Hyde’s Strength Odyssey
- Thread starter Hyde
- Start date
Hyde
Legend
Feels like my shoulder is improving, so I’m starting to be able to push harder and slowly clawing back some gains. I’ve definitely at least stopped the loss of strength. ART doc also said things are much less tight and gritty; he can feel the improvements as well.
Glad you enjoy the log!
It’s been my experience in recent years that viruses can promote flare ups of old back injuries. Almost like things that would barely bother you normally become much more inflamed.
Far too cold for a productive warmup walk outside (nevermind the iced over sidewalks), so the bike it is!
Glad you enjoy the log!
It’s been my experience in recent years that viruses can promote flare ups of old back injuries. Almost like things that would barely bother you normally become much more inflamed.
Far too cold for a productive warmup walk outside (nevermind the iced over sidewalks), so the bike it is!
Hyde
Legend
2/21/25
BW 250.2 postWO
5 min Assault Bike
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Copenhagen Planks
Glute Bridges
Ab Wheel
2x12
ss w/ Reverse Hyper
180 2x15
2.25” Deficit Deadlift, powerbar
45x10 RDL
53x6 KB RDL
135x5
225,315x3
+belt
365,405,445,475x2
505,525x1
Wide NG Pulldowns
100,140,180,200,200x10
HS CSR
180x15
270 4x8
180x20
ss w/ Reverse Hyper
270 3x12
GHR
3x12
ss w/ Pullaparts
Monstermini 3x35
This was tremendous progress from a month ago, when I pulled 500 from the floor. This time I kept the deficit I was working up on, did more work prior, and still added 25lbs to the bar! 5% load increase while on a much longer pull. Still a bit left in the tank.
I haven’t bulked up, and still only on 150 test/wk - this progress is entirely the result of my training.
BW 250.2 postWO
5 min Assault Bike
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Copenhagen Planks
Glute Bridges
Ab Wheel
2x12
ss w/ Reverse Hyper
180 2x15
2.25” Deficit Deadlift, powerbar
45x10 RDL
53x6 KB RDL
135x5
225,315x3
+belt
365,405,445,475x2
505,525x1
Wide NG Pulldowns
100,140,180,200,200x10
HS CSR
180x15
270 4x8
180x20
ss w/ Reverse Hyper
270 3x12
GHR
3x12
ss w/ Pullaparts
Monstermini 3x35
This was tremendous progress from a month ago, when I pulled 500 from the floor. This time I kept the deficit I was working up on, did more work prior, and still added 25lbs to the bar! 5% load increase while on a much longer pull. Still a bit left in the tank.
I haven’t bulked up, and still only on 150 test/wk - this progress is entirely the result of my training.
AnfoAjax
New member
Deficit deadlifts are great , stronk pull
Hyde
Legend
Wife did great at the little competition today! Had fun, nothing bothered her, blistered through the clean & press and loading medley events, and took 2nd on the max 17” Trapbar Deadlift. This gave her an easy 1st place that qualifies her for nationals this summer, so she can just continue to focus on her rehab instead of training for a tougher show prior.
But it was also a great test for her thoracic disk recovery, because she was able to pull & hold 475 from this elevated height safely without consequence. For comparison, the heaviest pull for men’s heavyweight was 905.
But it was also a great test for her thoracic disk recovery, because she was able to pull & hold 475 from this elevated height safely without consequence. For comparison, the heaviest pull for men’s heavyweight was 905.
sammpedd88
Well-known member
That’s awesome. I’m glad the recovery is going in the right direction. Focusing on rehab and prevention for nationals is a much better position to be in than having to compete again before the nationals.
Last edited:
SkRaw85
Legend
Congrats to the wifey and her making headway! Nationals are in one of the Carolinas this year yeah? Think a few strongpeeps from the gym I train at are hitting that one up
Dustin07
Legend
regardless of the mens pull, I am in awe of her 475. I realize it's not a straight deadlift but that's massive weight she's moving no matter what.
