Honestly, since last year I was already hooked on the Arnold Classic. Just walking into the place and feeling that atmosphere... the booths are all lined up... the place is packed with bodybuilders, power lifters, pros, ams, celebrities, wannabes, or those just wanting free shit. Seriously it gets a little out of control. Out of everything there, nothing draws your attention more than the Cage. It's a packed gated box that just screams the Animal lifestyle.
Inside the Cage lurks several of the most down to Earth guys that I have come to know in this lifetime. These are guys that are professionals. They are a top notch crew dedicated to the iron and to progressing each and every day. That bond through the iron draws us together. That dedication and desire to keep going... There is nothing like it. The pros are there ready to tackle questions, shoot the shit, take pics, or just sign an autograph. I have yet to meet any other company that has pros that are so approachable and easy to talk to. Not to mention all the lifting, pros vs bros contests, bench your body weight, seminars, and photo ops being offered continuously.
Outside the Cage, you are surrounded by lockers, bottles of Animal products and big ol' oil drums as tables were the merchandise was being sold. We sold out of just about everything and it was only the end of Saturday... in fact we had to cut back on a lot of it so we would have some things on Sunday. The gear this year was catered to the Blackout theme. The LE shirts were Black T's with White Animal Iconic labeling... the hats were solid BLACK with an Animal A on the front of 'em... there were black thermals as well... a solid BLACK skullie with a black A on it... a Fidel type Animal Hat... A beanie with a bill... the new Journey Books... DVDs... a new "Stand Your Ground" shirt... and of course the ever popular "Shut the Fuck Up and Train". We also had the yellow and red iconic shirts for sale which also sold out. The hats sold out the quickest of anything I've ever seen, I believe it was what within 4 hours on Friday till we found the hidden box of 'em. Every where you looked out into the Expo, it was literally a see of BLACK.
The Box, was a great addition this year. It really allowed Forvm members to get in there and have a front row of the events going on. Not only this but it allowed you to meet other Forvm members, get a special VIP pass, sample products, get a Universal Mixboy, and even taste test the latest prototypes. I saw several people partaking in this and even coming up with their own combination of flavors...
The ABC was amazing as always... definitely was bigger than last years. So many like minded individuals geared up towards the same goals... damn what a rush. The atmosphere was top notch and truly a sight to behold.
To all the pros, powerlifters, Corporate, Fans, and everyone there, behind the scenes, working side by side, living that Animal lifestyle thank you. I feel very blessed and thankful to be in the hands of such a great company. It was an honor to work beside you all, to get some good food, shoot the shit, catch some good training sessions, hear some stories, and just be a part of the team.
For those that don't know, I drove 6.5 hours to get there and it was worth every second.
In fact, I'm already pumped up to come in bigger next year.
B