The Fire Inside

[Achilles]

I want to tell the members of this site my story .. back in highschool I was a small guy .. I remember them .. "hey kid who looks like he should be in the 7th grade" .. "are you sick/anorexic/bulemic ?" .. "why dont you eat ?" .. Id get shoved around ... pretty non-existant to women .. So I hunted and fished most of the time .. it's pretty country where I live and my ole man was into it so we'd go all the time. My Sr. year I started lifting and didnt make much progress but I tried .. well the spring of my Sr. year my ole man got Cancer .. and I just quit everything ..School, Life .. you name it .... I remember him telling me early on that when he got better he'd be in the gym with me but for me to stop training was the worst thing I could do .. well later on that summer he died and I remember looking into my ole mans eyes a few days before he passed and made a vow I wouldnt fail him in life .. I didnt train for awhile .. just existed .. I smoked cigarettes .. I had a girl for about a year after .. then we split up .. and at that point .. I felt utterly alone. I was weak with no future .. then one day my Friend Jason took me to the gym & this is where the saga begins .. I started training & eating .. Id already swore off smoking earlier before my girl & I split up .. then thats where Animalpak.com came in .. I started reading and it became an obsesssion .. then simply lifting wasnt enough .. I wanted greatness in all aspects of life but training was a religion (and still is). As I grew from 115ibs My confidence went up .. the women id always wanted started looking my way .. lesser men stepped aside. I wanted more though .. I got my GED and now I'm in college full time maintaining a 3.5 GPA & working full time & Training 5 days a week. Ive saved enough money to build a nice import sports car (300ZX Twin Turbo) and live good .. I'm making steady gains in the gym .. I want to say thanks to all of you .. Machine, G-Diesel, Bulldog, Wrath, Schak,The Lad,The Freak and all the rest .. all those days grinding away when the sun didnt shine .. and the clouds would hang low .. I have made my life what it is with my own 2 hands I'm now a man of Respect .. I carry on for my ole man .. Every Rep .. One rep for me ..One rep for the ole man .. Thank all of you brothers .. we are the lions among men!

[karmazon]

Awesome story, should be an inspiration to all of us to push ourselves beyond our limits everyday, not just in the gym, but in everything we do in life.

[Joe.]

Glad to hear you've picked yourself up. With the 3.5 GPA and still managing to work out 5x times a week, youre on your way to climbing the top of your mountain. Never give up my friend, there's many obstacles your way but just like you said, one more for your old man.

[Berserker]

good shit bro.

remember, you vowed. so dont fuck up. Keep trainning and rocking life.

[ned]

Keep it up bro, you are the man

[Achilles]

I wish G-Diesel and Machine would post on this just so they know how much they motivated me to turn my life around

[Black-Jack]

I'm shure that your father is watching you and is really proud. Don't let him down.

[Grim Tavis]

Great story, brother.

I see so many that have quite life and have all kinds of excuses as to why. I live in Vancouver and I see SO many youth living on the streets here scraping the ground for change and living like dogs. I am sure they have tragic stories to tell. You could have been one of them and felt justified with a hard story like that. Happy to see that the call of the iron has rung true in your ears.

Keep us posted on your progress. We are here as a brotherhood. We are here for support and maybe a kick in the ass if you need it, too!

God bless

[Melkvik]

keep on going bro. we got your back

[Angst]

I wish G-Diesel and Machine would post on this just so they know how much they motivated me to turn my life around

Don't worry bro, I'm sure they'll post here soon. It ain't easy to overcome what you've overcome, you are a true Animal for not quitting. Keeping going man, sky's the limit.

[gottalift]

Good story, gotta love the IRON, keep it up.

[G Diesel]

I want to tell the members of this site my story .. back in highschool I was a small guy .. I remember them .. "hey kid who looks like he should be in the 7th grade" .. "are you sick/anorexic/bulemic ?" .. "why dont you eat ?" .. Id get shoved around ... pretty non-existant to women .. So I hunted and fished most of the time .. it's pretty country where I live and my ole man was into it so we'd go all the time. My Sr. year I started lifting and didnt make much progress but I tried .. well the spring of my Sr. year my ole man got Cancer .. and I just quit everything ..School, Life .. you name it .... I remember him telling me early on that when he got better he'd be in the gym with me but for me to stop training was the worst thing I could do .. well later on that summer he died and I remember looking into my ole mans eyes a few days before he passed and made a vow I wouldnt fail him in life .. I didnt train for awhile .. just existed .. I smoked cigarettes .. I had a girl for about a year after .. then we split up .. and at that point .. I felt utterly alone. I was weak with no future .. then one day my Friend Jason took me to the gym & this is where the saga begins .. I started training & eating .. Id already swore off smoking earlier before my girl & I split up .. then thats where Animalpak.com came in .. I started reading and it became an obsesssion .. then simply lifting wasnt enough .. I wanted greatness in all aspects of life but training was a religion (and still is). As I grew from 115ibs My confidence went up .. the women id always wanted started looking my way .. lesser men stepped aside. I wanted more though .. I got my GED and now I'm in college full time maintaining a 3.5 GPA & working full time & Training 5 days a week. Ive saved enough money to build a nice import sports car (300ZX Twin Turbo) and live good .. I'm making steady gains in the gym .. I want to say thanks to all of you .. Machine, G-Diesel, Bulldog, Wrath, Schak,The Lad,The Freak and all the rest .. all those days grinding away when the sun didnt shine .. and the clouds would hang low .. I have made my life what it is with my own 2 hands I'm now a man of Respect .. I carry on for my ole man .. Every Rep .. One rep for me ..One rep for the ole man .. Thank all of you brothers .. we are the lions among men!

Respect bro... You have endured much heartache and shrugged off much adversity to find yourself where you stand today. You are a survivor and should be damn proud of all you've accomplished and excited about the bright future you have illuminated for yourself through belief in self and some ball busting hard work. You have done your father's memory great honor through your words and actions. Keep grinding away bro. Peace, G

[Achilles]

fucking awesome, thanks for the post G. I'm glad you know now, what an influence you've been

[G Diesel]

fucking awesome, thanks for the post G. I'm glad you know now, what an influence you've been

It is a true honor bro. Peace, G

[Machine]

I have read your words and I understand what they mean to you. I'm proud of you and of what you've become. I'm always around just drop me a note and I'll step out of the shadows.

MACHINE

[Cyrus The Virus]

You are the definition of what a animal is.

[Hollywood]

You're a strong man Achilles, a lot of guys would have just packed up their shit and called it quits after going through what you went through. But you didn't, you fought, you overcame. Thats a true Animal, overcoming adversity and hardships that this life throws at you. Not only are you doing this for yourself, but you're doing it for somebody who's lookin down on you, and I'm sure he couldn't be more proud. Keep fighting brother, you're the definition of true strength.

[Karma]

Understand your words bro..Believe me

Definitively this site is a home…Our Home.

