PolishHamm3r77
Well-known member
The fight or flight moment.
Hyde’s Strength Odyssey
- Thread starter Hyde
- Start date
Dustin07
Legend
it is kinda funny for me to watch my co-workers who are 30-35 with 2 kids at home and constantly sick. since my wife and I only have my son still in the under 18 crowd, and he's gonna be 15 soon, we rarely see that kind of stuff now days. We definitely did our time in the petri dish cesspool though, I get it!
I think a lot of us, if not all of us can relate to that. Watching Jimothys log, he's getting it in when he can. I'm going to be travelling a lot more for work, so trying to get creative on weekend sessions. But I look at pros, in just about any sport and I realize that they are putting in their 8+hrs of training daily while I'm at a desk...
I remember seeing the "daily" break-down for competitors like Froning and Sam Briggs back in the day and it was like literally wake up at 5am, lift.. eat, cardio, lift, eat, wod wod, lift, eat. sleep. or a guy like Tiger Woods. different sport, but 10hr days between swing clubs, cardio, lifting, and masseuse time.
solid session!! I consider my personal sessions to be optimal when I can hit 6-8 different movements for solid working sets, personally. and that's usually a 90-120 minute session for me. 3-4 movements like I had yesterday is more of a bare-minimum stop the bleeding type scenario.
I think a lot of us, if not all of us can relate to that. Watching Jimothys log, he's getting it in when he can. I'm going to be travelling a lot more for work, so trying to get creative on weekend sessions. But I look at pros, in just about any sport and I realize that they are putting in their 8+hrs of training daily while I'm at a desk...
I remember seeing the "daily" break-down for competitors like Froning and Sam Briggs back in the day and it was like literally wake up at 5am, lift.. eat, cardio, lift, eat, wod wod, lift, eat. sleep. or a guy like Tiger Woods. different sport, but 10hr days between swing clubs, cardio, lifting, and masseuse time.
solid session!! I consider my personal sessions to be optimal when I can hit 6-8 different movements for solid working sets, personally. and that's usually a 90-120 minute session for me. 3-4 movements like I had yesterday is more of a bare-minimum stop the bleeding type scenario.
Hyde
Legend
Well, the thing to remember is the law of diminishing returns: the more effort put into this, the harder you push, the thinner the margin of ROI. This goes for lifting frequency, PED use, recovery modalities.
I definitely agree more fluff accomplished over time is better, but what I’ve found is the bodybuilding isolation stuff is much lower impact/ROI for increasing real strength. It can really add up over months of work, but I also know that I can do 6 isolations or minor movements and they aren’t worth what I did in the squat alone. I cannot leg extension or kb swing my way to a stronger deadlift the way even one serious effort of pulling will impact it. So I give them less weight when I am not eating in a surplus - they are supplemental.
Electrake
Active member
I know some of those words
Hyde
Legend
Lol not sure what parts I should clarify, but the gist is I have not been “doing steroids” lately, beyond a dose of testosterone that would routinely be administered for testosterone replacement therapy to keep a man on the high end of normal range.
I would like to increase my steroid use soon into unnatural/high performance realms, so I intend to get my blood drawn to analyze some health metrics first.
Segansational
Well-known member
Sorry about the illness Hyde, definitely stuff circulating right now. Kids and I have had a cough that hasn't gone away now for at least 3 weeks... just hoping not to be truly sick for this weekend!
Just remember they are pros and paid to do this at that level. Working out is their job. I have to remember that too sometimes when I think about what's attainable.
Now there are definitely pros who this isn't all they do, but that's what they're striving towards.
Just remember they are pros and paid to do this at that level. Working out is their job. I have to remember that too sometimes when I think about what's attainable.
Now there are definitely pros who this isn't all they do, but that's what they're striving towards.
Dustin07
Legend
for sure. I call the bb/vanity work my poptarts. less nutritional value, but tastes good
Electrake
Active member
Lol I'm just messing around, I know all of it, just lack of familiarity with compounds and usage of. Not something I've obsessed over yet.
