Hyde’s Strength Odyssey

[MrKleen73]

The smartest coach I know of in the performance world advocates monohydrate explicitly. It has the studies like nothing else, & it has proven neurological/learning components to drive performance as well beyond the energy storage vectors. There are studies supporting Alzheimer’s supplementation with it potentially even.

NOW 1 kilo tubs is what I use.

Mono is king, everything else is just window dressing. If you have a problem from mono then maybe try a buffered version but otherwise... stick with the king!

 

[Hyde]

6/30/21
BW 240.0

10 min walk
McGill Big 3

44lb KB Suitcase Carries

Push-ups
3x20

alt w Underhand Pulldowns
88x13
110,143,187x10

V-grip Chin-ups
8,7,7,6,6,6

Plate-loaded Chest Supported Row
45x15
90x8,8,10

Seated DB Curls
17.5x18
20,22.5x15
25 3x12

Just getting some activity in. Progressing the quality of my bracing work.

 

[BennyMagoo79]

6/30/21
BW 240.0

10 min walk
McGill Big 3

44lb KB Suitcase Carries

Push-ups
3x20

alt w Underhand Pulldowns
88x13
110,143,187x10

V-grip Chin-ups
8,7,7,6,6,6

Plate-loaded Chest Supported Row
45x15
90x8,8,10

Seated DB Curls
17.5x18
20,22.5x15
25 3x12

Just getting some activity in. Progressing the quality of my bracing work.

Do you think the sciatica is due to inadequate bracing?

 

[Hyde]

Do you think the sciatica is due to inadequate bracing?

Yeah most likely, flaring up old disc injuries from improper deadlift form years ago that bulged several into sciatic impingement. So now if I don’t lift perfectly it’s easy to screw the pooch. I’ve also pulled a ton of posterior muscles over years, so I’m not sure how much that contributes to likelihood of messing up under fatigue.

I feel like I lift infinitely better now than I used to, and better than many serious lifters, but that old damage can’t be undone.

 

[Hyde]

It’s only been 18 days since the meet, and I have been going to the gym 3-4 days a week, but man I am really missing barbell training. Really just wish I was eating big, blasting gear & banging iron. I know that it’s not the right time for all that, but I just wanted to share the struggle I suppose. I really truly just want to build my deadlift up to new heights.

Anyway, here’s an incredibly awesome video I can try to live vicariously through for now:

 

[jinxie]

I thought you were up around 260+ lbs. You’re particularly hyooge for 240 lbs.

Sorry to hear about the sciatica. Hope it heals up soon. I have some easily activated spinal issues too, between bad form over the years and some S curvature at thoracic, so I can relate on some level — but not a 600 lbs one!

You’re still cranking out quite a few v-pull-ups for a big guy. Respect.

 

[jinxie]

It’s only been 18 days since the meet, and I have been going to the gym 3-4 days a week, but man I am really missing barbell training. Really just wish I was eating big, blasting gear & banging iron. I know that it’s not the right time for all that, but I just wanted to share the struggle I suppose. I really truly just want to build my deadlift up to new heights.

Anyway, here’s an incredibly awesome video I can try to live vicariously through for now:

Holy crap is that awesome! Def inspirational. Thanks for posting it.

I’d like that hex bar? Looks like 32 mm handles. Very sweet. But the man needs a thicker, stiffer conventional barbell for those 700 lbs plus deads! Can’t imagine having to contend with that whip.

On that one crooked set, was one side banded? I couldn’t tell for sure. Whatever it was, it was crazy impressive.

And a 350 lbs one-armed row. Sick.

 

[Hyde]

I thought you were up around 260+ lbs. You’re particularly hyooge for 240 lbs.

Sorry to hear about the sciatica. Hope it heals up soon. I have some easily activated spinal issues too, between bad form over the years and some S curvature at thoracic, so I can relate on some level — but not a 600 lbs one!

You’re still cranking out quite a few v-pull-ups for a big guy. Respect.

Thank you. I did push up to a fat 265 last summer for a July meet where I did my best squat, bench, and total (and was strong enough for a PR deadlift but tore my calluses off do to lacking grip). That’s why I am happy now to have my bench at an all time strongest despite being 20lbs lighter.

I really need to bring my back strength back up somehow. It was strongest when I was training strongman, but I need to get & stay healthier with it if I ever hope to do that again. I need to be able to pick heavy stuff up off the ground consistently again if I am ever to get strong.

Holy crap is that awesome! Def inspirational. Thanks for posting it.