[Pokoritel]

I want to tell the members of this site my story .. back in highschool I was a small guy .. I remember them .. "hey kid who looks like he should be in the 7th grade" .. "are you sick/anorexic/bulemic ?" .. "why dont you eat ?" .. Id get shoved around ... pretty non-existant to women .. So I hunted and fished most of the time .. it's pretty country where I live and my ole man was into it so we'd go all the time. My Sr. year I started lifting and didnt make much progress but I tried .. well the spring of my Sr. year my ole man got Cancer .. and I just quit everything ..School, Life .. you name it .... I remember him telling me early on that when he got better he'd be in the gym with me but for me to stop training was the worst thing I could do .. well later on that summer he died and I remember looking into my ole mans eyes a few days before he passed and made a vow I wouldnt fail him in life .. I didnt train for awhile .. just existed .. I smoked cigarettes .. I had a girl for about a year after .. then we split up .. and at that point .. I felt utterly alone. I was weak with no future .. then one day my Friend Jason took me to the gym & this is where the saga begins .. I started training & eating .. Id already swore off smoking earlier before my girl & I split up .. then thats where Animalpak.com came in .. I started reading and it became an obsesssion .. then simply lifting wasnt enough .. I wanted greatness in all aspects of life but training was a religion (and still is). As I grew from 115ibs My confidence went up .. the women id always wanted started looking my way .. lesser men stepped aside. I wanted more though .. I got my GED and now I'm in college full time maintaining a 3.5 GPA & working full time & Training 5 days a week. Ive saved enough money to build a nice import sports car (300ZX Twin Turbo) and live good .. I'm making steady gains in the gym .. I want to say thanks to all of you .. Machine, G-Diesel, Bulldog, Wrath, Schak,The Lad,The Freak and all the rest .. all those days grinding away when the sun didnt shine .. and the clouds would hang low .. I have made my life what it is with my own 2 hands I'm now a man of Respect .. I carry on for my ole man .. Every Rep .. One rep for me ..One rep for the ole man .. Thank all of you brothers .. we are the lions among men!

Achilles = Animal. Your a man of your word and it is an honor to be apart of this brotherhood with you even though i dont know you. Your post has motivated me greatly, I am off to the gym. Strength and Honor Brothers. Never Give Up and Never Surrender.

[Tron]

Very honorable...

[KC Irish]

Your story is very inspiring to me. I've got respect for you.

Strength & Honor

-KC IRISH

[Achilles]

So someone had to go and throw some coal on my fire, I'm sitting here burning a new CD to lift to and my heart is palpitating screaming for the feel of the steel in my hands. I'm 5'10" and 160ibs .. I can throw up 90ib dumbells for reps and my bench is 230. I'm just fucking pissed off because I'm still getting refrenced at skinny! Fuck that shit! I have "170Ibs" tacked above my bed & postied to the bottom of my moniter. I'm going to silence ALL OF THEM by packing on more slabs of meat ! I know it's not about them it's about me but this is just what I needed to really lite my fuse and hopefully trigger some explosive gains in size and power. I swear to all of you brothers by the end of may I will see "180ibs" on the scale and I will be into the 100's on dumbbells! I'm passing through the gates of hell to get it done! Lets make war!

[NickSP]

Right on, I'm 5'4 at about 169-170 max. So I'll tell ya what bro, I'll see if I can hit 190 at the same time

[Pokoritel]

Good job man. Keep workin hard. I used to be the same it just wasnt enough. But in time you will pack all the mass you want threw hard work and dedication.

[bobbyj654]

lol, sucks being an ectomorph, I used to be a little chubby, maybe just baby fat, but I am natrually pretty big and strong, anyways, dont get down about being skinny, cuz you know that youre not.
just keep eatin man, youll get there, good things can only happen

[aeon]

Keep at it bud, our genes are there to be beaten, it WILL happen. Fuck what others think, keep your head down and persevere.

Stay strong.

[J-Dawg]

Do it for yourself bro. Stay focused and keep up with your goals, b/c it's about punching the time clock each and everyday of the week--keeping consistent with your diet and training. If you can do that--winning your own daily personal battles, they'll add up and you'll achieve your goals in the end.

[hjayss]

keep on eating and busting your ass in the gym bro. You got the whole crews support bro kill the weights gobble up, gobble up.

[never_2_big]

looks like someone lit a fire under your ass, now u gotts do somethin about it!!! don't let the haters tell u what you are. youre an animal so train like one and show yourself what youre made of...

[Hollow1]

I was always called skinny. I thought to myself "fuck'em". I hit the weights harder then ever, it was like a fire was lit inside. Now, nobody calls me skinny! Silence the nay sayers!

[Mickey]

I'm 20 now and I've been 5'10" since 6th grade, when I finished my growth spurt, a growth spurt that left me 5'10" and only 130 but I've busted my ass in the gym and stuffed my mouth at the table to get up to my current 187 and I WILL get up to 225 and laugh at all of those who used to call me scrawny.

[Arbalest]

You know, we all want what we can't have. I have to watch my diet very very closely or i'll put on fat like a bear getting ready for winter.

I used to want to have the fast metabolism, where i had to shovel food in my mouth to gain weight.. but i have accepted who i am, and i love it. I have to keep the carbs down, and bust my ass to have abs, but its worth it.


Don't give up. Look at the bright side, you get to eat!!! And then... eat some more!!! I call you lucky! lol

Just shovel the food in, and hit the heavy weights... But, you definitely need to rest with your body type as well.

Good luck

-trev

[ned]

Fuck that skinny shit, i used to be a skinny ass smoker and finally got sick of it. I started lifting and eating...went from 140 to 160..quit smoking and went up to 185...Im not gonna stop until Im over 200. That skinny shit will get me fired up, those fuckers who weigh 180 with a gut will take notice when you start packing it on.

[vik]

keep it up bro

[k1usa]

You will do just fine...be patient...be exact about your lifestyle...dont take shit from anyone...just keep your goal in mind and in heart...find the people that support you....and to hell with thoes that dont...

keep eating like an animal....and we are all bahind you bro....

[peterpyper]

i feel you though,i consider myself skinny im 5'7 170 and i came a long way from 143,but i guess u can never be satisfied

hahahah this is the shit i wanna hear i love it,warriors on the battlefield lets kick some ass get ready for the summer fucking AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[Torque757]

If you cana get as excited and fired up about putting down more food as you are about those dumbells, I dont see ANY reason you wont reach those goals. Good luck bro.

[pdiesel]

stay focused and contantly look at your goal..it will remind you of your cause..it will take time but all good things do..

[Ethics]

Eat them alive.

[jeffahammer]

I'm 5 ft.7in. and weigh 150 with 6 % body fat. I'm always being referred to by certain people at work as "skinny". Used to make me mad, but one day I told them that with greater than 60% of the American population being overweight, I take being called "skinny" as a compliment, thank you very much.
That has stopped the rude comments.
Don't let it get to you, just keep on keeping on, man.

[MO_500057]

I was alot smaller once. I got into a bad way and got down to 113lbs try being 5 11 and 113. I was able to hit the gym a year or so after I got better. Now after all this hard work and kickin my own ass I am at 193 8% bodyfat. My goal is 230 I will make it. Let nothing stop you.

[Achilles]

I walk into the gym and flip the light switch. The fluoresent tubes flicker then light up. I can hear the electric courseing through the lights like it's courseing through my veins. I walk across the room to the old cooler and drop my bag. I take a deep breath and smell that sweet mixture of Steel mixed with dirt and mildew. I put a CD into the radio and turn the volume up. The pulse of the beat is starting to build as I'm changeing clothes and chalking up my hands. Then I start to feel that all familiar sensation in my chest, the rage is building. I can almost hear their voices if I listin carefully .. "why do you do that to yourself ?" .. "you can miss a day" .. "your not really that big". I walk over and grab plates loading them onto the bench. I sit down and rock myself back and forth letting all the pain .. all the desolation raise up. I take a breath .. my eyes widen .. I grip the bar "cmon you bitch!" I yell as I start pounding through the sets .. I fight through the sets, my muscles burn, I push .. my body tells me to stop .. I push. Finally wth a vicious pump and exhaustion setting in I stop .. another battle in the war is over .. I made it. This is all to familiar to me these days. This is why I train brothers .. because I .. WE .. can train like this. This is how we have to train! I train like someone is holding those I love hostage and the only way they can be released is by one more rep, one more set. Train like somone has the burner to your fucking dome .. like this is your last day! Train like this everyday .. The time will ultimately come when we can no longer move this Iron. Let it be said that day is far off me and all of us. Every time your in the gym, wreck the Iron with a vengence .. a personal vendetta. You owe that to me and to everyone else! Do it for those who cant, those who will never have the chance. Thats why I train!