If you find a few minutes, I'd like to to get with you sometime about workout warmups, what you do, why, etc. Granted you're much bigger than me, we have similar builds and stuff and that'd be very benficial for me if you could spare a few mintues to share that with me.
Hyde
Legend
PM’d you
Hyde
Legend
2/28/24
BW 255.2 yesterday
Band Pullaparts, Tris, Flyes, Presses, Lats
Banded Standing Angels
Serratus Activations
Dynamic Bench, power bar
45x10
+doubled minibands
45,135x5
170 5x5 short rests
Paused Widegrip Benchpress
185,225x5
265,270,275,280x6 PR
KB Suitcase Carries
KB One-leg Deadlifts
Mixed grip hang from pullup bar
Deadlift, Texas dl bar
155x5
265x4
315,375x2
+belt
425x2
455x6,3
KB RFE Split Squat
35 3x12
Tbar Row, prone grip
135x15
160x12
185x8
210x6
Felt like crap Monday evening still, under-recovered from the sickness, so I skipped Tuesday training to prioritize recovery: this was a great decision. I was able to train this morning since Wife is done lifting before Saturday’s championship contest, and things went well. Deadlift was a bit weak today, so I added a little back off triple to keep total volume progressing. For undereating and having a cold, bench was exceptional.
Lifting is done until next Tuesday (bloodwork Monday). Time to pack - heading out tomorrow morning for the Arnold!
BW 255.2 yesterday
Band Pullaparts, Tris, Flyes, Presses, Lats
Banded Standing Angels
Serratus Activations
Dynamic Bench, power bar
45x10
+doubled minibands
45,135x5
170 5x5 short rests
Paused Widegrip Benchpress
185,225x5
265,270,275,280x6 PR
KB Suitcase Carries
KB One-leg Deadlifts
Mixed grip hang from pullup bar
Deadlift, Texas dl bar
155x5
265x4
315,375x2
+belt
425x2
455x6,3
KB RFE Split Squat
35 3x12
Tbar Row, prone grip
135x15
160x12
185x8
210x6
Felt like crap Monday evening still, under-recovered from the sickness, so I skipped Tuesday training to prioritize recovery: this was a great decision. I was able to train this morning since Wife is done lifting before Saturday’s championship contest, and things went well. Deadlift was a bit weak today, so I added a little back off triple to keep total volume progressing. For undereating and having a cold, bench was exceptional.
Lifting is done until next Tuesday (bloodwork Monday). Time to pack - heading out tomorrow morning for the Arnold!
gphagan1
Legend
Still putting in impressive work even while sick. There really has been a lot of “bugs” going around this year, seems more than usual. I hope your wife kills it at the Arnold, and you guys have a great time this weekend.
Dustin07
Legend
have fun dude, expect to see some pics!
BennyMagoo79
Well-known member
Niiiice benching!!
Hyde
Legend
Things going well in Ohio, got here yesterday late afternoon. Wife didn’t have to water load or sweat, just fasted in the evening and kept the day very sparse. Weighins this morning went great; we popped into the Expo for 15 minutes after and watched a woman squat 600x2 raw & beltless - the Animal Cage is right when you walk in, and they’re doing it big with coming back this year!
Wife is feeling pretty good & ready to rock, my son is having a great time, and looking forward to an exciting wild day tomorrow.
Wife is feeling pretty good & ready to rock, my son is having a great time, and looking forward to an exciting wild day tomorrow.
akboom87
Well-known member
Awesome man glad to hear that! Should be fun watching the little guy soak in all the fun stuff!!
PolishHamm3r77
Well-known member
Glad you and your loved ones are having a great time. Must be an experience and a half for your Son!
I hope your wife kicks ass and takes names and then reassigns names to asses she has already kicked!!!