I’d like that hex bar? Looks like 32 mm handles. Very sweet. But the man needs a thicker, stiffer conventional barbell for those 700 lbs plus deads! Can’t imagine having to contend with that whip.

On that one crooked set, was one side banded? I couldn’t tell for sure. Whatever it was, it was crazy impressive.

And a 350 lbs one-armed row. Sick.

Eric Bugenhagen cracks me up! He claims to be natty, and honestly despite his crazy strength if you look at him he really might be - like he just has truly awesome genetics and injury resistance and trains like a madman, heavy all the time on top of his wrestling stunts. He doesn’t have overly developed upper muscles, or crazy pumps or vascularity like someone using constantly would. Either way, a great inspiration to enjoy your training!

 

[jinxie]

Thank you. I did push up to a fat 265 last summer for a July meet where I did my best squat, bench, and total (and was strong enough for a PR deadlift but tore my calluses off do to lacking grip). That’s why I am happy now to have my bench at an all time strongest despite being 20lbs lighter.

I really need to bring my back strength back up somehow. It was strongest when I was training strongman, but I need to get & stay healthier with it if I ever hope to do that again. I need to be able to pick heavy stuff up off the ground consistently again if I am ever to get strong.



Eric Bugenhagen cracks me up! He claims to be natty, and honestly despite his crazy strength if you look at him he really might be - like he just has truly awesome genetics and injury resistance and trains like a madman, heavy all the time on top of his wrestling stunts. He doesn’t have overly developed upper muscles, or crazy pumps or vascularity like someone using constantly would. Either way, a great inspiration to enjoy your training!

Agreed. But he could just be cruising all the time on test, 300 or so mgs/week. But so what, he’s a fricken beast. And hilarious.

Ironic, that rack he has. It looks like Fitness Reality sort of quality.

And patience, grasshopper. You’re young with plenty of time. Recover fully and eventually, and not too long from now, you’ll be leveling up.

 

[BennyMagoo79]

Yeah most likely, flaring up old disc injuries from improper deadlift form years ago that bulged several into sciatic impingement. So now if I don’t lift perfectly it’s easy to screw the pooch. I’ve also pulled a ton of posterior muscles over years, so I’m not sure how much that contributes to likelihood of messing up under fatigue.

I feel like I lift infinitely better now than I used to, and better than many serious lifters, but that old damage can’t be undone.

Bulges and herniations can be resumed by the body over time where healthy spinal mobility is regained - my physio (he actually showed me a review of case studies where patients were given MRIs at intervals throughout the recovery process). Working on spinal mobility, starting from beginner movements (cat/dog transitions) and progressing through to Jefferson Curls and loaded side bends was the primary focus of my recovery protocol when I injured my back.

Seemed counter intuitive at the time but, especially now where I am developing uneven passive tension through my back, I can feel how it's easier to stabilise the spine when spinal joints are fully mobile first - I feel better aligned and longer through the spine.

This is how I have been able to shake the referred pain, although haven't had the chance to fully test it yet thanks to this bloody leg!

 

[theswede]

Killing it @Hyde! And I agree with what others have shared... reading this log I always envision a 300-lb dude... the fact that you’re at 240-ish is super impressive!

 

[Hyde]

Thanks everyone. It is helpful to hear it from others, the encouragement & reminders that things can be done in time. I have the plan; it’s just going to take some time!

 

[Hyde]

7/3/21
BW 238.4

McGill Big 3

Bodyweight Lunges
3x10/leg

ss w/ Band Pullaparts
3x25

Suitcase Carries
53 x1 trip per side

Goblet Squats
BWx15
53 3x10
70x10

alt w/ McGill Pull-ups on Yoke
5x3 w/ 10 sec rests between reps in the triple

Single-leg KB Deadlift
53 3x10/leg

Pull-ups on Yoke
2x8

alt w/ DB Lateral Raises
25 3x15

35-40 min walk earlier on. Really nice garage session working on core, mobility, balance, stabilizers. Working the foundation!

 

[wfreiling]

Have you tried the hyper dips?

 

[Hyde]

Have you tried the hyper dips?

No I haven’t but I hope they work for me. I cannot load the ones at the commercial gym due to height/how it’s built (since I don’t have a dip belt) but the lower reverse hyper would be perfect for me to pinch dbs between my knees or wear my chains to load it.

Thanks for the reminder! Maybe tomorrow or Tuesday I will try it. I’m excited.

 

[jinxie]

Fwiw, I got my dip belt from Amazon for around $18, so I could have my own at the gym. It’s not very heavy duty but I can load a couple 45s, no problem. I’m sure your chains accomplish the same.