[hjayss]

I walk into the gym and flip the light switch. The fluoresent tubes flicker then light up. I can hear the electric courseing through the lights like it's courseing through my veins. I walk across the room to the old cooler and drop my bag. I take a deep breath and smell that sweet mixture of Steel mixed with dirt and mildew. I put a CD into the radio and turn the volume up. The pulse of the beat is starting to build as I'm changeing clothes and chalking up my hands. Then I start to feel that all familiar sensation in my chest, the rage is building. I can almost hear their voices if I listin carefully .. "why do you do that to yourself ?" .. "you can miss a day" .. "your not really that big". I walk over and grab plates loading them onto the bench. I sit down and rock myself back and forth letting all the pain .. all the desolation raise up. I take a breath .. my eyes widen .. I grip the bar "cmon you bitch!" I yell as I start pounding through the sets .. I fight through the sets, my muscles burn, I push .. my body tells me to stop .. I push. Finally wth a vicious pump and exhaustion setting in I stop .. another battle in the war is over .. I made it. This is all to familiar to me these days. This is why I train brothers .. because I .. WE .. can train like this. This is how we have to train! I train like someone is holding those I love hostage and the only way they can be released is by one more rep, one more set. Train like somone has the burner to your fucking dome .. like this is your last day! Train like this everyday .. The time will ultimately come when we can no longer move this Iron. Let it be said that day is far off me and all of us. Every time your in the gym, wreck the Iron with a vengence .. a personal vendetta. You owe that to me and to everyone else! Do it for those who cant, those who will never have the chance. Thats why I train!
You know you are an animal when you are at the gym to turn on the lights hah ha ha . Nice one bro I can feel that bro.

[darkside64]

Thats what it is all about. Being a champion in my opinion is not about who holds that trophy, it is the person that overcomes pain and whatever else life throws at you.

[ryanlemley1]

yo, brother...what gym do you train at in Shinston? i'm in morgantown!!

[welshwarrior]

I dont flip on the lights at my gym... i wait outside 'till the owners open up to do it for me. :-)

[Medford]

our gym is 24 hours. I'm always a little amazed there is someone else besides me working out at 3 AM

[Achilles]

Well brothers, my life is changeing .. My mother (the only family I have left) is moving 5hrs away. She says she doesnt want to spend the rest of her life here. I have decided that I'm gonna move to Florida with my friend, his girl lives there and nothing is left for me here. Ive grown apart from most of my friends (Military, Familys of their own) The only real constant in my life is the steel .. and it will be waiting in Fl. for me. When my ole man was alive he moved to California for 2 years. He told me he loved it there and wanted to go back. He told me not to stay here and go see the world. So as soon as this semester of school is over and my 300ZX is mobile. I'm pointing it south and never looking back. I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm sad about it and scared .. Ive lived in a 20mile proximity of this place since I was born .. 25 years ago. if you fellas can share some stories, words of advice/encouragement .. I want to hear it

[mitsie]

Hey its good to be scared its normal. You are stepping out of your comfort zone and increasing your experience of life. My advice use this time wisely learn out of life forget the bad and focus on the good. And remember everday is a new opportunity waiting for you to make the best of it. Keep the faith and possess the world !!!!! Why the hell not????

[hjayss]

Bro explore have fun. Me and my boys were like the three amigos our moms al knew each other and we allways hung out well as it turns out I am the only one that is left in chicago they all moved away. My family well we do not hang out a lot because of my work schedule so I feel you bro all I got is my wife and my budy the iron. One of them never argues with me and the other keeps me focused and in great shape ha ha. Stay grounded bro new friends usually suck hope you find some animals out there at least to train with you know.

[goody19]

No real deep, wise advise from me. Just this. I just sold my Z. Looooved the fucking thing. Never got to drive it at the beach though. Take the t-tops off and take a cruise along the shore for me. And show that florida steel that you dont fuck around in west virginia. And no matter where you end up, the forum will always have this address bro.

[darkside64]

you said that you were moving in with a friend or something in Florida. Only advice is dont put your faith in another person. Always make sure that you can hold your own. I have seen it so many times that people will say they are my friend and when the shit hits the fan they are gone. Other than that I envy you man. I lived in Florida for most of my life, but because my Visa is expiring I gotta go back to the Germany piece. One day I will come back.

[Achilles]

Ive been called arrogant for saying this, but I have speculated that there are 2 different types of people. There are the Lions; the men who go to work everyday, train their asses off ... have their shit together. These men give and get respect, care for their loved ones, stay honest basically .. they live by a code of honor . Then there are the regular .. weak .. men. The guys who look sickly and dont take care of themselves. You know the ones I'm talking about. My boy Andy and I are out the other night sitting at dennys (where else can you get a decent steak at 11:30pm?) I posed the question .. "I wonder how many of these men can move 100ib dumbbells, or who actually live with honor ?". So to me brothers, there are 2 breeds .. the big lions who sit on top of the rocks, and the little scruffy lions who walk around w/ their heads low .. which one are you ?

[karmazon]

Oh yeah like moving 100 pound dumbells has something to do with caring for your loved ones. Great logic, Simba.

[Achilles]

Oh yeah like moving 100 pound dumbells has something to do with caring for your loved ones. Great logic, Simba.

So socrates did you stop reading right there or did you just look clear past the second part of the quote ?

"I wonder how many of these men can move 100lb dumbbells, or who actually live with honor ?".

[karmazon]

So socrates did you stop reading right there or did you just look clear past the second part of the quote ?

"I wonder how many of these men can move 100ib dumbbells, or who actually live with honor ?".

Yes I've read it, but the second part doesn't nullify the first one, does it?

[Tron]

Even Socrates was scrutinized for his beliefs...

I see a valid point, but also remember that the size of a man's muscle and strength can never outdue the size of the man's heart and tenacity.

[Grantski]

agreed. Just because someone doesnt take care of themselves doesnt mean that the arent honest, respectful and caring people. That is quite the stereotype. As a group of individuals who are stereotyped because of our life style and looks, we need to rise above and not fall into the mentality of pull others down who arent like us. Spend less time judging others and more time judging the one who looks back at you in the mirror. Are you the kind of person whos very presence demands repect? Or are you someone that judges others on the way they choose to live their lives. Just tighten your belt grab your gloves and lift some iron. Forget the world and everyone else in it for awhile.

[stumblin54]

Achilles you might want to edit this or something because it's very poorly written. Sorry bro, but there's not much of a connection between moving 100 lb db's and living with honor, because I know plenty of guys who can't move a weight to save their lives but are great people and truly care about others and life. This is the lifestyle that we have chosen, and it lives among our circle and in gyms throughout the world, however, it's not the only lifestyle out there and surely doesn't mean the difference between living or not living with honor. Peace.

Stumblin

[naturalguy]

Personally I don't judge others. Just because someone looks out of shape doesn't tell me if they have honor or not. In fact I know plenty of huge, strong guys that have no honor.

