After returning from the Olympia, I trained all out for a few weeks only to hurt my shoulder and side lined for the last few weeks. I've had a lot of free time on my hands to sit and reflect/contemplate my experiences over the past few years and the things I hope to achieve in the future. As I looked back over my experiences in bodybuilding(all of which were made possibe by Animal/Universal), one thing really stuck out to me. The Cage is like home to me, and I'm sure a lot of other people feel that way. Over the years, a few things here and there have changed, but in essence The Cage is The Cage. As I walk into the expo hall, I look up for the massive Animal "A" hovering over the mob of people. As I make my way there, I speak to friends and associates at other booths, but my destination is set.. The Cage. When I catch my first glimpse of The Cage itself(in the most literal sense), I can feel my heart start pounding. As I approach the chain link walls filled with iron and beat up lockers, I hear Vinny Galanti's voice ring out over the loudspeaker. The official MC of The Cage for years, his voice and antics are familiar to all. When he sees me approaching the entrance of The Cage, he belts out - "THE Chase Browning in the house." My fellow Animals turn to greet me. A hug and an innappropriate joke or stab from Grant "HigaMonster" Higa... The stereotypical bodybuilder arm lock from naturalguy... Some philosophical hip-hop jibberish from G-Diesel... Among many other greetings, making me feel so at home.... Over the weekend, I see so many interactions. From CCoronato pal'in around with old friends who still remember him as TreeTrunkLegs, to all of the ladies flocking to Wrath. Vin counting reps and poking fun in the bench your bodyweight competition. Wycked eating constantly. GDiesel and NG scrambling to keeps things running smoothly. Higa introducing me to everyone he knows and making me feel like part of his family. The effortless antics of the crew as a whole.. it just flows.. jokes, fun, talk of problems and triumphs, struggles, strife, a smack on the face before a big lift followed by a pat on the back afterwards.. This is Animal.... To me, part of the appeal of The Cage is that every year its the same familiar faces. As a long time fan and an intern for the last 3 years or so, I obviously know the crew, but thats the thing.. Any fan or expo-goer can walk into The Cage and recognize a few faces. I seriously doubt there are many other booths where returning customers can come and have the personal experience of talking to the same people and being greeting with the same genuine hospitality year in and year out. The same goes for the Train with an Animal opportunities. Every year people flock to the FORVM to sign up to train with their favorite Animal. Some are lucky enough to say, "Last year I trained legs with The House, this year I hope to train shoulders with CCoronato." This completes the family atmosphere. To share a workout and a meal with the likes of Ox, House, Vinny, CCoronato, Wycked, JDawg, Aggression, NG, G, Higa, Seath to name a few.. Even the Universal guys jump in from time to time, AV, Brad Rowe, Nick Lepore, Landry, Halladay... once in a life time opportunities that Animal makes happen every year. As all of the other companies are looking for the next big thing or chasing change, I'm glad that Animal sits on its roots. Good people. I know this isn't very structured and kind of random, but this aspect of Animal has been weighing on my mind. I just wanted to let you guys know that old school works, and we appreciate Animal staying true to itself. The people- marketing team/athletes/staff/fans are what make Animal amazing. That being said.. I CANT WAIT FOR THE CAGE IN 2013!!!!!!!!!