 

[Hyde]

Fwiw, I got my dip belt from Amazon for around $18, so I could have my own at the gym. It’s not very heavy duty but I can load a couple 45s, no problem. I’m sure your chains accomplish the same.

You know I’ve never invested in one because dips normally aren’t something I can tolerate for multiple weeks in a row, but I’m hoping that maybe has changed some!

 

[theswede]

You know I’ve never invested in one because dips normally aren’t something I can tolerate for multiple weeks in a row, but I’m hoping that maybe has changed some!

It’s harder for us “big boys” man! When I see a guy over 220 repping big on dips or pull-ups, utter the words “beast mode.”

 

[theswede]

Case in point, I literally just did my first set of dips (since my pec injury in March) immediately after posting above and only got 7 reps. So no beast mode for me today!

 

[Hyde]

Went to look back at my Friday training and it was missing from my log. Nothing exciting, coolest thing was a set of 10 dips with a 55lb db pinched between my knees

Yesterday we rented a pontoon boat and took the family out on the lake for the day since it was an observed holiday. Everyone had a nice time in the sun & the breeze, including the baby! Little guy was bobbing around in his floaty with his daddy, just kicking away like he was born to swim.

Pounded food but still didn’t keep up with all the swimming and sun, so I was wiped when I got to the gym last night and kept it easy:

7/5/21
BW 239.0

10 min walk
McGill Big 3

Feet-Up DB Bench
55,65,75x25
85x17
95x12 or 13

alt w/ Rope Cable Facepulls
55 4x25

Plate-loaded Seated OHP
45,90/side x12
115 3x8

Cable Tricep Pressdown
44 x50,30,20 short rests

No more Masteron this past Sunday (had been cruising 100 mast e & 120 test e/wk the last 2 weeks). Bumping test to 150mg/wk solo for the moment. Need to get bloodwork first to make sure I’m safe to cruise with EQ added.

 

[MrKleen73]

How much was it to rent a pontoon boat? I always forget you can do stuff like this. LOL

 

[Hyde]

How much was it to rent a pontoon boat? I always forget you can do stuff like this. LOL

I do too - my wife is the go-getter for coming up with ideas and they’re always a blast.

$150, and $22 for the 4.2 gallons of full-service gas (even with a 20% tip!). Slowest boat I’ve ever been on. When we got married in Florida it was $450 for a similarly sized craft, but that was nicer, faster, and most importantly in a tourist trap of beautiful blue clear gulf water. A lake in IL can’t really command prices like that, but that’s what makes it so accessible. Just a nice cruise and dip on a nice hot sunny day.

 

[jinxie]

Sounds like a nice holiday. Didn’t think guys your size could float, lol.

Way to make it to the gym, despite the day in the sun. That’s some pretty good volume for being wiped out!

And that set of 10 dips with a heavy plate from last Friday is damn impressive, particularly for a big dude!

 

[jinxie]

I do too - my wife is the go-getter for coming up with ideas and they’re always a blast.

$150, and $22 for the 4.2 gallons of full-service gas (even with a 20% tip!). Slowest boat I’ve ever been on. When we got married in Florida it was $450 for a similarly sized craft, but that was nicer, faster, and most importantly in a tourist trap of beautiful blue clear gulf water. A lake in IL can’t really command prices like that, but that’s what makes it so accessible. Just a nice cruise and dip on a nice hot sunny day.

Where in Florida? Gator here!

 

[Hyde]

Sounds like a nice holiday. Didn’t think guys your size could float, lol.

Way to make it to the gym, despite the day in the sun. That’s some pretty good volume for being wiped out!

And that set of 10 dips with a heavy plate from last Friday is damn impressive, particularly for a big dude!

I appreciate the compliment, but it’s not even 300 total lbs for 10 - need to get that up to 400x10!

I float just fine…with an inflatable device under my armpits I basically jump off the boat and swim to shore and back, but treading water is exhausting. Using a floaty when I relax!

 

[jinxie]

I appreciate the compliment, but it’s not even 300 total lbs for 10 - need to get that up to 400x10!

I float just fine…with an inflatable device under my armpits I basically jump off the boat and swim to shore and back, but treading water is exhausting. Using a floaty when I relax!

That’s a high bar, man. 10+ reps with +55 lbs is impressive to me; 15 to 20 reps with the +55 lbs would be extremely impressive. According to the calculators, 18 reps with 55 lbs is equivalent to a single rep of 464 lbs. That would equate to a decline press of well over 400 lbs, nothing to sneeze at.