[smoph197]

"pay your dues" thats basically the animal way. you pay your dues in the gym everyday. but there are tons of people out there who pay their dues every single day, not in the gym...but just in life. take my dad and my mom for example. not trying to pull a wrath but today it honestly hit me. they do more for me than i could ever imagine. my dad works 12 hours a day...sometimes even more, my mom? she works about ten we are by no means rich. but they manage well, but we still have to own a catering business on the side. imagine how much stress this puts on my mother and my father, my mother now has a hernia. and she still treads on, ofcourse we tell her to go to go get it checked but she wont listen. i guess i got alot of the mental toughness from her. but here is the point they have paid their dues day in and day out raising five educated kids, putting us all through college, and im the last one to go. and yes since i am going away from home im the most expensive one. holding a job, and having a business on the side, is all pressure on its own, now they have to put me through college. thats animal all in its own way...dont ya think?

[AU_Lifter]

Philosophers or not I see a point to the honor and respect part. If you are in the iron game regardless of your size or strength and are a person with his or her shit together you are a better person than most in my book...

[heavyliftin]

man this guy just got smoked

[stumblin54]

Philosophers or not I see a point to the honor and respect part. If you are in the iron game regardless of your size or strength and are a person with his or her shit together you are a better person than most in my book...

Well sorry bro, most here won't agree with your book. Some people have their lives together in different ways than us. Peace.

Stumblin

[excessive endorphins]

Achilles you might want to edit this or something because it's very poorly written. Sorry bro, but there's not much of a connection between moving 100 lb db's and living with honor, because I know plenty of guys who can't move a weight to save their lives but are great people and truly care about others and life. This is the lifestyle that we have chosen, and it lives among our circle and in gyms throughout the world, however, it's not the only lifestyle out there and surely doesn't mean the difference between living or not living with honor. Peace.

Stumblin


agreed,ur as bad as the ones who stereotype our lifestlye..i suggest u edit that..before more ppl start to bash

[HAWK]

agreed. Just because someone doesnt take care of themselves doesnt mean that the arent honest, respectful and caring people. That is quite the stereotype. As a group of individuals who are stereotyped because of our life style and looks, we need to rise above and not fall into the mentality of pull others down who arent like us. Spend less time judging others and more time judging the one who looks back at you in the mirror. Are you the kind of person whos very presence demands repect? Or are you someone that judges others on the way they choose to live their lives.

FUCK YES. Well said bro.

[whatnow5]

"pay your dues" thats basically the animal way. you pay your dues in the gym everyday. but there are tons of people out there who pay their dues every single day, not in the gym...but just in life. take my dad and my mom for example. not trying to pull a wrath but today it honestly hit me. they do more for me than i could ever imagine. my dad works 12 hours a day...sometimes even more, my mom? she works about ten we are by no means rich. but they manage well, but we still have to own a catering business on the side. imagine how much stress this puts on my mother and my father, my mother now has a hernia. and she still treads on, ofcourse we tell her to go to go get it checked but she wont listen. i guess i got alot of the mental toughness from her. but here is the point they have paid their dues day in and day out raising five educated kids, putting us all through college, and im the last one to go. and yes since i am going away from home im the most expensive one. holding a job, and having a business on the side, is all pressure on its own, now they have to put me through college. thats animal all in its own way...dont ya think?

I was thinking the same thing, animal isn't just in the gym, animal is in everything some one does. I agree that people need to take better care of thier bodies, but who's fault is it?

[Achilles]

Thats what I more or less meant, what you guys are saying .. honestly. I dont think less of someone who cant lift alot, I was talking about "the other guys" as in, dead beats who dont pay child support, guys that hit their wives / girl friends, guys who dont work and freeload off others, guys who drink and smoke all the time or worse have a drug habit.. who just have no self respect.. thats what I meant initially. I'm not saying if you cant lift 100lbs your not a man, no no. I was simply trying to relate being physically strong with other redeeming qualities. I'll take my knocks and just say I should have worded that better

[Ratch]

I understand what you're saying Achilles. I read the whole thing, I promise. But maybe the focus shouldn't be as much on being better than others. Maybe it should be on becoming better than YOU were yesterday...and even better than that, tomorrow.

[Grantski]

Fair enough achilles just be more careful with your wording in the future.

[Preston]

I want to tell the members of this site my story .. back in highschool I was a small guy .. I remember them .. "hey kid who looks like he should be in the 7th grade" .. "are you sick/anorexic/bulemic ?" .. "why dont you eat ?" .. Id get shoved around ... pretty non-existant to women .. So I hunted and fished most of the time .. it's pretty country where I live and my ole man was into it so we'd go all the time. My Sr. year I started lifting and didnt make much progress but I tried .. well the spring of my Sr. year my ole man got Cancer .. and I just quit everything ..School, Life .. you name it .... I remember him telling me early on that when he got better he'd be in the gym with me but for me to stop training was the worst thing I could do .. well later on that summer he died and I remember looking into my ole mans eyes a few days before he passed and made a vow I wouldnt fail him in life .. I didnt train for awhile .. just existed .. I smoked cigarettes .. I had a girl for about a year after .. then we split up .. and at that point .. I felt utterly alone. I was weak with no future .. then one day my Friend Jason took me to the gym & this is where the saga begins .. I started training & eating .. Id already swore off smoking earlier before my girl & I split up .. then thats where Animalpak.com came in .. I started reading and it became an obsesssion .. then simply lifting wasnt enough .. I wanted greatness in all aspects of life but training was a religion (and still is). As I grew from 115ibs My confidence went up .. the women id always wanted started looking my way .. lesser men stepped aside. I wanted more though .. I got my GED and now I'm in college full time maintaining a 3.5 GPA & working full time & Training 5 days a week. Ive saved enough money to build a nice import sports car (300ZX Twin Turbo) and live good .. I'm making steady gains in the gym .. I want to say thanks to all of you .. Machine, G-Diesel, Bulldog, Wrath, Schak,The Lad,The Freak and all the rest .. all those days grinding away when the sun didnt shine .. and the clouds would hang low .. I have made my life what it is with my own 2 hands I'm now a man of Respect .. I carry on for my ole man .. Every Rep .. One rep for me ..One rep for the ole man .. Thank all of you brothers .. we are the lions among men!


We are completely different in our backround stories...yet, in some weird fucking way, we're exactly the same.

[AU_Lifter]

Well sorry bro, most here won't agree with your book. Some people have their lives together in different ways than us. Peace.

Stumblin

No offense but I didn't know you spoke for everyone here. Speaking on behalf of yourself I can fully understand though. I know we all don't view shit the same way, but to ME a man that tries to make something of himself by being in the Iron Game is a better man than those who don't even bother to. This is what I was trying to convey, sorry for the confusion. Oh, I don't just mean men, I mean women as well.

Hold Nothing Back....

[Achilles]

So I'm out shooting pool last night at the SC, which is how I like to spend thursday evenings. I'm looking around and I see the usuall drunks & deadbeats sitting there .. I wonder to myself .. how did they let their life get that way ? Did they lose someone, did they simply give up on their dreams ? Whats even more shitty than that is when it's people around my age, looking the same way .. I know tonite (Friday Night, when the bar crowd is big) I went to the gym for awhile, While I was driving through the sets w/ Slipknot pounding through the speakers. I thought about that person who is fighting a battle to break away from the life of addiction. I thought about how even though our enemy is different, the battle field is the same .. the war lies inside us both. She is fighting addiction, I am fighting the instinct to make the pain stop from the weights. Thinking about quitting .. the very inclination of quitting .. of failing enraged me. The thought of her fighting through what she is .. both of us in this fight with ourselves .. I gripped the bar tighter and gritted my teeth .. I felt the tears fall down my cheeks as the fire and rage consumed me and I tore through the sets .. one after the next. She inspires me with her quest .. to make me fight harder w/ mine against myself and the steel! She fights I fight .. If life is a hurricane I am the sea wall the waves break against. Let those who need a helping hand, a safe place to come behind .. a hand to pull them up out of the darkness. I want to be there for those people .. It makes me feel good to help people along the way, In some way it makes me feel better about me .. So let the waves crash down, let life come at me .. I'll stay standing ..

