in search of a place I can turn when I need advice and where people understand me. I wanted to find something I could turn to when no one else understood. Where there were people like me, pushing themselves to the limits everyday and trying to better themselves. Training like there is no tomorrow, and eating foods like rats would turn their nose up to. This is my life, and this is a place where i can express myself and meet people just like me. People that few listen too. This is a place where i can find out ways to improve my nutrition and workouts and make gains never possible before.

[Level 2 Calf Master]

What brought me here: Well I started the summer this past year at 275lbs. Fat mainly not muscle. I'm 19 about to be 20 and was in a risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. I had always kinda lifted for football but I was still horribly out of shape. I made it a mission to get on the grind this past summer and got my diet in order and also started getting into nutrition. I started to exercise the right way. I dropped to 235 at the beginning of the school year this year. I am now still cutting and weighed today at 217 exactly with more muscle and strength than I have ever had during my football days. Oh and I really am into nutrition, I even changed my major to Exercise Science and am starting bodybuilding. I love the forum, it bleeds inspiration and basically I feel I found a home where people, like myself have something bigger to obtain in life than wasting their lives away. A desire we all share.

[dd2inxs]

I originally was brought here, kicking and screaming, by my husband, Mr. Dead. I've been to other forums, that were pretty much a "popularity contest". If you weren't showing a picture of yourself half naked, and didn't have a model's body, nobody would give you the time of day. Especially when it came to getting any kind of info in regards to getting that "model" body. Here, the people have been friendly, helpful, and are here for a common cause. I've seen lots of encouragement given, insights offered, and an overall sense of "esprit de cour". Everyone that I have come in contact with here, have really been awesome! Thanks!!!

[Iron Jaw]

Anyone know when this promo ends??

[BaseballMonster]

dude youll find out when they announce it sit back and chill for now, i dont mean literally chill just hit the iron and hope you win thats all, gl bro.

[dcso011006]

hey guys my name is jason i have been using animal paks for about 3 years now. i just found out about this forum so i just had to join. i have been into powerlifting but im thinking about crossing into bodybuildng. but im not sure yet. if i do i have alittle bf% to cut. this is my very first post but it will not be my last i plan to stay active in this forum not only to get the help from others that i need but hopefully to help out as well. we all come from different backgrounds and lives so we all have something different to bring to the tabel so eat it up like an animal and beg for more!!!!. well talk to you guys later. keep on lifting because SIZE MATTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Giocatore4]

I’m here because the journey is just as fulfilling as the destination. The people here love the journey. They love the struggle, the countless hours of hard work, the pain, and the buckets of sweat that it takes to achieve their goals. They thrive on the self-discipline, the 5:30AM shakes, the 8 meals a day, the feeling of a pump so hardcore that you feel like your skin literally is going to explode.

I’m here because the people here aren’t in the gym to talk or be seen. They are there to bust their asses and push themselves past their limits to achieve. The people here believe in constantly bettering themselves for the sake of satisfying and internal drive that pushes them to be the best that they can possibly be.

This place is the Animal Forvm, and from my time here I liken the contributors to a pack of wolves. A pack of wolves is the most feared natural force there is. A wolf pack welcomes lone wolves in to their pack, but they expect the new contributors to hold their weight and better the pack. Those that can’t handle the intensity or live up to the code are exiled and removed from the pack. The mentality is pack-first, and they do everything in their power to ensure constant betterment of each and every member.

I’m here because the people here realize that things that are easy aren’t worth doing. Everyone has hurdles that they have to overcome in life, and conquering those hurdles shows your true mettle. The people here at Animal live for the feeling of empowerment and satisfaction that you get when you prove something to yourself. A few years back I injured my knee pretty severely. The injury required surgery and pins to be inserted. Post-surgery the doctor told me that I would be on crutches for the next 12-15 weeks and that there’s a chance that I may not be able to bend my knee 100%. I looked him dead in the face and said I will be off crutches in 8 weeks. He chuckled. He wasn’t chuckling 6 weeks later when I handed him my crutches and began walking. He wasn’t chuckling when I showed him my rehab notebook. He wasn’t chuckling when he was reading about me spending 3 hours a day in the pool rehabbing and another 2 in the gym. I bet that he certainly wasn’t chuckling when I sent him a Christmas card thanking him for his hard work and motivation, and included a picture of me squatting 405 nine months post surgery.

I’m sure that my story isn’t uncommon for the people here at Animal. Leaders achieve. From reading the articles and the Forvm, I can see that the people here are leaders. There is an attitude and a sense of pride that encompasses this site. Members are expected to live up to the high quality or else they can go elsewhere. To me, Animal isn’t about showing off or showing anyone up, it is about everyone working together to achieve. Animal is a team of dedicated people who want everyone to accomplish what they set out to do. There isn’t room for jealously or over-inflated egos on these boards, just selfless sacrifice and zero-tolerance for nonsense, and a desire to reach goals.

