Guest viewing limit reached
  • You have reached the maximum number of guest views allowed
  • Please register below to remove this limitation

Hyde’s Strength Odyssey

If your hitting 345x2 or 3 on your bench, you’ve probably got your max close to that 385 range. Man with a month to go, you may be able to hit 390 to 395 by the competition.
 
If your hitting 345x2 or 3 on your bench, you’ve probably got your max close to that 385 range. Man with a month to go, you may be able to hit 390 to 395 by the competition.

Yeah that’s exactly what I am calculating; I should be good for 370-385 next week. Then at the meet, generally if you want to play it smart you only want to take about 2%, usually 5.5lbs, over what you did in the peak. If squat goes to hell and I only get an opener or something then I would potentially swing for a little more aggressive bench 3rd attempt, but generally if you want the best total you need to take attempts you are extremely likely to hit, barring a mistake.

So if I want to attempt 385, I need to hit 380 in the gym next week. Which would also be a lifetime gym best.
 
Wow, I’ve been in another world for a while. Just caught myself back. Hyde you’re getting strong as hell. I’m excited to see what you do in this comp!
 
Based mainly on how much DHB I have left and finishing off a vial of Masteron, I am replacing all the Mast with Test these last 3 weeks of injections. DHB is dropping to 100mg per week & testosterone raising from 450 to 750. Var was bumped to 40mg about 10 days ago, and will be going to 50mg in a few days when I complete this old untested batch. Added 15mg Mk677 nightly 2 days ago.

Before: (1,200 oil, 280 oral)
250 deca
150 DHB
350 mast e
450 test e
40 Var/day

Moving to: (1,100 oil, 350 oral)
250 deca
100 DHB
750 test e
50 Var/day
15mg Mk677

I’ll also be utilizing 3 pwo shots of the Insanity blend per week for the next couple weeks likely, and then a strong oral last 10 days before comp.

I haven’t used carnitine for some time, but I have taken 200mg yesterday and today. I am going to try to get back on that.

Is Mast coming off because you need a little more Estrogen uptick?
 
Is Mast coming off because you need a little more Estrogen uptick?

Yeah that’s the idea, and I want to use up some older test - the Masteron is from a very fresh batch. Honestly it will probably be a huge swing in estrogen, but it’s only going to be for a few weeks so it’s manageable no matter what. It’s also a bit of an experiment to see how I feel on 750mg of test for a minute.
 
8/14/22
BW 266.6

5 min walk
Sweep and setup the garage
Bird Dogs
Side Planks

GHR
2x10

Conventional, deadlift bar
135x5,2
245x3
over/under
335,385,435x1
+belt
475,515,545,570,590x1

Dynamic Deadlift
vs short minibands
335 5x1 EMOM

4” Blockpulls
+straps
405,425x5

590 is the heaviest proper deadlift I’ve performed in over 2 years, by 45lbs. Through having my son, blowing my back out & rehabbing it for the second time in my life, and working around my elbow limitations - it’s been a long & winding road indeed.

Sometimes you need to tell the universe where you belong, and don’t let anyone tell you different - not even yourself.

Invalid Link Removed
 
Sleep was remarkably bad after yesterday; I think I was up every other hour once I finally managed to pass out. Still, body feels very sound, no worrisome aches. Saved my reverse hypers for this morning once I got my son off to daycare, which was the perfect move - feeling decompressed and mobile!

Reverse Hyper
210 3x15

What a lift! Do you have a video?

PM’d
 
Wtg man, helluva pull
 
Thicker than a Snicker baby! Looking solid and strong!
 
8/16/22
BW 263.6

6 min walk

Reverse Hyper
210x20

Band Pullaparts, Pressdown, Rows
3x25 each

Dynamic Bench, powerbar
comp grip
45x10
+doubled minibands
45,95,145x3
195 8x3

EZBar Rolling Tri Extensions
67x12
107 2x12

Gripper Work
Warmup x3
GG2 2x3
GG3 3x3, volume PR

Excellent day - got some conditioning in, skill work, and tricep & grip too. My gripper strength really surprised me. Turns out, drugs work.
 