[Far Beyond Driven]

Damn. I can't even think of anything to say other than, you've got it figured out.

[excessive endorphins]

well said bro,great post and props on always havin sumthing motivating/true to say

[Achilles]

Does anyone remember that one kid, back in the day. The one everyone picked on, or just kinda halfway laughed at ? Yeah you do .. the kid who never got a date through high school .. never had a cool car. The guy women didnt talk about, flirt with or actually consider a "boyfriend". The one that kinda just kept to himself all the time, but would help out almost anyone who would ask. This person would usually walk around w/ their head down, just to avoid any confrontation .. yeah ..... I used to be that kid, the scared one .. the timid one. One day I woke up .. it was early in the AM .. maybe around 4:00. I was upset, I laid there and had a vision come into my mind so clearly on how I wanted to look, what I wanted to do, things I wanted in my life. I knew this was a defineing moment for me, who I was .. the person .. the man I would become. Then out of the blackness the steel called to me, I could lift and it was me vs the steel .. I hated it .. I still do, it hurts me .. it tears me down .. it always tries to beat me. I fight back .. no I .. I rage back against the steel, driving it .. willing it to what I want.

I rage back

This very attitude has set the tone for the rest of my life, my way of life. The unrelenting feeling that I cannot I accept & I will not accept failure. It no longer matters how many times I get knocked down, I'll get back up .. I'll go straight back fighting to get whats mine .. to reach my goal. If my legs stop working .. I'll drag myself .. I'll crawl .. but I will not be stopped. This is the essence of life brothers and sisters .. I say DO NOT RELENT .. let the fire of your passion consume you .. let it drive you .. do not relent, do not fail .. If I see you stop crawling you can bet your ass I'll reach down and drag you along ..

[excessive endorphins]

great post bro,i had this realization aabout a year ago..i attack the steel with rage n all my past time pains...strength &honor

[Achilles]

I sit here ashamed brothers .. in 2 weeks .. yeah .. half a month, 14 days. Ive made it to the gym twice .. TWICE. My gram died March 30th & My mom moved to start her new life 5hrs away. It's been a time of great tribulation for me. Ive been trying to eat properly but it's been hard. You see .. stress makes some people eat more, it makes me .. eat less. So now I'm sitting here alone in this house. the other people that used to occupy this ground .. My ole man, my gram. my mom. Nothing more than ghost now of a life that I'm not apart of anymore .. yeah brothers .. ghost .. vapors .. like a faint breeze. I can tell you what is real though .. the hurt .. the pain. It's very real .. and the steel, yeah .. my loyal brother .. the steel .. Its real and it's waiting for me tommorow @ 9:00pm sharp. I have to .. I MUST come under full igniton .. there gone now .. I'm the one @ the forefront of the race .. carrying the torch through the night, waiting for daylight .. for the sun to shine again. Like a spartan warrior I'm going to stand and FIGHT .. I'm going to wreck the Iron this week .. I sit here almost with a lowered head .. taking my eyes from the horizon .. I must look up .. I have to keep going, keep fighting .. It's time for Ignition!

[excessive endorphins]

bro i am truly sorry for your loss it must be really difficult.the feeling of being alone is also scary bro.ill be one to admit that.past 2 weeks ive been under alot of stress n shit,still made it to the gym but piss poor lifts..this week is my revenge..bro attack the steel with a vengeance..best of luck to you man keep us updated

[Spikes079]

Life takes beating on us. Everyday were beatin down by the same shit over and over. Others got more than others. Some can take more than some. 4 years ago I was sitin on the edge of a cliff. Drunk, stoned, suicidal. I lived the party life and it took it toll. I lived day by day wondering if I was ready to die yet. One day I wasn't the one being saved anymore, my best friend almost died... I had to grow up fast and be the one to save her. From then one I cleaned up quit smoking, quit drinking, started to see things better. Then a year later I fell back down. Almost killed myself in my room after some issues went down. From that day the one hellish night, I fought back. No more giving in to the things that bring me down. I found my new vice, the iron... Ever since that day I go into the gym using the weight to fight back agianst every little problem I face. What tears you down in life can destroy you, or you can take it and use that rage to make yourself stronger. I found my fight, my reason to strive for greatness, never give up brothers, you never know where you'll go, stay strong.

[Achilles]

So my girl, whose a fitness competitor (you read that right) Took me to a show in Pittsburgh over the weekend (Kumite Classic) and mind you this was the first show id ever been too. I generally feel like I'm in pretty good shape until seeing the guys on stage .. brothers it humbled me way down, and I felt small (I fucking hate that feeling) So Ive found a new resolve .. a new hatred for the steel .. it's been holding back on me .. Ive been holding back on me .. now the message is evident .. I must train past the pain where death will be the only release .. I WANT that trophy .. the plaque that says "1st Place" on that day I want to be the best among many .. the champion .. It's all starting small .. my first win will be this forums competiton .. and I will carry it farther and farther until I eventually fall to dust .. lifes been hard for me these days with the losses Ive endured .. so I say lets release it .. I will let the pain inside burn out of me through the steel .. it's building .. be ready ..

[Achilles]

I see the faces of my competition .. last night before bed I sat here in the darkness and looked at them .. one by one. During my training when my eyes are closed I see them staring back at me .. looking at me. I see the men I must defeat to make my mark and earn my prize. I will not fall I will not fail .. let the fire of intense training consume me .. When I close my eyes during the battle with the steel I see your face looking back at me. You've won before but not this time. I will crush my enemies and see them drivin before me .. against immense odds I will prevail .. the return is comeing brothers ..

[Erik]

Every time you feel like giving up, think about how far you have come and how far you can go. The hard part is over. You already know what you have to do to get what you want, its just a matter of keeping at it no matter what.

[Achilles]

It honors me that my post is among the pin status of the great ones on here, thank you

[Giant Killer]

I will crush my enemies and see them drivin before me .. against immense odds I will prevail .. the return is comeing brothers ..

Achilles, you inspire me. You having the strongest fucking will I've seen yet on this forvm, rivalling only that of Machine. That means, in turn, I must be your Doomsayer. Tonight when I train I will lock in combat with you on the battlefield.

[Achilles]

Ive accepted the fact that something inside of me has changed & I now have a different perception of the world. Perhaps before living with my mom I was seeing it through the eyes of a boy, and now on my own in the world I see it through the eyes of a man. It gets scary sometimes but I cant let the fear stop me, I struggle inside and let the pain go little by little. Somedays I feel so numb it's like I'm asleep. This is all part of a necessary change I must go through .. I wont let the fucking fear stop me, It's not in my character to miss a chance out of fear. Brothers fear is something we all face .. even though in my life right now things appear to be clouded and uncertain .. I will fucking prevail .. I WILL accend to the top of this mountain and stare out over all I survey and what ive conquered .. but I must stay humble .. everyday brothers .. 1 rep, 1 breath, 1 set at a time ..