Sets of 10 with +165 lbs would put you at the top of the haystack for guys your size and age. No doubt you could get there, but it would require a lot of focused dip work.

In any event, I look forward to seeing where these take you.

 

[RegisterJr]

We are renting a pontoon in the Keys in a couple weeks. $400/day.

It’s worth not taking ours down though.

Where in Florida? Gator here!

I’m in Jacksonville, but a Seminole. Where are you?

 

[jinxie]

We are renting a pontoon in the Keys in a couple weeks. $400/day.

It’s worth not taking ours down though.



I’m in Jacksonville, but a Seminole. Where are you?

The Keys? One of my favorite places! I’m from Coral Gables/Miami, went to grad school at UF, and have been in the SF Bay Area for the last 26 years — my entire working career.

I won’t hold FSU against you.

 

[Hyde]

Where in Florida? Gator here!

We chose Destin. Really enjoyed the gulf area after coming down for the wife to compete in ‘17 so we decided to get married on the sand there. It was perfect.

America’s Strongest Woman was in Miami in ‘19, and will be in Orlando this October, so we’re planning some beach time in Daytona & Jacksonville after that. Looking forward to seeing the NE for the first time.

Also been to Tampa, St Pete, & Bradenton.

 

[jinxie]

We chose Destin. Really enjoyed the gulf area after coming down for the wife to compete in ‘17 so we decided to get married on the sand there. It was perfect.

America’s Strongest Woman was in Miami in ‘19, and will be in Orlando this October, so we’re planning some beach time in Daytona & Jacksonville after that. Looking forward to seeing the NE for the first time.

Also been to Tampa, St Pete, & Bradenton.

Destin is sweet. The gulf has way better beaches. Daytona is nice too.

Good luck to your wife in October!

 

[BennyMagoo79]

Went to look back at my Friday training and it was missing from my log. Nothing exciting, coolest thing was a set of 10 dips with a 55lb db pinched between my knees

Yesterday we rented a pontoon boat and took the family out on the lake for the day since it was an observed holiday. Everyone had a nice time in the sun & the breeze, including the baby! Little guy was bobbing around in his floaty with his daddy, just kicking away like he was born to swim.

Pounded food but still didn’t keep up with all the swimming and sun, so I was wiped when I got to the gym last night and kept it easy:

7/5/21
BW 239.0

10 min walk
McGill Big 3

Feet-Up DB Bench
55,65,75x25
85x17
95x12 or 13

alt w/ Rope Cable Facepulls
55 4x25

Plate-loaded Seated OHP
45,90/side x12
115 3x8

Cable Tricep Pressdown
44 x50,30,20 short rests

No more Masteron this past Sunday (had been cruising 100 mast e & 120 test e/wk the last 2 weeks). Bumping test to 150mg/wk solo for the moment. Need to get bloodwork first to make sure I’m safe to cruise with EQ added.

Nice!

I miss those days when my kids were just little bubbas, feel like they slipped by too quickly.

 

[Hyde]

7/7/21
BW 240.0

10 min walk
McGill Big 3

Underhand Lat Pulldown
99,141,187x12

V-Grip Chin-ups
BWx10
+60x3 +2 BW PR
+40x5
+20x7
BWx9

Plate-loaded Chest-supported Row
35,80/side x12
105 2x8

Machine Row
30,70,100,120,140x15

DB Hammercurls
22.5, 30x20
37.5x15
45,50x10

EZbar Reverse Curls
50 3x10, 30 sec rests

31st birthday today - got up early to knock out some back & biceps before we take my son to the walk-in pool this evening. I don’t think I’ve ever done a 300lb pull-up, so I pinched a 60lber between my knees & gave it hell: 3 reps was max effort! Happy to start the year off with a little PR of some kind.

 

[jinxie]

7/7/21
BW 240.0

10 min walk
McGill Big 3

Underhand Lat Pulldown
99,141,187x12

V-Grip Chin-ups
BWx10
+60x3 +2 BW PR
+40x5
+20x7
BWx9

Plate-loaded Chest-supported Row
35,80/side x12
105 2x8

Machine Row
30,70,100,120,140x15

DB Hammercurls
22.5, 30x20
37.5x15
45,50x10

EZbar Reverse Curls
50 3x10, 30 sec rests

31st birthday today - got up early to knock out some back & biceps before we take my son to the walk-in pool this evening. I don’t think I’ve ever done a 300lb pull-up, so I pinched a 60lber between my knees & gave it hell: 3 reps was max effort! Happy to start the year off with a little PR of some kind.

Happy birthday dude!

Very impressive v chin-ups for sure! Way to keep at it.