8/16/22
BW 263.6

6 min walk

Reverse Hyper
210x20

Band Pullaparts, Pressdown, Rows
3x25 each

Dynamic Bench, powerbar
comp grip
45x10
+doubled minibands
45,95,145x3
195 8x3

EZBar Rolling Tri Extensions
67x12
107 2x12

Gripper Work
Warmup x3
GG2 2x3
GG3 3x3, volume PR

Excellent day - got some conditioning in, skill work, and tricep & grip too. My gripper strength really surprised me. Turns out, drugs work.
Yep, drugs work when you know what your doing, and how to use them properly.
 
Yep, drugs work when you know what your doing, and how to use them properly.

Yeah, I mean I am not some amateur obviously taking things willy nilly, nor am I training like a pansy. There was immense focus & effort put into that grip work; every ounce of my being was focused on gathering all my available energy to dominate those grippers. Neighbors would 100% think I’m crazy if they walked by the garage while I was preparing for those sets 🤣

I knew on the very first rep of the little warmup pair that I was going to be repping the #3s today.
 
Yeah, I mean I am not some amateur obviously taking things willy nilly, nor am I training like a pansy. There was immense focus & effort put into that grip work; every ounce of my being was focused on gathering all my available energy to dominate those grippers. Neighbors would 100% think I’m crazy if they walked by the garage while I was preparing for those sets 🤣

I knew on the very first rep of the little warmup pair that I was going to be repping the #3s today.
The Captains of Crush #3 grippers I think are like 250 or 280 something like that. What’s the Grip Genie’s #3? I’m sure similar like 200+, either way, impressive.
Be careful with the little Lady, don’t want to leave no paw prints on her booty.😁
 
"Turns out drugs work." Quote of the day!

Very impressive work! I can only imagine the psych up for this expecting you to rip 1000 lbs of the floor then seeing you pick up a handheld gripper.
 
The Captains of Crush #3 grippers I think are like 250 or 280 something like that. What’s the Grip Genie’s #3? I’m sure similar like 200+, either way, impressive.
Be careful with the little Lady, don’t want to leave no paw prints on her booty.

They’re much milder per number, as they don’t do all that silly 1/2 number levels that CoC did. #3 is rated at 200# of pressure to close:

Invalid Link Removed

Still, this is a lot of progress. I remember doing a grip test years ago in Vegas and I could only hit like 130#!

"Turns out drugs work." Quote of the day!

Very impressive work! I can only imagine the psych up for this expecting you to rip 1000 lbs of the floor then seeing you pick up a handheld gripper.

Lol that’s a quote I love from Broderick Chavez.

Yeah I was pacing around, swaying, looking like a total weirdo focusing on this little shiny purple toy my son loves to run off with
 
Love that quote….still impressive grip work. If someone has not tried the heavier grippers, they’ll find out real quick why you have to get psyched out to do the heavy ones.💪
 
Love that quote….still impressive grip work. If someone has not tried the heavier grippers, they’ll find out real quick why you have to get psyched out to do the heavy ones.💪
I have never really tried any of the heavier grippers myself but can imagine how hard they would be.
 
I have one I use while I'm on the tread mill, I'm not sure of the brand. I will look.
 
I have one I use while I'm on the tread mill, I'm not sure of the brand. I will look.

I had to go look, they say COC on them now if I remember that stood for Captains of Crush and they have a large "G" in the center.

Invalid Link Removed
 
I had to go look, they say COC on them now if I remember that stood for Captains of Crush and they have a large "G" in the center.

Invalid Link Removed

Invalid Link Removed

60lbs, when new & not heavily used. Probably not doing any building with those. Per the Novice/Rehab, they would be bloodflow/warmup. I bet that one is really similar to the cheapy Walmart one I use for a first warmup.

If you google the free CoC training manual, they basically say building grip is to be done like traditional heavy barbell work - lower sets/reps, high focus. And lots of progressive warmups, so those would be perfect for starting your sets.
 