[Achilles]

It's a new year and I'm on a mission. Yes folks I'm going to win a Show .. I plan on entering an NPC show in the fall. Ive turned my training way up & I'm staying commited on a diet. I was your typical skinny kid .. I guess I still am in some respects. My ultimate goal is to have a physique similar to Frank Zane. Ive been grinding out hours in the gym and at the dinner table in my attempt for physical perfection. It's something I have to prove to myself that I can come from a Skinny little teenager to a man that won a bodybuilding show. I'm proveing to myself and others that this can be done. Along with going to work 40 hours a week and 15 hours of class a semester in college. I also have a clear outline of my physical adversary. He's more muscular than I & he's arrogant about it. Although I'm hungrier than he is and I'm going to have my trophy before he will. I will stand against him on stage and see myself triumph. It's going to take alot of grinding work and long hours but I'm ready for it. I will attempt to keep this journal updated bi-weekly. With what I'm eating along with my routines and how my work outs went. Strap in boys and girls .. it's gonna be an adventure.

[Far Beyond Driven]

We're here with ya', achilles. Get it done. Put the pricks and haters in their place. Show 'em that THIS achilles has no heel to exploit.

[Achilles]

today arm training was great. I got a great pump in both bi's and tri's ..

1. tri warm up (over head dumbell press)
2. Tricep push downs 4 x 10
3. Over Head dumbell Press 4 x 10
4. Skull Crushers 4x8 (last 2 sets w/ heavy weaight)
5. Incline bench cable pull downs 4x8
6. Kick Backs 5x10

bis

1. dumbell curls (warm up)
2. Preacher Curl 10-10-8-8
3. Incline Hammer Curl 4x8
4. Single Arm dumbell curl on preacher bench ( 4 sets to failure )
5. Standind bent over dumbell curl (Arnold / pumping iron style - 4 x failure )

forearms

behind the back and front side barbell curls
forearm on bench dumbell curl

[Achilles]

The show I will be doing, will be the 2008 Mid Atlantic Grand Prix. Presented by Erik "The House" Fankhouser. I will compete in the mens novice and open classes at a weight of 175/185


here is how my physique stands as of 1-31-08

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Jd0t/DSCN1157.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Jd0t/08_2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Jd0t/MspaceIV.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Jd0t/DSCN1089.jpg

[Achilles]

well, i fractured my right hand .. this cuts my prep time down to six monthes .. looks like legs are gonna take x2 the punishment

[Achilles]

15 days from getting the cast off ... been pounding legs .. calves are showing excellent seperation and added size. Ive been able to maintain my weight so hopefully i keep my size/power aswell.

[GriT-]

"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"

Glad to hear you're still at it, Keep truckin

[Renji007]

Looking EXTREMELY cut man, Keep up the good work. Just make sure that those injuries heal right
Good luck in the show Bro-Renji.

[Achilles]

I said fuck it and took the cast off .. grip doesnt seem to have diminished much .. I put pressure on te break and didnt feel any seperation .. although there is a mild sting but it's nothing I cant handle. Going to train with moderately heavy weight today and see how that feels. Hand does feel a little tight but I figure 3 weeks with-out any movement would do that. Well brothers today I find out im my hand has forgot the feel of that for which it was made ... the steel

[Achilles]

Training wen good, I wrapped my hand with a boxers wrap and got going .. seen the nemesis across the gym .. I'm going to have my work cut out for me .. but ohwell .. I will not lose

[Achilles]

Some exercises I cant do (rope push downs, kick-backs) because of the angle so It's a little tougher having to get inventive w/ the training routines. Ive got most of my strength but it's difficult to grip the dumbells w/ my hand wrapped .. all in all everything is coming right along. Well boys I'm goin to work .. peace

[Vinny]

i hate to break the news to you, but you dont have a body like frank zane....not even close.

you look more like a young dorian yates...

with your natural condition on your side.....up your calories and train heavy.

you have a good chance in building a solid physique.

GOOD LUCK BRO

[Joff the Beast]

I too was very skinny. Started up at 124 and now Im 160. Ill be competing in 2010, one shot, one kill. Although we might be smaller in size, we can be bigger in condition, vascularity, symetry, drive and posing skills. More than enough to win.


Lift on bro. You're gonna tear em apart.

[Achilles]

Training wth machine friday was fucking amazeing. He trains on a level id come to expect, one look into the mans eyes is enough to tell you he's a man of conviction. If you want to know what I'm talking about .. go into the wild and look into the eyes of lion or a grizzly bear. For the rest of my life I'll remember that look and hope to have it someday. To say the least training was intense and my triceps are sore to the touch .. we super setted everything and didnt take a rest. Then we all went to Max & Ermas and ate steak .. It was kinda like how the vikings would sit in the great norse halls and eat, laugh and have a good time. It was deffinetly some of the greatest glory Ive achieved in my life

[Achilles]

Trained chest today, due to my triceps still being fried I struggled some .. got a decent pump. I'm aiming to put on 1.5ibs a week .. 2ibs max. Tonite I'm going to walmart and pile up on groceries. I'm noticing seperation in my out chest .. and today was warm weather so I had to show the pipes off some .. got some looks, a few compliments .. It's not about that though .. got a ways to go .. time for class and work .. later bros

[B Con]

Trained chest today, due to my triceps still being fried I struggled some .. got a decent pump. I'm aiming to put on 1.5ibs a week .. 2ibs max. Tonite I'm going to walmart and pile up on groceries. I'm noticing seperation in my out chest .. and today was warm weather so I had to show the pipes off some .. got some looks, a few compliments .. It's not about that though .. got a ways to go .. time for class and work .. later bros

To gain... Eat eat and then eat some more. Keep up the good work. That steak was delicious ha. Just keep doing what you're doing and stay focused. Good luck on the show.

[LittleMan55]

Hey man just keep your damn head level, fist full of food when it is not full of Iron! You know what you gotta do. Now stop reading my post and start eating or lifting something!

[Achilles]

measured calves today for the first time in awhile ... oh yeah boys .. Ive put 1/2" on them! and another Inch on my chest .. 1/4" on my arms. Training and diet is going well .. I'm also up 3ibs. Ive been shooting for atleast 7hrs of sleep a night and I kill the carbs pre-work out .. oats first thing .. I carb up hard before training and kill the protein afterwords .. closer to bed time I start blending carbs w/ protein. It seems to be doing it .. bed time fellas

[Achilles]

Chest day was pretty good, I have been concentrating more on incline work and alot of flyes .. tryin to get that stretch .. got a good pump .. solid work out didnt run out of gas. We're on break from school so I'm trainin at the dungeon this week. A friend I havnt seen in awhile said I looked bigger through the chest and back (always good motivation). Ive been really strong in all my work outs .. everything is progressing .. goodnight bro's

[Achilles]

In the midst of my brutal shoulder work out .. w/ lamb of god and all that remains pounding through my headphones I notice I'm starting to get looks. I see women and men alike watching me train. I've got increased vascularity in my arms and veins starting to pop out good along my shoulders like branches. I pay them no mind though .. they can look. I'm keeping my head down shoulder into the stone pushing on .. the day of reckoning is coming in september .. I'll be ready to meet it brothers .. bring the storm

[Shaffer_515]

Good reads man!..lookin like it is all coming togther brother .whats going on in september?....

[widdlewade44]

The show I will be doing, will be the 2008 Mid Atlantic Grand Prix. Presented by Erik "The House" Fankhouser. I will compete in the mens novice and open classes at a weight of 175/185


here is how my physique stands as of 1-31-08

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Jd0t/DSCN1157.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Jd0t/08_2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Jd0t/MspaceIV.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Jd0t/DSCN1089.jpg

Good reads man!..lookin like it is all coming togther brother .whats going on in september?....

