Off to the airport now, can't wait to see everyone at THE CAGE and the ABC!
Safe travels to all,
HIGA MONSTER
Right back at ya Higa!!
Fraternal Order of the Animal-Demon
The Crew™
Saraigh
Ohio Valley ABC
Chapter Coordinator
"WE HAVE SENT THE MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, THE HUNGRY ONES. THIS IS OUR JUNGLE AND WE ARE THE ANIMALS. THIS IS WHERE THE STRONG GET STRONGER AND THE WEAK GET EATEN. THIS IS WHERE MUSCLE AND THE MIND BECOME ONE, FUSION OF THE FUTURE. ONCE YOU ENTER THERE IS NO RETURN. YOU SURVIVE OR DIE. THIS IS OUR PARADISE. BECOME ONE OF US." ~RICK BAYARDI
the gym was crazy packed but it was great training with everyone and meeting everyone there! I blasted my fuckin arms on whatever I could and had an insane workout overall.. PWO meal was bareburger which was also off the hook!
the gym was crazy packed but it was great training with everyone and meeting everyone there! I blasted my fuckin arms on whatever I could and had an insane workout overall.. PWO meal was bareburger which was also off the hook!
Sad part is, it didn't end up being the National ABC that we all know of... I wish that those that jumped in on the experience could have had a true ABC experience, but to no fault of ANIMAL's it didn't happen. If some did stay and workout, kudos to you, but there was NO WAY that that environment was SAFE in ANY manner and the disrespect shown to ANIMAL was definitely UNPROFESSIONAL.
I won't go back unless a formal apology is issued to ANIMAL OR there is new management all the way around. The new owners will NOT be getting my $15 to train there...
Fraternal Order of the Animal-Demon
The Crew™
Saraigh
Ohio Valley ABC
Chapter Coordinator
"WE HAVE SENT THE MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, THE HUNGRY ONES. THIS IS OUR JUNGLE AND WE ARE THE ANIMALS. THIS IS WHERE THE STRONG GET STRONGER AND THE WEAK GET EATEN. THIS IS WHERE MUSCLE AND THE MIND BECOME ONE, FUSION OF THE FUTURE. ONCE YOU ENTER THERE IS NO RETURN. YOU SURVIVE OR DIE. THIS IS OUR PARADISE. BECOME ONE OF US." ~RICK BAYARDI
Glad to know I'm not the only one who was disappointed - after everyone on here has always talked so highly of the event, it was definitely a big WTF to try to squeeze into that place and do any actual lifting!
Glad to know I'm not the only one who was disappointed - after everyone on here has always talked so highly of the event, it was definitely a big WTF to try to squeeze into that place and do any actual lifting!
Oh no, please don't think that THAT cluster____ was ANYTHING like our ABCs of the past... Yes, we get A LOT of folks in there, but the reason it is limited is for one, SAFETY of the lifters (with safety in mind, they SHOULD HAVE paid attention to the amount of people in there. That alone MAY be why the Fire Marshall was called...lol) and two, an environment where you can showcase some awesome lifts, and we can shoot the shit with those in the know getting pointers and help on our own lifts... That shit show that was there DEFINITELY wasn't SAFE...
This issue was no fault of ANIMAL's and like I stated before, they showed us ABSOLUTELY no respect... Not only as a company, but our individual attendees... When they looked at us and rudely stated, "this table is for someone else, get your SHIT off of it!" All they had to say is that the table was for Mr. Meadows to set up his product. I have the UTMOST respect for John Meadows, but as far as the co-owner that treated us that way, I have NONE.