Invalid Link Removed

^Not a dry morning weight per usual, but at least I can still scratch the 270lb barrier off the ol’ bucket list
 
Good job…..you found the right combination of compounds, food, and training. Looks like you’re achieving most of your goals.👍
 
Wow! At 5'10 and 270 you are so fricken big man. I still remember when you were kind of slim built. I don't think most people looking at your pics really understand how thick you are.
 
Wow! At 5'10 and 270 you are so fricken big man. I still remember when you were kind of slim built. I don't think most people looking at your pics really understand how thick you are.

I really have built a lot of size since I started lifting. I was 160 skinny fat graduating high school with no lifting, and got up to 192 naturally over several years of lifting after that. So I have added over 100lbs in 14 years of lifting, and 75 lbs since beginning to incorporate steroids for over a decade into progressively more intelligent training. I believe I am over 110lbs of muscle on In Body scans. I don’t look like a bodybuilder, but there is zero mistaking me for a lifter. I will tell you this, when I turn sideways there is no disappearing!
 
Invalid Link Removed

Just in time for tonight…finally, a sterile choline solution! No more hoping AlphaGPC makes it through my food in time for training, and the potential associated toxicities.
 
8/18/22
BW 268.6

6 min walk
Bird Dogs
Side Planks
BW Squats

GHR alt w/ Band Pullaparts
2x10/30 each

Squat, powerbar
45x5
135,225x3
335x2
+comp sleeves & belt
425,475,515,545,565,585x1
+ Average Bands
335 2x5

Heaviest I’ve ever woken up, and 585 is the heaviest squat I’ve ever take on a basic power bar by 30lbs!

515 was the hardest squat of the night; I accidentally cut depth I believe since it felt heavy from placing the bar too high on my traps, and it shook me like an earthquake as the bar whipped up & down the entire way up. Then 545 I set the bar lower and made sure to bury it so I could move with the rebound instead of fighting the whip, and that was better but I pitched forward and nearly went over my toes. 565 I focused on driving my upper back backwards as hard as possible and it was easier than 545, so I knew I had to take 6 plates (so to speak; I had a pair of hundos on the bar). It took all of my will, but when I unracked it I knew it was mine.

Invalid Link Removed
 
Very impressive workout…..
The working sets 425,475,515,545,565,585x1 are impressive enough for the total weight volume, but hitting that 585 at the end, man…I really think you have 600+ in you.👍💪👏
Also, I’m impressed that your wife is able to spot you with that much weight on squats. She’s a keeper.
 
5'10" at 271lbs remind me not to make you made !
 
Nice squat! That’s awesome dude, must’ve felt great.

Better on a good power bar from a good friend!

Very impressive workout…..
The working sets 425,475,515,545,565,585x1 are impressive enough for the total weight volume, but hitting that 585 at the end, man…I really think you have 600+ in you.
Also, I’m impressed that your wife is able to spot you with that much weight on squats. She’s a keeper.

Yeah hitting that weight dictates I should be good to attempt 606 at the meet when peaked. Also, since I’ll get to compete on a 55lb squat bar that will definitely add some stability which can’t hurt.

Yeah she’s great to have in my corner! I had 420lbs of weight on the backside of the yoke, so I basically told her if I miss your job is just to push me forward onto the pins as I come down so the weight stays towards the center. As long as she doesn’t let it fly back to the ends of the spotter arms, it won’t flip the yoke

5'10" at 271lbs remind me not to make you made !

Just don’t steal my food!
 
8/21/22
BW 268.0

6 min walk

Band Warmup

Benchpress, powerbar
45 2x5
135,185,235x3
275,305,330,355,370x1
385x1 PR
+ doubled minibands
225 2x3

DB Laterals
30,35x12

Seated DB Rear Delt Flyes
30 2x12

I remember being 18 years old at 180lbs of pudge when I had just started lifting, and struggling to benchpress the empty 45lb bar if I lowered it all the way to my chest. It’s been nearly 14 years, and I’ve now added 340lbs. As strong as I’ve made my body, it’s my mind I’ve had to make strongest - wherever the mind can lead, the body will follow.