Here's the show he's doing bro...

Great work and let 'em stare, peace.

Kevin
widdlewade44

[jonnydunz]

wishing you all the best in that contest. way to rep the Animal. stay strong and stay focused.peace bro.

[Achilles]

Sometimes I ask myself If I did enough in the gym on any given day. Did I empty all the gas outa the tank in my sets ? Did I punish the target muscle hard enough to stimulate new growth ?

I tell myself .. "You've still got those 5 sets to failure on calves bitch, you aint skippin"

Then I say "Ab's also, upper and lower .. dont forget obliques .. it's all about that detail"

I feel guilty if I dont eat enough that day, if I didnt get my protein on time

The epidemic speads ..

[Achilles]

I've been eating alot of hamburger, I use the george foreman grill because it's faster. Anyway Ive got a pretty good trick .. mix BBQ sauce and Honey right into the beef patty before you cook it .. makes for some good eats

[B Con]

I've been eating alot of hamburger, I use the george foreman grill because it's faster. Anyway Ive got a pretty good trick .. mix BBQ sauce and Honey right into the beef patty before you cook it .. makes for some good eats

Damn that sounds good. Hows the contest prep work coming?

Keep driving at it. I think those same thoughts each and every day. Thats the Animal in us wanting to take it balls to the wall every time. Gotta love it.

[LittleMan55]

I've been eating alot of hamburger, I use the george foreman grill because it's faster. Anyway Ive got a pretty good trick .. mix BBQ sauce and Honey right into the beef patty before you cook it .. makes for some good eats

MMMMMM sounds like I just got a new burger recipe for my pilgramige up mount hugeness!!!!!!

[Achilles]

my calves are startin to raise up real nice, my lifts are going up too .. Ive totally committed to the diet and thats what seems to be the most substantial. I make sure to have a protein shake no later than 30min post work out & a protein shake before bed. I keep switching up my routines aswell .. keeps the growth trigger pulled

[Achilles]

Today was leg day and fellas .. I fucking love it. Ive come to a point in my training where I embrace the pain, this may sound demented but follow me. I strive to make my muscles burn, my heart races at the thought of the seering burn associated with a bone grinding work-out. Anyone thats ever hit legs hard knows it'll bring you to the deck hard at the end of a session. So this it what seperates the bitches from the bulls, who can under go the pain and keep driving through the sets. Like me they look at you like your a fucking lunatic when I'm smiling because the pain is pleasure to me. I love it .. everyday I thank God he allows me to do this to myself .. Iron .. My Savior

[LittleMan55]

Today was leg day and fellas .. I fucking love it. Ive come to a point in my training where I embrace the pain, this may sound demented but follow me. I strive to make my muscles burn, my heart races at the thought of the seering burn associated with a bone grinding work-out. Anyone thats ever hit legs hard knows it'll bring you to the deck hard at the end of a session. So this it what seperates the bitches from the bulls, who can under go the pain and keep driving through the sets. Like me they look at you like your a fucking lunatic when I'm smiling because the pain is pleasure to me. I love it .. everyday I thank God he allows me to do this to myself .. Iron .. My Savior

Yep you pretty much described leg day to a T right there. relentless hell on the body= GROWTH! keep at it bro. no holding back!

[Preston]

I don't know who rated this as garbage, but this is a good journey, so fuck whoever rated your life as garbage.

"One mans garbage, could be another mans gold."

[BrotherInArms]

Keep it up.

[Achilles]

Even though it may be a little off topic, it is still my journey so I'm posting this anyway


These days when it comes to relationships, I'm just telling myself that I'm better as a memory to girls. Maybe a few happy memories .. thats it. I'm a good time atleast for a little while. Late night drives and waking up even later, Eventually they say goodbye and I'm left to myself again. So it puts me here, I'm the good time guy, you need someone to cheer you up, make you feel good about yourself .. thats me. I'm not to bad to have around on a lonely night, I'll stay until the dawn and then I'll go. It's probably best I do anyway, I dont really have much left to give these days .. I've been turned over and poured out .. doesnt look like anyones gonna fill this empty soul back up. All the good Ive already gave away. So you can try to break a heart that wont bleed anymore .. it doesnt matter. I'll move in and then out of your life just that quick, If your gonna fall, dont fall this way .. I might just be a memorable mistake. Like I said I'm just a part of your passin through .. You'll find a great man someday, he'll be everything you ever wanted and you'll become everything you ever dreamed of being .. but as for me .. I'm better as a memory ..

[Iron_Spirit]

Even though it may be a little off topic, it is still my journey so I'm posting this anyway


These days when it comes to relationships, I'm just telling myself that I'm better as a memory to girls. Maybe a few happy memories .. thats it. I'm a good time atleast for a little while. Late night drives and waking up even later, Eventually they say goodbye and I'm left to myself again...
... I'm better as a memory ..
I used to think that too, honestly, that thought exactly, and also that my heart was empty and could not feel that warm light of love anymore... but I was wrong, very wrong.

Tell you what, just because right now you feel cold and steady like stone, it doesn't mean you can't love anymore. Its ok if you feel like that right now, but NEVER stop believing and hoping you can love again. Faith and Hope, my friend, keep us alive and breathing.

[Achilles]

So, after some thought an consideration .. I'm probably going to do another show, a non NPC show around the same time as the fankhouser classic. I keep hearing more and more that the NPC shows are not tested for anabolics. I see no point in stepping on stage against guys that could possibly be juiced up when I'm going natural and I know I cant compete w/ an athlete on steroids. Simply because my muscular development just will not stand against that no matter how strict I diet or how hard I'm training

[Achilles]

So Ive been reading around and reading through the muscle magazines. I always see some fancy new routine or secret routine or tip for "fast results in just 8 weeks!" Bull-fucking-shit, there aint nothing fast about this process. People come up to me in the gym and ask "what are you on ?, what type of training do you do ?" I just smile and say "I'm on the hamburger diet" and walk away .. to reiterate what house said "there is no secret" You want to get fucking big ? You want your strength to go up ? You want respect ? Get in the fucking gym and let the punishment begin, grind through some sets and shut the fuck up. There is only one way to the top and thats absolute punishment in the gym, if you cant embrace your training and diet with 110% commitment .. why do it ? I have friends who talk a good game when it comes to training .. they come to the gym and do a few micky mouse sets w/ bad form and leave. I was there before they got there and after theyre gone I'm still punishing myself. I just get disgusted by people who complain they dont see results when they just mouth off and dont put in the work .. theyre all theory and no action! Oh but it doesnt stop there, no .. You gotta eat, and eat .. and fucking EAT. I eat so much I hate it from time to time .. you stop when your full ? Thats cute, I stop when I cant get another bite in w/o wanting to puke. Thats the real work, you gotta train hard and eat even harder. If your not gonna put all your effort into it walk away, get the fuck out of my gym and your voice out of my ears .. I'm gonna be in the gym, growing .. and bleeding out all my weakness .. I will stand on stage ... I will see my trophy.

[born0withno0soul]

You gotta eat, and eat .. and fucking EAT. I eat so much I hate it from time to time .. you stop when your full ? Thats cute, I stop when I cant get another bite in w/o wanting to puke.

lol, thats funny but very true

[h 3 L L b 0 y]

Wise words, I ain't guna lie, in the beginning i too was looking for a quick fix, something to just get me that real nice beach body quickly. But now i laugh when i think about it, i don't wanna be a 170 lbs ripped skinny dude, i wanna be a 250 lb monster..