They put us on a 4x12 (if we were lucky) balcony to hand out our gear bags. How is that awarding us "space ??? The food was up behind their DJ (yes, a DJ) and when Dusty went up to look for it, the woman said that she was only to be there another 30 minutes!!! No one even knew... Dusty had the DJ announce that the food for ANIMAL was up there. We moved up to ensure that it was ANMAL that got the food, not their paying patrons OR the group that had their event that night also. The room in which we were given to eat in last year was being utilized for a "photoshoot" (of the young woman checking the status of her posterior in the video I posted to social media) and we were given the cardio deck to "eat"... When they were packing up we were trying to brainstorm what to do with the food that was already paid for and was prepared for us... We were going to bring it back and use for meals for the athletes and such on Sunday, but we had no sure way of keeping it refrigerated etc. As we were discussing it, we remembered that around the corner was a homeless shelter and the food was packed up in Dusty's truck and taken to the shelter. Dusty said that they were VERY APPRECIATIVE...
There were other issues, such as the parking garage... Parking has NEVER been $20 in that lot on that night... EVER... To be honest, my first year there it was like $3... Then up to $5 and probably $7 for the outside level and $10 for the garage... NEVER $20... I know that I have always paid the machine to leave, not a woman in a car that wreaked of cigarette smoke...lol UGH... but I digress....
For many reasons, I am still salty about that night, but at least SOMETHING good come of the night.... Nothing went to waste, and those that were in need were fed...
Fraternal Order of the Animal-Demon
The Crew™
Saraigh
Ohio Valley ABC
Chapter Coordinator
"WE HAVE SENT THE MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, THE HUNGRY ONES. THIS IS OUR JUNGLE AND WE ARE THE ANIMALS. THIS IS WHERE THE STRONG GET STRONGER AND THE WEAK GET EATEN. THIS IS WHERE MUSCLE AND THE MIND BECOME ONE, FUSION OF THE FUTURE. ONCE YOU ENTER THERE IS NO RETURN. YOU SURVIVE OR DIE. THIS IS OUR PARADISE. BECOME ONE OF US." ~RICK BAYARDI
As many of you know, every year we hold the National ABC Event at Powerhouse Gym in Downtown Columbus during the Arnold Sports Festival Weekend. For the first timers, this has been a tradition running almost a decade. Every year, we reserve the gym entirely for ourselves and the event. Every year, we pack the gym for food, weights, and catching up with the people that make Animal what it is – all this at absolutely no charge to our fans. It's one of the events I personally look forward to most all weekend. Unfortunately, this year things did not go as planned due to circumstances well beyond our control. We thought one thing was going to happen, but when we got to the gym, something entirely different was happening. Though the situation with the gym was something we could not have anticipated or even knew about ahead of time, we know it was still ultimately our event. So we would like to take this time to apologize to everyone that took the time and came out in hopes of attending the event. There is 11 more months until the 2018 Arnold Weekend and you can bet that we will be working every day until then to make sure that next year's event is the best one yet.
As many of you know, every year we hold the National ABC Event at Powerhouse Gym in Downtown Columbus during the Arnold Sports Festival Weekend. For the first timers, this has been a tradition running almost a decade. Every year, we reserve the gym entirely for ourselves and the event. Every year, we pack the gym for food, weights, and catching up with the people that make Animal what it is – all this at absolutely no charge to our fans. It's one of the events I personally look forward to most all weekend. Unfortunately, this year things did not go as planned due to circumstances well beyond our control. We thought one thing was going to happen, but when we got to the gym, something entirely different was happening. Though the situation with the gym was something we could not have anticipated or even knew about ahead of time, we know it ultimately it was still our event. So we would like to take this time to apologize to everyone that took the time and came out in hopes of attending the event. There is 11 more months until the 2018 Arnold Weekend and you can bet that we will be working every day until then to make sure that next year's event is the best one yet.
Always staying above the fray. One of the great things about this Company and its people.
Yea, I could tell from pics/vids that I've seen from previous years that things didn't go down this year like it had in the past...but I guess sometimes ya gotta just roll with things you can't control - although I wasn't about to move outta the way for that photo shoot either, lol. In the end, at least some people got fed who probably would've gone hungry...and I'm not even sure where anyone would have been able to eat in there!