Animal makes top quality products, but just taking a pak or stak won’t make you accomplish your goals, and I would be willing to bet that the people that represent Animal would rather you not take their products if you don’t plan on busting your ass. Animal wants the best of the best to represent the name proudly, and I do my best in the gym to represent the Animal name.

I’m here to achieve, and I’m here because anything is possible with hard work.

-Giocatore4

[slvrwolf1]

cool promo
I am here cause Universal Rep posted link at BB.com and I thought why not check it out. I am always up for more knowledge on my favorite past time of lifting and doing it right. Daniel or at Gaspari has said it was a good solid forum with alot of usefull info. I have been clicking thru the threads and soaking up all the knowledge I can and everyone is right alot of good solid info and everyone here is like family and willing to help everyone. Thanks for having a great forum. I plan on being here a while I feel like an animal already running with the pack ready to burst out. I live to achieve and succeed.

[jlouie]

Why am I here?
Well, where else is there to go that has the representation and backing of such a great product. I'm a big fan of Universal Nutrition's and the Animal line is as real as it gets. I've used other brands with limited success and few results which is why I came back. Joining the FORVM is just another way of keeping myself on track and gaining the knowledge of how, when and what to use product wise. Posting to get free stuff is just a bonus. The brothers on here are all here for a reason, so why not join and become part of the elite group.

[IronMan50]

Why i joined the forvm:

Ive been using Universal and Animalpak for a while now, and wouldnt buy any other brand of supps, they flat out work. I always flip through my Animal Manual, reading the articles, reading about different paks, and seeing the different guys in their busting their asses pumping iron. In all of the ads in the magazines, the only ones that catches my eye are for AnimalPak. Seeing those guys tear those weights up in the gym makes me give myself a swift kick in the ass, stop making excuses, and go balls out every training day. And i know i can come to the Forvm when I need advice about dieting, training, and make myself better every day. I idolize the Animals here in the Forvm, and thats what i want to become, an animal. And here in the Forvm, i can make that happen. Keep workin hard fellas

IronMan50

[rhane]

The Animal line has been my supplement line of choice, especially because of the no frills, no bullshit attitude towards supplements. In an industry where "hype" sells it's good to see a company that remains true to the origins of the sport and the products that really work. The forum is the same way, no garbage. It's a place where people dedicated to the sports of bodybuilding and powerlifting can hang and chat online without being solicited for crap. It's a place where real information can be passed and validated and where the environment is kept primal - just real brothers and sisters helping each other out without incentive. I like that.

[liftheavy13]

what got me hooked was my friend. he used animal products and i saw his results so i had to get some animal. Im a college student and an athelete. I cant get enough of the gym, its like crack but instead of going broke i just get bigger and stronger. Animal helps me and i come here and read which is just as educational as my classes...and i dont have to pay thousands of bones...the shirt will help me rep the animal lifestyle in and out of the gym.

[J-Dawg]

Keep 'em coming fellas. Winners will be announced on the 22nd of this month.

[stewy37]

I came to the forum when I found out about the Animal Barbell Club. I've always like the products, and I love the hardcore attitude of the company. When I found out about a way to get together with other people with similar ideas about lifting, I jumped at the chance. There's just something about heavy iron that pulls like-minded people together.

[darkcloud1721]

How I came to the forvm...

Well let's see I think I bought my 1st animalpak back in 1986 at a GNC in randall park mall in Ohio. Wow, has it been that long... sheesh now i feel old. lol The guy working there was pumped about them & saying how great they were. So i said why not i need some vitamins & minerals. I start taking them that nite. What i remember was they turned my urine bright yellow. Anyway they gave me the energy for wrestling practice & then my bodybuilding workout after on the way home. fast forward quite a few years & i found animalpak.com & started reading every article on the site. My favorite column was/is machine's: life is a freakshow. Then they launched the forvm while i may not post a lot I read over most of the threads. Through this forvm I'll be attending the ABC event in Norwalk, CA this sat. i cant wait to train with some fellow animals.

Much love & respect to all my bros all over the world!!

DC

[kyderz]

Keep 'em coming fellas. Winners will be announced on the 22nd of this month.

J-Dawg clear some space in your PM box!

[pmiller383]

I came over to this forum after catching a link to it from a bb.com forum. I like this forum because it is not filled with a ton of different companies competing for my business. Small forums like this tend to be less bias and more helpful. I am hoping I can find some Buffalo, New York animals in here and start up a ABC. Also it nice to find a forum where people know more about deadlifting and pressing than they do popular entertainment or what britney spears is addicted to now. Plus I have yet to find a product that even compares to Animal Pak respectively.

[Phoenix Rising]

I first found this forum because of the link to the ABC at bb.com. I spent my first couple of days just lurking and reading all the great info and posts, nice to see that there is little if no room for general bs posts. After that, I decided it was time to take the plunge and sign up for the Nor Cal ABC. I have been hooked ever since.

Love the site, the supps, the advice, and the people I have met. My little boy loves it as well as his bedroom walls are covered with either Universal ad slicks or Animal posters. He wants to grow up and be "big strong like the guys in the pictures."