Invalid Link Removed
 
8/21/22
BW 268.0

6 min walk

Band Warmup

Benchpress, powerbar
45 2x5
135,185,235x3
275,305,330,355,370x1
385x1 PR
+ doubled minibands
225 2x3

DB Laterals
30,35x12

Seated DB Rear Delt Flyes
30 2x12

I remember being 18 years old at 180lbs of pudge when I had just started lifting, and struggling to benchpress the empty 45lb bar if I lowered it all the way to my chest. It’s been nearly 14 years, and I’ve now added 340lbs. As strong as I’ve made my body, it’s my mind I’ve had to make strongest - wherever the mind can lead, the body will follow.

Invalid Link Removed
It looks like everything is coming together for this meet…..your bench is really coming up. I know it’s only a few weeks away, but it would not shock me if you got 405. I know that a 20 lbs jump is a lot from that 385 PR, but that total weight volume you put in before hitting 385 leads me to believe that if everything lined up right, and feels good, I really think you can get it.
 
It looks like everything is coming together for this meet…..your bench is really coming up. I know it’s only a few weeks away, but it would not shock me if you got 405. I know that a 20 lbs jump is a lot from that 385 PR, but that total weight volume you put in before hitting 385 leads me to believe that if everything lined up right, and feels good, I really think you can get it.

People have a massive tendency to overestimate what they can do at a meet, probably because they aren’t considering they just maxed out squat & things are more strict than the gym. The third attempt column for bench on the projector screen is usually more reds/fails than any other lift.

This sets me up for a smooth 391.3/177.5kg attempt, and if I was feeling ultra strong I could consider 396.8/180kg, but I’d probably only do that if squat went to hell. If I go 3/3 on squats, I will prioritize the total.

Honestly, this was huge for me. 10lb lifetime bench PR, and 16lbs heavier than any successful meet attempt. Having gone years with no PR at points, this last year has been awesome with the addition of 15lbs total on my bench.
 
8/22/22

5 min walk
Bird Dogs
Side Planks
Foam Rolling

GHR
2x12

Conventional, deadlift bar
135x3
225,315,405x1
+belt
455,495,530x1

Dynamic Deadlift
vs short minibands
350 5x1 EMOM

Low Pin Pulls (mid shin)
+straps
430,440x5

CS T-bar Row
90x15
135 2x12

Now that the 100% Max Effort work is completed, I’ve entered the 90% week to begin tapering down. This week is typically just as hard for me. It lacks the excitement of maxing out, & having to hit 90% of the biggest lifts I just did last week becomes harder now that my CNS is fatigued. Just gotta grit my teeth and keep marching. Once I get through squats on Friday, it should be smooth sailing.
 
People have a massive tendency to overestimate what they can do at a meet, probably because they aren’t considering they just maxed out squat & things are more strict than the gym. The third attempt column for bench on the projector screen is usually more reds/fails than any other lift.

This sets me up for a smooth 391.3/177.5kg attempt, and if I was feeling ultra strong I could consider 396.8/180kg, but I’d probably only do that if squat went to hell. If I go 3/3 on squats, I will prioritize the total.

Honestly, this was huge for me. 10lb lifetime bench PR, and 16lbs heavier than any successful meet attempt. Having gone years with no PR at points, this last year has been awesome with the addition of 15lbs total on my bench.
Yep that’s so true…..I’m kind of the hype man at my gym, trying to encourage guys to push it, but you’re right, competition is a whole new ball game and much stricter…..still really good benching. I could definitely see you getting that 391 or 396, oops there I go again, but I do get it, you don’t want to try too high a bench at the sacrifice of your total.👍
 
You know your wife is a strongwoman when you go looking for the pasta strainer, only to discover it’s dirty from MAKING SANDBAGS

Invalid Link Removed
 
Back
Top