As many of you know, every year we hold the National ABC Event at Powerhouse Gym in Downtown Columbus during the Arnold Sports Festival Weekend. For the first timers, this has been a tradition running almost a decade. Every year, we reserve the gym entirely for ourselves and the event. Every year, we pack the gym for food, weights, and catching up with the people that make Animal what it is – all this at absolutely no charge to our fans. It's one of the events I personally look forward to most all weekend. Unfortunately, this year things did not go as planned due to circumstances well beyond our control. We thought one thing was going to happen, but when we got to the gym, something entirely different was happening. Though the situation with the gym was something we could not have anticipated or even knew about ahead of time, we know it was still ultimately our event. So we would like to take this time to apologize to everyone that took the time and came out in hopes of attending the event. There is 11 more months until the 2018 Arnold Weekend and you can bet that we will be working every day until then to make sure that next year's event is the best one yet.
Hey it's all good...sometimes shit happen and ya gotta just roll with it. Wish someone would've told that to the kids who were crying about having to pull with a "regular" power bar and not a deadlift bar...boo fucking hoo'
Again, on behalf of Animal, i offer my sincerest apologies for the way the event turned out. Of course, this was not our intention and please know that we will be making major adjustments so that this kind of debacle does not occur next year. You can be sure of that! With that being said, because you all are part of our family and came out to show support, look for some goodies from us in the mail very shortly. Again, thank you for coming out, thank you for the handful of you guys that helped us out while at the event and i look forward to seeing everyone next year at what will be the best National ABC that Animal has ever hosted.
Animal will always rise above and beyond. This was an unfortunate issue but its ok. 2018 will be better, the food went to a much needed cause and we all saw another day. No one to blame on our family side that's for damn sure.
As for next year, hell ill load each and ever ABC goer in the back of my truck and shuttle them anywhere we need to go to get away from the shit we saw this year!!!! That's what we do for each other!!! Any place , anytime anywhere!!!!
Gsix you handled it very well my friend. it was out of your hands the cards we got delt....
Momma D thank god you were there because ei think I would have killed someone if you had not been there...
For those of you that stayed and trained and got to eat, im glad you were able to. we stayed and feed all Animal Family till the lady had to leave...
Next year Fam!!! Next Year!!!
INSTAGRAM : @npcdusty
Thanks,
NPCDUSTY
Dusty Young
Jackson Tennessee ABC Coordinator
“I realized early on that success was tied to not giving up. Most people in this business gave up and went on to other things. If you simply didn’t give up, you would outlast the people who came in on the bus with you.”
Animal will always rise above and beyond. This was an unfortunate issue but its ok. 2018 will be better, the food went to a much needed cause and we all saw another day. No one to blame on our family side that's for damn sure.
As for next year, hell ill load each and ever ABC goer in the back of my truck and shuttle them anywhere we need to go to get away from the shit we saw this year!!!! That's what we do for each other!!! Any place , anytime anywhere!!!!
Gsix you handled it very well my friend. it was out of your hands the cards we got delt....
Momma D thank god you were there because ei think I would have killed someone if you had not been there...
For those of you that stayed and trained and got to eat, im glad you were able to. we stayed and feed all Animal Family till the lady had to leave...
Next year Fam!!! Next Year!!!
No problem, SOMEONE had to guard the spoons...lmao!!! I know you felt the same way that I did... We aren't leaving until they make us...lol
Oh, the sights we saw from above...
Fraternal Order of the Animal-Demon
The Crew™
Saraigh
Ohio Valley ABC
Chapter Coordinator
"WE HAVE SENT THE MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, THE HUNGRY ONES. THIS IS OUR JUNGLE AND WE ARE THE ANIMALS. THIS IS WHERE THE STRONG GET STRONGER AND THE WEAK GET EATEN. THIS IS WHERE MUSCLE AND THE MIND BECOME ONE, FUSION OF THE FUTURE. ONCE YOU ENTER THERE IS NO RETURN. YOU SURVIVE OR DIE. THIS IS OUR PARADISE. BECOME ONE OF US." ~RICK BAYARDI
Animal party bus?? Why can I already see one rolling down the street with the iconic logo wrapped on it??