 

[wfreiling]

Happy Birthday my friend. All the coolest meatheads are born in July apparently!

 

[theswede]

Happy Birthday my friend. All the coolest meatheads are born in July apparently!

Damn! I just missed the cut off by being a June baby!

 

[jinxie]

Damn! I just missed the cut off by being a June baby!

View attachment 206553

The june babies have the meat where it counts most, lol!

 

[Hyde]

The june babies have the meat where it counts most, lol!

Damn, that explains it - I got extra pec meat by mistake, when the original order actually called for extra pecker meat!

 

[BennyMagoo79]

Damn, that explains it - I got extra pec meat by mistake, when the original order actually called for extra pecker meat!

Haha the nikko must have rubbed off!

Good thing though given the size of the serving you got!

Happy birthday mate!

 

[MrKleen73]

Happy Birthday @Hyde !!! Wow, I remember you as a "Young Lad" back in the day. It is hard to believe how much time has passed.
Also have you gone back and looked at any of your old posts and done a side by side from when you were trying to hit 200? Just seeing that comparison alone should be a nice birthday present.

 

[Whisky]

Happy birthday brother

 

[RegisterJr]

Happy birthday!

 

[Hyde]

Happy Birthday @Hyde !!! Wow, I remember you as a "Young Lad" back in the day. It is hard to believe how much time has passed.
Also have you gone back and looked at any of your old posts and done a side by side from when you were trying to hit 200? Just seeing that comparison alone should be a nice birthday present.

No I sure haven’t, but I ought to. There has been some definite progress made!

 

[Segansational]

Happy birthday dude!

 

[theswede]

Happy belated birthday homie!

 

[Hyde]

Thanks everyone. Been putting the extra food to good use with the gym the last three days straight. Did the back and bis Wednesday, lower body last night and pressing this morning.

7/8/21
BW 240.0

10 min walk
McGill Big 3
Single-leg Deadlifts
Suitcase Carries

GHR
BW 3x15

Stationary Lunges
BW 3x15

Goblet Squats
BWx12
55x12
75 2x12

Laying Leg Curls
120x12
140 2x12

.………

7/9/21
BW 239.4

10 min walk
Cable Tri Ext, Rows, Facepulls

Seated DB OHP
40x25
50 2x18

Plate-loaded Incline Press
55x12
90,100,110x8

Weighted Dips
+25 3x15

Rear Delt Flye/Reverse Pec Deck
120x15
140 2x12

Will do today’s core training later. Felt like that would be more beneficial vs doing it only 12 hours after last night.

 

[jinxie]

Consistency is so challenging when things aren’t going your way, such as an injury that meaningfully impairs what you were doing before it. Great job working around it, training diligently!

 

[Rocket3015]

Damn, that explains it - I got extra pec meat by mistake, when the original order actually called for extra pecker meat!

Funny !!

 

[Hyde]

7/11/21
BW 239.0

10 min walk
McGill Big 3

Paused Push-ups
2x25

ss w/ Rope Cable Facepulls
55 2x25

Seated DB OHP
45x20,15,15

Plate-Loaded Chest Press
45/side x10
70x8
90x6
115x4
135x3
160x2
170,180x1 PR

Feet-up DB Bench
80 2x25
90x13

Really enjoyed this. Today is 4 weeks since the meet and still avoiding a barbell, but wanted to lift something heavier so worked up a little on the chest press - I’ve never pressed 4 plates/side on any machine until today, so this was kind of an old longtime gym goal fulfilled. I had a little more in the tank, so I think I could have probably pressed 400lbs on this, but I left it at 360 for today and took the milestone.

Also got a 30 min walk with my son in this morning as well.

 

[Rocket3015]

I bet that walk was the best part of your day !

 

[BennyMagoo79]

7/11/21
BW 239.0

10 min walk
McGill Big 3

Paused Push-ups
2x25

ss w/ Rope Cable Facepulls
55 2x25

Seated DB OHP
45x20,15,15

Plate-Loaded Chest Press
45/side x10
70x8
90x6
115x4
135x3
160x2
170,180x1 PR

Feet-up DB Bench
80 2x25
90x13

Really enjoyed this. Today is 4 weeks since the meet and still avoiding a barbell, but wanted to lift something heavier so worked up a little on the chest press - I’ve never pressed 4 plates/side on any machine until today, so this was kind of an old longtime gym goal fulfilled. I had a little more in the tank, so I think I could have probably pressed 400lbs on this, but I left it at 360 for today and took the milestone.

Also got a 30 min walk with my son in this morning as well.

Nice pressing mate!