Thank you for asking our opinions and keep up the good work.

P.S. Just spent the last 45 minutes or so reading The Journey and watching Animal Arms DVD, if that doesn't get you pumped for a workout, you must be dead.

[Archilla]

After highschool i was a very lean 152 pounds. I considered this to be a time where i was in the "best shape of my life". The little muscle i had gained from wrestling during high school was finally showing through, and i felt like a million bucks.

Enter college. I thought hey, the freshman 15 will never hit me, i'm smart enough to know not to drink soda, eat shit food, yadda yadda. I was fucking wrong. The freshman 15 hit me like a fucking sack of bricks, eventually turning into the freshman 20. Holy shit did i feel terrible. It was all my fault, all semester i had a group of close friends begging me to go to the gym with them. I kept pushign it off, thinking my shape wouldn't deteriorate and that i was fine the way i was. Over the winter break i saw my friends, and i was fucking jealous. My good buddy Vin looked like a fucking beast, while my other friend Dane looked even bigger. Me? I was the fat fuck staring at them like a jackass, wondering what the fuck i did with my first semester.

At the beginning of this semester, i made sure to set up my classes so i had nights free. Vin, who i go to college with, made sure that my ass was in the gym everyday. All the useless weight i gained i was going to turn into muscle. It was time for a change and i was ready to make it. I wasn't trying to prove anything to anyone but myself. I wanted to get huge to say the least.

Knowing it would take time, i decided to go to the places where i could learn from the best. Whether it had to do with new exercises or supps, i wanted to be surrounded by people who knew what the fuck they were talking about, and not just listening to some kid in the locker room who happened to over hear me asking about creatine. Fuck him, he doesn't know shit.

You guys do, and thats why i'm hear. To learn how to do this shit right the first time, and have no regrets at all.

[PJC]

I found the forvm after finding the website late 2006. Browsing through the internet for some routines after going through some re-hab. Saw other sites but they didn't compare. Read through the site, beginning with Wrath's Journey. Signed onto the forvm, started gaining knowledge and the rest is history.

[Youngin16]

Well what brought me here was the kick ass layout of the website. I like the titles of things as well, like for instance "Sup, Youngin16 good to see you again" or "Shit i forgot my password" and stuff like that. Also got tired of assholes on BB.com whining about you asking a question if you didnt search it first. This brings me to another reason why i like the site, you can speak your mind, everyones an adult here and were treated like one. But aside from all that, Animal was the first supplements I took starting with the good old Animal Pak. That and i saw that sweet ass yellow t-shirt and i immediately wanted one to wear to the gym on base here just to piss some people off. So i went searching for one and found the FORUM and immediately registered.

I also like how you guys dont forget about the troops by doing promo's and stuff for us its really awesome. Gives me a new respect for the Company, and will be one of the reasons why i keep coming abck to this site for advice and knowledge.

Youngin
USMC

[Dozer86]

I was stumbling through the websites of the supplements I was on, much to my dismay I opened the animalpak.com.... Raw,Dark,Pure.... These guys werent oiled up pretty boys with slicked back hair, they were the normal guys with a strong work ethic... Thats what attracted me to these products.. No Shiny labels claiming to have the magic potion in it to make you whatever you want to be... It is understood to get where your going your going to have to want to be better.. I havent met somebody on this forum that thinks "its" going to be handed to them... What is "It" its your goals and aspirations.. "It" is the animal in all of us that we stare at each day in the mirror. Animal has inspired my way of life and makes me want to be better whether it be in the weight room or life


This website as well as these products are inspiration enough to help you become what you want to be

[J-Dawg]

Here are the winners for the New Forvm Member Promo.

Holdfast
BigCountry021
The_Black_Dahlia
Renegade223
BaseballMonster
LiftBig315
Rexor91
Mdh84
Cellerator65
Giocatore4


Just shoot your username, full mailing addy and t-shirt size over to theshop@animalpak.com and we'll get 'em all sent out.
Be sure to title the email New Forvm Member Promo.

[mustgetbig]

Here are the winners for the New Forvm Member Promo.

Holdfast
BigCountry021
The_Black_Dahlia
Renegade223
BaseballMonster
LiftBig315
Rexor91
Mdh84
Cellerator65
Giocatore4


Just shoot your username, full mailing addy and t-shirt size over to theshop@animalpak.com and we'll get 'em all sent out.
Be sure to title the email New Forvm Member Promo.
good job to all the winners

[Aaron_Cole]

congrats

[Mr. Dead]

Congrats!

[BaseballMonster]

just got my shirt today....awesome shit, i left school early just to show it off and go to the gym

[LiftBig315]

still havent gotten mine? Sent out the e-mail a while ago. Just wonderin if I should send my info again.

[mdh84]

I got my shirt today and it is AWESOME!!!!! Thanks Universal!

[HoldFast]

Shirt came in the mail today. Also some cool posters as well.

Thanks a ton for the shirt.

[Cellerator65]

still havent gotten mine... should i send my information again?