Hyde
Legend
Yeah it’s a bit of a cash grab, which is all well & good, but she dominated the Masters 148 class last year - she had so many points going into stones, a single load would have locked up the win. And she did like 13 & won it, or something silly. So we don’t feel the need to prove she’s good enough to be there - her track record speaks for itself.
That’s great…..looks like the Champ is primed for a Repeat at the Nationals.
I would love for her to do so, or at least be healthy enough to go all in on it & show what she’s capable of. It’s one thing to lose because someone was just better, but nobody wants to beat a lame duck.
Yeah, I’m excited for that. She’s competed a couple times in North Carolina now and both times I really liked our trips there.
It is a lot to hold. Her spine doctor, who’s been treating her for years, has been getting into strongman this last year or so. Finally training with my wife’s crew on Saturdays and starting to listen & improve because of it. Trapbar elevated is a pet lift for him, probably because he’s built well for it. He had the second biggest pull of the day at 895, weighing in at 189lbs at 5’9”.
Hyde
Legend
2/23/25
7 min walk
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Band Shoulder, Lat, Tri warmup
Dynamic Bench, powerbar
45x10,5
95,135x5
185x3
205 9x3
Lying EZBar Rolling Tri Ext
67x15
107,117,127x12
V-grip Chin-ups
NG warmups
BWx10,10,8
Very Low Incline Db Press
60x25,30
New wave of speed bench using straight weight, to focus on more unracks with progressive load to reacclimate the shoulder safely to self-liftoffs. Kept rest times to about 15 breaths inbetween sets, which was good conditioning but I believe is what contributed to me beginning to go hypo during chin-ups.
Speed bench was pretty ballistic, and chins were okay considering they were the first in a couple months & my blood sugar was tanking. The DB presses making me shaky & sweat despite 30 reps being easy was my cue to cut it.
7 min walk
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Band Shoulder, Lat, Tri warmup
Dynamic Bench, powerbar
45x10,5
95,135x5
185x3
205 9x3
Lying EZBar Rolling Tri Ext
67x15
107,117,127x12
V-grip Chin-ups
NG warmups
BWx10,10,8
Very Low Incline Db Press
60x25,30
New wave of speed bench using straight weight, to focus on more unracks with progressive load to reacclimate the shoulder safely to self-liftoffs. Kept rest times to about 15 breaths inbetween sets, which was good conditioning but I believe is what contributed to me beginning to go hypo during chin-ups.
Speed bench was pretty ballistic, and chins were okay considering they were the first in a couple months & my blood sugar was tanking. The DB presses making me shaky & sweat despite 30 reps being easy was my cue to cut it.
Dustin07
Legend
athlete doctors are the best!! they have a better understanding of what the athlete needs and that just getting off the couch isn't good enough for recovery. I won't say that people who aren't into sports are "wrong" but they don't have the same mentality.
solid session dude. I love my weekend sessions when I can go until the body says I'm done vs being stuck with a timer lol.
sammpedd88
Well-known member
Hyde
Legend
Looks like Concord, northeast of Charlotte.
sammpedd88
Well-known member
I’m a little over an hour from there.
Hyde
Legend
Well if we’re going I’ll let you know! I think it’s in June, and she’s also talking about America’s Strongest Woman in July, so she has some time to decide what she wants to do,
sammpedd88
Well-known member
Let me know man and maybe my wife and I can come watch the comp.
gphagan1
Legend
I always tell my wife of how good your wife is doing, and truthfully she has become a fan. We’re about 4 hours from there, and might have to make a trip ourselves, if your wife doesn’t mind having her own rooting section cheering her on.
Hyde
Legend
2/25/25
BW 247.4 yesterday
5 min Assault Bike
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Copenhagen Planks
Ab Wheel
2x12
ss w/ Reverse Hypers
180 2x18
14” Boxsquat, squat bar
55x5
165,253,319x3
+belt
363,407,441x3
GHR
4x12
ss w/Reverse Hypers
270 3x12
Beltsquat March
200,230 x60 sec
Not a great day in the sense that I really felt quite bad; squats were kicking my ass. I knew after a couple plates it wasn’t going to be a big progression from last month. But they did improve as I went thankfully, I had loaded 474 for a little 9lb improvement over last month because 441 was the best set yet. However, I suddenly had a little pain & instability in my knee just on bodyweight squats to the box, which I couldn’t shake.