Electrake
Active member
I'm so jealous man! I really wanted to go this year for the first time but couldn't find a wingman. I hope your wife kicks ass
gphagan1
Legend
That’s awesome…. Glad the little guy and you and your wife are having a good time, I hope she is able to set some new personal best and win some hardware. I had to double down and read that again when you said that women did a 600x2 squat, that’s crazy.
dapack
Well-known member
That is pretty insane. Sometimes I get more impressed with what some of the women can do than the men. Craziness.
Segansational
Well-known member
Yeah, they brought back the cage this year and they always have some crazy demonstrations of pure power. Saw a raw 740# bench. Ridiculous.
Hyde
Legend
2024 Arnold was really popping; finally truly back to its pre-COVID glory as far as brand & attendee presence. Saw a ton of great lifters and cool personalities bopping around at random points, which really makes it feel special - there is a universally understanding that THIS is the spot. All come here. The 3 people I saw who I wished I had been able to stop and meet when I saw them were George Halbert, Ryan Kennelly, and AJ Roberts. I also missed Kyriakos Grizzly, sadly ; he was not at the booth when we had time to get to it - he was signing all of the merch for his fans.
It always amazes me how short the bodybuilders & lower weight class strength athletes are in real life, and how big some of the heavy classes of athletes are. Other impressions were just how much people seemed to be enjoying this year. It was a very positive vibe, the vendors were giving more stuff out and a bit better deals again it seemed like. The Animal Cage was really back and hit hard - we were so busy I missed almost all of it, but I did get to watch Alex Charchuk pull 804 for a double conventional, missing the 3rd rep at his knees. Then he pulled 675x8 after that! The hype was high, free tshirts were flying - I got one for my stepdaughter. There was some amazing lifting over the weekend across the different events.
My wife placed very poorly, 14/16, but Saturday was a great contest & we had a lot of fun. I think the best she did in any event was 9th. She had ZERO back pain and continues to feel good post show. This was a huge win contextually, considering she wasn’t able to even walk right 3 weeks ago. Based on the scores, I think if she had been able to train the last 3 weeks the most she could have likely achieved was 9-10th place; the 160lb amateur women at the top this year were just that good. For perspective, the woman who took LAST place I’ve seen axle deadlift 405x8 from 4” blocks in a previous contest. My wife hit a PR squat, doing 252x11 paused Anderson squats on the lever machine with the Kabuki Transformer bar set on the Hi Bar setting!
All in all it was a good Arnold, but hopefully next year we can leave my son with his grandparents so we can get a bit more of the festival experience.
It always amazes me how short the bodybuilders & lower weight class strength athletes are in real life, and how big some of the heavy classes of athletes are. Other impressions were just how much people seemed to be enjoying this year. It was a very positive vibe, the vendors were giving more stuff out and a bit better deals again it seemed like. The Animal Cage was really back and hit hard - we were so busy I missed almost all of it, but I did get to watch Alex Charchuk pull 804 for a double conventional, missing the 3rd rep at his knees. Then he pulled 675x8 after that! The hype was high, free tshirts were flying - I got one for my stepdaughter. There was some amazing lifting over the weekend across the different events.
My wife placed very poorly, 14/16, but Saturday was a great contest & we had a lot of fun. I think the best she did in any event was 9th. She had ZERO back pain and continues to feel good post show. This was a huge win contextually, considering she wasn’t able to even walk right 3 weeks ago. Based on the scores, I think if she had been able to train the last 3 weeks the most she could have likely achieved was 9-10th place; the 160lb amateur women at the top this year were just that good. For perspective, the woman who took LAST place I’ve seen axle deadlift 405x8 from 4” blocks in a previous contest. My wife hit a PR squat, doing 252x11 paused Anderson squats on the lever machine with the Kabuki Transformer bar set on the Hi Bar setting!
All in all it was a good Arnold, but hopefully next year we can leave my son with his grandparents so we can get a bit more of the festival experience.