It's a serious question. Not sure we can go back to the same gym we've relied on for years after this past event.
Originally Posted by G-Six
To everyone that attended (or tried to):
Again, on behalf of Animal, i offer my sincerest apologies for the way the event turned out. Of course, this was not our intention and please know that we will be making major adjustments so that this kind of debacle does not occur next year. You can be sure of that! With that being said, because you all are part of our family and came out to show support, look for some goodies from us in the mail very shortly. Again, thank you for coming out, thank you for the handful of you guys that helped us out while at the event and i look forward to seeing everyone next year at what will be the best National ABC that Animal has ever hosted.
How open are folks to taking a cab or driving to a different gym next year?
I am completely ok with that! I will go where ever the event is.
But to add to all of this, I agree with what everyone has said. It was out of our control, and ultimately I think made the best of it considering...aka having Dusty giving the food to the shelter made it all worth it.
We dealt with the cards we were given as best we could. There was literally no where to go. And to set us up at the top of those stairs was completely ridiculous. But to be honest, once that guy (owner, employee, whatever...D and Dusty know what I'm taking about) told us to "move our shit"...I was like "fuck this, I'm out" lol.
I know several of us drive in to town, so seriously, I will glady give as many a ride that I can. I know the true Animal fans will go wherever we need to go to get a proper National ABC. I think moving to another place is almost a must. I have the worst taste in my mouth for what happened this year with powerhouse. I honestly don't see a issue with moving to another location. Animal ABC is a prized event that many wish to attend every year. I honestly think moving it out of town a bit to a new location is fitting to the cause... it will help weed out the issues for sure. with so many travel options these days if you cant find a ride something is wrong. We can always use the forum to help out those that need a ride and sch something up... I say we move it!!!!
There was a party bus outside the gym that night so it is a option... I prefer my truck however....but getting to the location just shows you want to be there, so a small travel is worth it to me, no matter how you get there.
Originally Posted by Universal Rep
It's a serious question. Not sure we can go back to the same gym we've relied on for years after this past event.
Good call.
INSTAGRAM : @npcdusty
Thanks,
NPCDUSTY
Dusty Young
Jackson Tennessee ABC Coordinator
“I realized early on that success was tied to not giving up. Most people in this business gave up and went on to other things. If you simply didn’t give up, you would outlast the people who came in on the bus with you.”
I would load my vehicle also... Never a problem...
Fraternal Order of the Animal-Demon
The Crew™
Saraigh
Ohio Valley ABC
Chapter Coordinator
"WE HAVE SENT THE MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, THE HUNGRY ONES. THIS IS OUR JUNGLE AND WE ARE THE ANIMALS. THIS IS WHERE THE STRONG GET STRONGER AND THE WEAK GET EATEN. THIS IS WHERE MUSCLE AND THE MIND BECOME ONE, FUSION OF THE FUTURE. ONCE YOU ENTER THERE IS NO RETURN. YOU SURVIVE OR DIE. THIS IS OUR PARADISE. BECOME ONE OF US." ~RICK BAYARDI
I am completely ok with that! I will go where ever the event is.
But to add to all of this, I agree with what everyone has said. It was out of our control, and ultimately I think made the best of it considering...aka having Dusty giving the food to the shelter made it all worth it.
We dealt with the cards we were given as best we could. There was literally no where to go. And to set us up at the top of those stairs was completely ridiculous. But to be honest, once that guy (owner, employee, whatever...D and Dusty know what I'm taking about) told us to "move our shit"...I was like "fuck this, I'm out" lol.
If that was the attitude that ownership/management was giving off, I definitely wouldn't go back. It would be one thing if they were apologetic for the situation, but I'm gonna guess they came to the realization that they could make a lot more $$ by cramming as many people as possible into the building and telling animal to piss off...