Lifestyle

Who is Animal athlete Joe Mackey? We know he's an IFBB Pro bodybuilder and one of the strongest athletes in his division. Was this always the case? How did he get into the weights? All that can be found in his latest article.

You need a professional approach to achieve great success in life, especially in bodybuilding. Athletes use their mindset to stay on the straight and narrow so they can arrive at their goal as efficiently as possible. None of this is by chance. It's all by design. John Jewett explains the importance of an Olympian mindset and how it can get you to the top of the game.

Bad things happen in life. Oftentimes, it's not fair, justified, or forewarned. There is no explanation and your life could seem entirely dark during the aftermath. At this point you, as a human being, have two choices: curl up in a ball and live in the darkness, or you can keep a positive mindset and move your way through the tumultuous waters that you find yourself in. Rob Kearney, after suffering a catastrophic injury to his tricep, tells us how he's been keeping his spirits up during his recovery process.

Shawn Smith gives us a bit of insight into his self-coached prep for the Chicago Pro and where he plans to go in 2021.

Powerlifting, and sports in general, are long journeys where growth is inevitable. We're not talking physical growth, but rather mental and spiritual growth that occurs as an athlete discovers wisdom through experience. You will do foolish things out of ignorance. It's part of the process. But learning and adjusting your approach is what makes a lifter go from good to great. In his latest article, Rob Hall reflects on his years of powerlifting and shares some words of wisdom to his past self. Check it out.

Injuries happen, but there are ways you can work around it by adjusting your nutrition and training. IFBB Pro and Dietitian Chris Tuttle gives us some insight.

Injuries suck. Point blank. But they are a part of our sport because we push the limits every day. Sometimes, unfortunately, the limits push back. And when they do, you’re going to have a few choices—feel sorry for yourself and give up or find the lesson in this mess and rise above. Only you can decide.

Two-time 212 Mr Olympia runner-up Derek Lunsford has some things to say about the pressure involved in executing what he and others around him had come to expect.

Shawn Smith gives us an inside look into his Chicago Pro prep, what he's dealt with, what changes he's made, and how he's improved since Tampa last year.

Renee Jewett, one of Animal's newest athletes, details in her fitness journey from start to IFBB Wellness Pro.

Gary "G-Six" Turner has been involved with Animal for a while. Read his personal story to see his journey from Animal fan to Animal employee and athlete.

IFBB Pro Shawn Smith, Animal's newest athlete, shares his story on why and how he got into bodybuilding.