Hyde
Legend
Some Arnold deals I’m pretty excited about:
Invalid Link Removed
$20 for 2 bottles of Ward ammonia, which kicked ass when I benched 405
$20 for any Ninja Supp’s product; Ninja Mode looks like an awesome energy/focus blend for training so I grabbed one to test.
$100 for an XL Darksyde Double-ply Assassin Band - this was truly an impulse buy, but after talking with the owner I am pretty excited to play with it. This would be comparable to the F8 Widowmaker band. The owner told me I won’t need to change my bar path at all, and we went with XL to keep it milder (and so I can get my hands in position solo). He felt this would be perfect to get into for my strength level.
Invalid Link Removed
$20 for 2 bottles of Ward ammonia, which kicked ass when I benched 405
$20 for any Ninja Supp’s product; Ninja Mode looks like an awesome energy/focus blend for training so I grabbed one to test.
$100 for an XL Darksyde Double-ply Assassin Band - this was truly an impulse buy, but after talking with the owner I am pretty excited to play with it. This would be comparable to the F8 Widowmaker band. The owner told me I won’t need to change my bar path at all, and we went with XL to keep it milder (and so I can get my hands in position solo). He felt this would be perfect to get into for my strength level.
Segansational
Well-known member
Nice summary of the Arnold and some good grabs! I ended up only buying a few small things this time around, some PB2 (one of which got confiscated by TSA believe it or not) and a Gym Reapers hat. Would've been great to meet up, but next time!
Hyde
Legend
Between the travel, comp, and bloodwork this morning, I’ve knocked out 3 intermittent fasts ranging from 18-22 hours that set up some pretty decent caloric restriction since Wednesday. I was ~254-255lbs when we left Thursday, and 251 late this morning.
Took this Thursday afternoon fasted at the hotel:
Invalid Link Removed
Also, BP this morning with no meds was 125/75 and pulse of 58.
Took this Thursday afternoon fasted at the hotel:
Invalid Link Removed
Also, BP this morning with no meds was 125/75 and pulse of 58.
SkRaw85
Legend
Hey man, zero pain for the win! That’s quite the experience as well one could imagine
That’s a badass looking bench tool, haven’t heard of that one but can’t wait for you to slang it and give some feedback.
gphagan1
Legend
Glad you guys had a great time, and that your wife’s back didn’t give her any trouble. Sounds like the competition was intense, but your wife is a trooper for going ahead and competing after having an injury only a few weeks ago….that’s what champions are made of.
You’re looking massive at 251, and you can see your abs trying to peep through in that picture.
Dustin07
Legend
I can't remember, did she compete in this event last year? Sure 14th isn't podium, but it seems like this event is going to attract the best of the best in class? I would think not taking last is kind of an accomplishment if you aren't a sponsored full time paid to be there athlete....
I really got to get to this event one year, it looks like an absolute blast. BTW Travel hack, I never check a bag, unless I'm bringing something home I'm afraid could get confiscated, lol. Then straight into the check luggage. Everyone was saying their conch shells from the Caribbean were getting confiscated by Mexican security so I checked my carry-on when we came home, no problems, lol.
Looking good homie, great stats too. I'm a bit envious of how well you can hold that extra weight.
Hyde
Legend
Thanks everyone!
She took 5th out of 9 last year, missed the final by only 1 point. This year the girl one place ahead of her last year only beat her by 1.5 points, and was in 13th, one spot ahead again. Last year was the first year offered for the 160lb class, where my wife won Nationals in it. I think the class has just grown, as far as competitors moving into it. Bigger talent pool at really a very competitive size for women.
The women who placed higher, none of them are “sponsored athletes” who are supported seriously by companies. Most of these women have equipment sponsors and such, my wife has had this, but we’re talking a grand in merch - not tens of thousands to live on. There’s no real money in strongman, so everyone has to work & train around that.
This is the highest level contest in the world for the 160 women, no Pro class as of yet (the way 140 & 180 have), so everyone there was really the best there is at this weight over the last year. One of the women squatted the 320 trump weight for 23 reps in a minute, up & down commands. Like wtf!!!