Weighed it out & decided that if I got hurt ignoring an obvious red flag, with no timeline even constraining me right now, I’d be furious. So I packed it up and stuck to some accessories that wouldn’t stress the knee (which did feel better after a while).
Live to die another day.
BW 247.4 yesterday
5 min Assault Bike
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Copenhagen Planks
Ab Wheel
2x12
ss w/ Reverse Hypers
180 2x18
14” Boxsquat, squat bar
55x5
165,253,319x3
+belt
363,407,441x3
GHR
4x12
ss w/Reverse Hypers
270 3x12
Beltsquat March
200,230 x60 sec
Not a great day in the sense that I really felt quite bad; squats were kicking my ass. I knew after a couple plates it wasn’t going to be a big progression from last month. But they did improve as I went thankfully, I had loaded 474 for a little 9lb improvement over last month because 441 was the best set yet. However, I suddenly had a little pain & instability in my knee just on bodyweight squats to the box, which I couldn’t shake.
Weighed it out & decided that if I got hurt ignoring an obvious red flag, with no timeline even constraining me right now, I’d be furious. So I packed it up and stuck to some accessories that wouldn’t stress the knee (which did feel better after a while).
Live to die another day.
Dustin07
Legend
And you'll be stronger for it!
gphagan1
Legend
Smart move…..you still had a great workout. The box squats are impressive whether you were able to go up or not…hopefully the knee was just acting out a little and not an injury.
Hyde
Legend
That’s exactly what I’m thinking, just acting out some!
Hyde
Legend
2/26/25
BW 247.8
Scap Pushups
Shoulder & Hip Stretches
Band Shoulder, Lat, Tri warmup
Plyo Pushups
Incline DB Press
Bench, powerbar
45x10,5
95,145x5
195,225,255,280,300,320x3
335x1
CG 2-Board
205 2x15
HS Incline Press
90x15
140 3x8
Williams Raises
45 4x12
ss w/ Bar Cable Tri Pressdown
70 3x15
30x55
DB Hammercurls
30,35,40x15
Great session tonight. First ME session back on a regular combo rack, self-liftoff with no mono hooks. 4 weeks ago I tripled 315, so I added 5lbs to that this time without the mono & nearly went for a 4th rep. Because of this, took 335 after, fatigued but no problem.
Also of note was that I was able to successfully use the Hammerstrength Incline - this was a huge ROM for me, & accordingly very difficult. But without elbow pain, and I got a massive stretch & activation of my delts & pecs in a way they haven’t gotten in so long. Just doing 70lbs a side was brutal, so if I can actually drive this angle now I know I’m in for some serious gains!
BW 247.8
Scap Pushups
Shoulder & Hip Stretches
Band Shoulder, Lat, Tri warmup
Plyo Pushups
Incline DB Press
Bench, powerbar
45x10,5
95,145x5
195,225,255,280,300,320x3
335x1
CG 2-Board
205 2x15
HS Incline Press
90x15
140 3x8
Williams Raises
45 4x12
ss w/ Bar Cable Tri Pressdown
70 3x15
30x55
DB Hammercurls
30,35,40x15
Great session tonight. First ME session back on a regular combo rack, self-liftoff with no mono hooks. 4 weeks ago I tripled 315, so I added 5lbs to that this time without the mono & nearly went for a 4th rep. Because of this, took 335 after, fatigued but no problem.
Also of note was that I was able to successfully use the Hammerstrength Incline - this was a huge ROM for me, & accordingly very difficult. But without elbow pain, and I got a massive stretch & activation of my delts & pecs in a way they haven’t gotten in so long. Just doing 70lbs a side was brutal, so if I can actually drive this angle now I know I’m in for some serious gains!