[js71474]

[QUOTE=Achilles;412984] You want to get fucking big ? You want your strength to go up ? You want respect ? Get in the fucking gym and let the punishment begin, grind through some sets and shut the fuck up. There is only one way to the top and thats absolute punishment in the gym, if you cant embrace your training and diet with 110% commitment .. why do it ?

You need to write some in the next Animal Owner's Manual. That phrase right there is what it's all about. Good post bro!

[Pokoritel]

Every one starts off training that way. I used to also train that way until recently I met these two guys who are really kicken my ass in the gym. I always thought I new how to train and damn was I wrong.

[Achilles]

I admit it, I was formally an upper body trainer only. It seemed to be okay for awhile until my upper body started to dwarf my legs. So then I just wore pants to hide them, and one day i walked into the gym room and took a long look at the squat rack .. I said "fuck it, I want legs big enough to scare children" the next day, after my balls out legs session .. and never training legs mind you, I could hardly walk at all .. this proceeded for the next 3 or 4 days. I told myself "your doing it again next week pussy" so right around the time i could walk with-out hobbleing it was time to butcher them again, I hated it I wont lie .. and then magically the rack started to pay me back it's due. Now I look forward to a brutal, gut wrenching leg day. The point i'm making is, in this sport you have to train all the body parts .. thats calves too club boy, for optimal results. Hate training back ? Do extra sets of dead lifts .. small shoulders ? Do a tripple drop set on military press!

It doesnt stop there, whats the point of ripping your self apart for 2 hours and then eating like shit the other 22 ? If you wanna build a castle thats gonna weather through the storm you better be cutting your fucking blocks outa the mountain boy and leave the sandstone by the creek. You need good food, you think I dont want to just sit and eat doritos and drink mountain dew ? i love that shit, but it's counter productive to my growth. Hate protein shakes ? Drink 2 a day .. I personally hate eggs .. but I choke 5 of them down me every morning kids! But my muscles continue to grow bigger and maintain their hardness .. So my message is evident by this point, if you want the results do all the work .. train all the muscle groups, even the ones you hate .. eat the foods you know you need to, even if you dont like it .. the results will come ..

[simpleguy]

I admit it, I was formally an upper body trainer only. It seemed to be okay for awhile until my upper body started to dwarf my legs. So then I just wore pants to hide them, and one day i walked into the gym room and took a long look at the squat rack .. I said "fuck it, I want legs big enough to scare children" the next day, after my balls out legs session .. and never training legs mind you, I could hardly walk at all .. this proceeded for the next 3 or 4 days. I told myself "your doing it again next week pussy" so right around the time i could walk with-out hobbleing it was time to butcher them again, I hated it I wont lie .. and then magically the rack started to pay me back it's due. Now I look forward to a brutal, gut wrenching leg day. The point i'm making is, in this sport you have to train all the body parts .. thats calves too club boy, for optimal results. Hate training back ? Do extra sets of dead lifts .. small shoulders ? Do a tripple drop set on military press!

It doesnt stop there, whats the point of ripping your self apart for 2 hours and then eating like shit the other 22 ? If you wanna build a castle thats gonna weather through the storm you better be cutting your fucking blocks outa the mountain boy and leave the sandstone by the creek. You need good food, you think I dont want to just sit and eat doritos and drink mountain dew ? i love that shit, but it's counter productive to my growth. Hate protein shakes ? Drink 2 a day .. I personally hate eggs .. but I choke 5 of them down me every morning kids! But my muscles continue to grow bigger and maintain their hardness .. So my message is evident by this point, if you want the results do all the work .. train all the muscle groups, even the ones you hate .. eat the foods you know you need to, even if you dont like it .. the results will come ..

good post bro, def agreed... our rear delts are just as important as our arms

about the diet, I think G said this once, something like this 'if I eat food that tastes like shit, I feel great... If I eat food that tastes great, I feel like shit'... of course not everything in our diets tastes like shit (for instance I like oats) but the point is to embrace what we hate... I like that

[vgiordano]

I eat foods that I dont usually enjoy (eg yogurt) in a smoothie.

GREAT post by the way Achilles

[WeeMan]

"fuck it, I want legs big enough to scare children" .

ahahahahaha genius

[InkdMuscle]

Good thread bro. I do hate working my back. But i dont want to look lopsided either. So i suck it up and hit t-bar rows, bent over rows, and deadlifts. Another thing that a lot of ANIMALS can relate to hating is CARDIO. AWWWWWWWW thats the devils workout. I know its a nec. a thing. But man its something that will make u feel like a lil piece of aerobic shit. Again I suck it up and get it done and over with.

[digitalbeast]

Good thread bro. I do hate working my back. But i dont want to look lopsided either. So i suck it up and hit t-bar rows, bent over rows, and deadlifts. Another thing that a lot of ANIMALS can relate to hating is CARDIO. AWWWWWWWW thats the devils workout. I know its a nec. a thing. But man its something that will make u feel like a lil piece of aerobic shit. Again I suck it up and get it done and over with.

Cardio is indeed the devil...but I am slowly but surely embracing it for my cut diet. I would say as far as "embracing" I am giving it one of those "uncomfortable hugs" lol...its not a full hug/pat on the back just yet ;)

[js71474]

Great thread, and agreed that cardio is the devil! That is the only part of training that I hate but is a necessary evil to get where you are going.

[HWRNHN]

i thought this thread was gonna be about something completely different... heres an entry from my blog from several months ago...take it as it is

when i was a kid (meaning ages 0-20) I always looked at people who were pretty. Guys and girls who were put together. they were the most attractive person in the room and everyone seemed to take notice. Most of these guys had a chisled face, athletic build, neat haircuts, sharp fitting clothes, and CONFIDENCE. I hated them. the attention was on them, not on me. I would guess that i am not the only one who hated them. i hated them, so what did i do. I emulated them. i started going to the gym. i put more effort into dressing (though it may not seem as so). I kept myself clean a groomed. I too pride in my appearance, and all of this gave me confidence. Well for a while i always felt i had most things together but still lacked one important factor here or there, just enough to keep me hating.

tonight i had an epiphany. Ive got it all. I have pretty much become who i wanted to be. I went to "insert casual restraunt here" (not saying much) and i was easily the most attractive person (of either sex) within... 100yards of the building. (actually the waitress was kind of cute, but that is neither here not there). Then i realized, i have become EXACTLY what i once hated. But now that its me, i REALLY like it. sometimes its a little uncomfortable, but in general it feels great. I took everything inside and made it a part of me. Was that a betrayal of self or did i just spend a long time not knowing who i was, simply envying rather than hating those who i wanted to be like?

[BigAnt]

So, after some thought an consideration .. I'm probably going to do another show, a non NPC show around the same time as the fankhouser classic. I keep hearing more and more that the NPC shows are not tested for anabolics. I see no point in stepping on stage against guys that could possibly be juiced up when I'm going natural and I know I cant compete w/ an athlete on steroids. Simply because my muscular development just will not stand against that no matter how strict I diet or how hard I'm training

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Still going strong with your prep! ?

WORK ETHIC RULES!

NPC SHOWS---Natty or not..truth is...if you show up in condition, real razor sharp-hard-dry and with muscles...you will do great...It is up to you if you choose another show, but if-when you follow your protocol, don't take any short cuts, always give 110% and have that burning desire to better youself, you can stand next to Jay Cutler, in my eyes
YOU WIILL BE A WINNER!

Learn from each show, and have fun along the way...

Cool!