She took 5th out of 9 last year, missed the final by only 1 point. This year the girl one place ahead of her last year only beat her by 1.5 points, and was in 13th, one spot ahead again. Last year was the first year offered for the 160lb class, where my wife won Nationals in it. I think the class has just grown, as far as competitors moving into it. Bigger talent pool at really a very competitive size for women.
The women who placed higher, none of them are “sponsored athletes” who are supported seriously by companies. Most of these women have equipment sponsors and such, my wife has had this, but we’re talking a grand in merch - not tens of thousands to live on. There’s no real money in strongman, so everyone has to work & train around that.
This is the highest level contest in the world for the 160 women, no Pro class as of yet (the way 140 & 180 have), so everyone there was really the best there is at this weight over the last year. One of the women squatted the 320 trump weight for 23 reps in a minute, up & down commands. Like wtf!!!
Hyde
Legend
3/5/24
BW 250.8 yesterday
Band Pullaparts, Tris, Flyes, Presses
Bench
45x10,5
135,185x5
225x3
275x2
315x1
+Assassin Bands
315,345,375,405,425x3 PR
455x1 PR
495 MISS
Planned on doing a full training session today and just feeling out the Assassin Band, but I think the guys at the gym really wanted to see what this thing could do even more than I did - they pushed me to take it to the limit. 455 was an easy smooth 15lb equipped PR, and it was easier than the 425 triple, so we put 5 plates on the bar and gave it a ride! As soon as it came off the bands, it died - 495 was simply overwhelming. I expect 465 or 475 would have gone up, but my triceps are not ready for 500.
The muscles on my hand between pointer finger & thumb are SO sore! Holding this weight in my hands gives a different perspective. But nothing else is sore, nothing muscular really feels worked, besides maybe traps. Normal training resumes tomorrow!
Invalid Link Removed
BW 250.8 yesterday
Band Pullaparts, Tris, Flyes, Presses
Bench
45x10,5
135,185x5
225x3
275x2
315x1
+Assassin Bands
315,345,375,405,425x3 PR
455x1 PR
495 MISS
Planned on doing a full training session today and just feeling out the Assassin Band, but I think the guys at the gym really wanted to see what this thing could do even more than I did - they pushed me to take it to the limit. 455 was an easy smooth 15lb equipped PR, and it was easier than the 425 triple, so we put 5 plates on the bar and gave it a ride! As soon as it came off the bands, it died - 495 was simply overwhelming. I expect 465 or 475 would have gone up, but my triceps are not ready for 500.
The muscles on my hand between pointer finger & thumb are SO sore! Holding this weight in my hands gives a different perspective. But nothing else is sore, nothing muscular really feels worked, besides maybe traps. Normal training resumes tomorrow!
Invalid Link Removed
Dustin07
Legend
oh for sure. that's like xfit comps with the 5'10 - 5'11 195lb dudes. big enough for a 500lb pull and small enough for ring work/1 mile sprints. 160lb women are beasts of lifters.
now I want to see you do that!
dude that's wild!!!
Hyde
Legend
I legitimately don’t believe I could right now. I just don’t have the cardiovascular capacity. Things always seem to gas out by the 15 rep mark on squats for me.
Fun session and nice PR! Pretty hefty jump there for the last one I do gotta say. But now your mind knows what 500 feels like
Yeah it was wild - it felt so heavy in my hands, but everything we kept putting on this thing just seemed to get blown right back up!
495 shuddered on the way down; I lost my upper back tightness for half a moment as it kind of crushed me. Recovered it before the bottom, but it was just a lot to wrangle right now.
Segansational
Well-known member
MAN! 455# definitely beastly! I'm expecting to see you lifting in the CAGE one of these days!
Dustin07
Legend
my ex and I used to throw down a most reps at bodyweight squat challenge to each other and even at say 190lbs breaking 20reps+ was challenging the cardio and the puke lol
gphagan1
Legend
I know that’s the thing, anything over 225 lbs for 20+ reps is brutal, but it’s crazy to think she hit 320 for 23, just impressive.