Dustin07
Legend
2025 is shapping up to be 
Hyde
Legend
2/28/25
5 min Assault Bike
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Hip/Psoas mashing
Copenhagen Planks
Ab Wheel
2x12
1x15 at end of session
Deadlift, powerbar
44x8
53x10 KB One-leg Deadlift
154,264,330x3
+belt
374,407,441x3
RDL
396x9,11
Lat Pulldown
100,150,180x10
200 3x8
HS CSR
180,230x12
270x8,12
Band Pullaparts
Monstermini 3x34, 60 sec rests
Wondered how today would go after some work travel yesterday, but I also did things to set myself up for success (like choosing a Chinese buffet for lunch yesterday to get my calories in & icing my low back last night before bed). After a little soft tissue work to get my hip moving right this morning, everything actually felt good. Last month this day was crap, and today the technical work was ‘easy’.
Double-digit RDLs around 400lbs isn’t a PR, but it’s definitely trending the right way.
5 min Assault Bike
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Hip/Psoas mashing
Copenhagen Planks
Ab Wheel
2x12
1x15 at end of session
Deadlift, powerbar
44x8
53x10 KB One-leg Deadlift
154,264,330x3
+belt
374,407,441x3
RDL
396x9,11
Lat Pulldown
100,150,180x10
200 3x8
HS CSR
180,230x12
270x8,12
Band Pullaparts
Monstermini 3x34, 60 sec rests
Wondered how today would go after some work travel yesterday, but I also did things to set myself up for success (like choosing a Chinese buffet for lunch yesterday to get my calories in & icing my low back last night before bed). After a little soft tissue work to get my hip moving right this morning, everything actually felt good. Last month this day was crap, and today the technical work was ‘easy’.
Double-digit RDLs around 400lbs isn’t a PR, but it’s definitely trending the right way.
gphagan1
Legend
Another impressive workout in the books….you’re picking up steam now.
I wish I was going to the Arnold, but unfortunately too much to do this weekend, but hopefully you guys have a blast.
SkRaw85
Legend
I wishAnyone going to the Arnold this weekend, reach out - driving over after work tonight! Hoping for a great trip
Send noodz!
Segansational
Well-known member
Hope you have/are having a great time! You going to see any of the bodybuilding events? Or just strongman and expo?Anyone going to the Arnold this weekend, reach out - driving over after work tonight! Hoping for a great trip
I'm just glad they've brought back free live stream this year. Prejudging was really good for open with it being so close between Samson & Derek.
Hyde
Legend
No bodybuilding; we just aren’t bodybuilders and there is way too much to see so you definitely have to pick & choose what you want to watch!
Expo was insane this year; completely back to preCOVID intensity. The vendors, samples, number of attendees & activities were all huge.
The Pro Strongman, which has become an event that you must exclusively buy tickets to watch there, was truly worth it. They had women and men each doing 3 events on Saturday (after the same Friday) that went from 10-4 probably with 25-45 minute gaps throughout to go get food/restroom/explore the expo. So it was a ton of entertainment with excellent dedicated seating for all attendees while still letting you get some expo in. It was genuinely worth the hundred bucks or whatever it was. Totally bonkers lifting.
The Animal Cage was also crazy as ever with tons of awesome lifts going down. Julius Maddox benched 765 raw, Ken Cooper pulled 926 conventional, Dan Green did a 661 SSB squat for EIGHT reps. Evan Singleton did a 300lb circus DB press after competing in the Pro show the previous 2 days, as did Sam Bellevue who sets new ATWR for women of any weight class with a 200lb DB press! This was totally insane, because she is essentially a middleweight - the woman has abs, not some giant cow.
The Amateur Strongman World Championship this year was run as a Pro-Am, meaning established Pros in a weightclass could still compete in that same class they’ve excelled in. This definitely made it interesting, as it would be harder to win for an amateur but also made it more appealing for them to get to compete alongside lifters they might have looked up to. We got to watch some after the Pros on Saturday, and if healthy I think my wife would have done particularly well - so that was cool to see.
It was a really great trip, and nice to get out for a real date night after with the wife. I’ve had some great lifting progress the first 2 months of this year, and I’m excited to keep thoughtfully moving forward!