Hyde
Legend
I know I’ve done Boxsquats with ~225 and like 100 or so chain for 20, and Beltsquat 360+microbands for 20 to a box, but I think for a proper free squat I might have only done 275? Not 100%, but I can say the freesquat where you cannot rest at the bottom is definitely harder. The box you can cheat and sit on.
It doesn’t feel like cheating at the time, just surviving, but with a free squat there’s absolutely nothing saving you!
Dustin07
Legend
I did that Sally Get Up challenge once with 135lbs and that was enough to make my legs cry.
Hyde
Legend
3/6/24
Bench
45x10
135,205x5
275,310x1
255 5x8
Deadlift, stiff bar
135x5
225,315,385x3
+belt
415,465x3
385 3x3
NG Med Grip Lat Pulldown
77,99x15
121 1x15, 6x10
NG Med Grip Seated Low Cable Row
110 5x15
BB Wristcurls
40 2x20 supinated
40 1x15 pronated
Had to drive to HQ today and it was a long one trying to cut through red tape just to work on junk. Anyway, I knew it wasn’t going to be a PR kind of late night, so I just focused on getting some quality work in. 40 reps at 70% TM on bench to back up yesterday’s ME, pulled a triple at 85% plus some technical work, then lots of lats.
Time for a pork steak, then lights out.
Bench
45x10
135,205x5
275,310x1
255 5x8
Deadlift, stiff bar
135x5
225,315,385x3
+belt
415,465x3
385 3x3
NG Med Grip Lat Pulldown
77,99x15
121 1x15, 6x10
NG Med Grip Seated Low Cable Row
110 5x15
BB Wristcurls
40 2x20 supinated
40 1x15 pronated
Had to drive to HQ today and it was a long one trying to cut through red tape just to work on junk. Anyway, I knew it wasn’t going to be a PR kind of late night, so I just focused on getting some quality work in. 40 reps at 70% TM on bench to back up yesterday’s ME, pulled a triple at 85% plus some technical work, then lots of lats.
Time for a pork steak, then lights out.
BennyMagoo79
Well-known member
Looking fit mate! Great numbers for bp and hr!
BennyMagoo79
Well-known member
Balls deep!! Nice! Congrats on the PR!
Hyde
Legend
3/8/24
Incline 2-Boardpress
45,95x20
105x18
115x16
Klokov Press
45x20
55,65,75x15
BB Row
135 4x15
Shrugs
135x20
225 2x20
Band Pullaparts
Monstermini 3x34
Williams Raises
45 2x15
One-arm Cable Tri Pressdown
20 2x25/arm overhand
20 3x15/arm underhand
Band Curls
Mini 3x25
I’ve benched plenty this week, so just tried to find some shoulder and arm work that wouldn’t aggravate my elbow. Also tested out barbell rows, but still can’t do the movement without rolling my left shoulder back/pulling with my trap instead of further bending my elbow. I am concentrating intently but still have no idea it’s even happening except by filming it. So those are still not a good tool for me, but fortunately you don’t have to do them in contest!
Incline 2-Boardpress
45,95x20
105x18
115x16
Klokov Press
45x20
55,65,75x15
BB Row
135 4x15
Shrugs
135x20
225 2x20
Band Pullaparts
Monstermini 3x34
Williams Raises
45 2x15
One-arm Cable Tri Pressdown
20 2x25/arm overhand
20 3x15/arm underhand
Band Curls
Mini 3x25
I’ve benched plenty this week, so just tried to find some shoulder and arm work that wouldn’t aggravate my elbow. Also tested out barbell rows, but still can’t do the movement without rolling my left shoulder back/pulling with my trap instead of further bending my elbow. I am concentrating intently but still have no idea it’s even happening except by filming it. So those are still not a good tool for me, but fortunately you don’t have to do them in contest!