Dustin07
Legend
sounds like you guys had a great time! I have really liked watching Dan Green, the guy is an absolute beast-
PolishHamm3r77
Well-known member
Sounds like a great trip w excellent company. It’s nice to get away as a couple every now and then. Reminds you of why you are a unit in the first place. Keep killing it as always!!! Your progress is impressive
Segansational
Well-known member
Awesome! Yeah, everything I've seen made this year's Arnold look fantastic. Glad to hear the expo was so big. Last year was pretty good, but sounds like a lot of sponsors went all out this time.
The Animal Cage is definitely a highlight for me every time I've been there. Particularly now that I'm more interested in the PL stuff. Just some crazy feats of strength. They do a good job posting up the major lifts on their social media in case anyone wants to view it.
The Animal Cage is definitely a highlight for me every time I've been there. Particularly now that I'm more interested in the PL stuff. Just some crazy feats of strength. They do a good job posting up the major lifts on their social media in case anyone wants to view it.
Hyde
Legend
Probably as close a drive for you as me in Illinois; it’s only 6 hours for some Canadians even.
When Mitch would lift half the audience would say “Moooooooooose!”. You’d have thought they were booing him if you didn’t know his nickname, but it was a ton of energy and he delivered his 3rd Arnold win in a row.
The whole thing really was epic!
Hyde
Legend
3/4/25
Band Shoulder, Lat, Tri warmup
Light DB Bench
Talk about the Arnold
Dynamic Bench, powerbar
45x10,5
95,135,185x5
205x3
225 8x3 short rests
HS Incline Press
90x15
140 3x8
Lying EZBar Rolling Tri Ext
67,117,127,137x12
Bar Cable Tri Pressdown
40x40,35,25
First session back yesterday after missing Sunday; just picked up where I left off and enjoyed the Arnold talk. Speed bench moved well with like 15 second rests & progressed both the Hammerstrength Incline and rolling skulls.
Band Shoulder, Lat, Tri warmup
Light DB Bench
Talk about the Arnold
Dynamic Bench, powerbar
45x10,5
95,135,185x5
205x3
225 8x3 short rests
HS Incline Press
90x15
140 3x8
Lying EZBar Rolling Tri Ext
67,117,127,137x12
Bar Cable Tri Pressdown
40x40,35,25
First session back yesterday after missing Sunday; just picked up where I left off and enjoyed the Arnold talk. Speed bench moved well with like 15 second rests & progressed both the Hammerstrength Incline and rolling skulls.
Hyde
Legend
3/5/25
BW 246.8
8 min Walk
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Side Plank Activations
Glute Bridges
KB Suitcase Carries
KB One-leg Deadlift
15” Rackpull, weightlifting bar (~3.5” below knee)
45,135,225x5
315x3
+straps
365x1
+belt
415,465,505,535,555x1
BB RDLs
225,315,365x3
405x8,12
Hoist Pulldown
65,125x20
185x15
245x12
305x8
Last Friday finishing with some ab wheel something slightly popped where my bottom ab/top of adductor meet at the hip crease. Not a huge deal, no bruising, just something pissed. Still feeling some pain on BW squats last night, so swapped deadlifts forward & will try squats Sunday.
No pain with any of this. Added 10lbs over last month’s Blockpulls while pulling 1.5” greater ROM: big victory in my book! 405x12 RDLs is also definitely getting sweet for me.
BW 246.8
8 min Walk
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Side Plank Activations
Glute Bridges
KB Suitcase Carries
KB One-leg Deadlift
15” Rackpull, weightlifting bar (~3.5” below knee)
45,135,225x5
315x3
+straps
365x1
+belt
415,465,505,535,555x1
BB RDLs
225,315,365x3
405x8,12
Hoist Pulldown
65,125x20
185x15
245x12
305x8
Last Friday finishing with some ab wheel something slightly popped where my bottom ab/top of adductor meet at the hip crease. Not a huge deal, no bruising, just something pissed. Still feeling some pain on BW squats last night, so swapped deadlifts forward & will try squats Sunday.
No pain with any of this. Added 10lbs over last month’s Blockpulls while pulling 1.5” greater ROM: big victory in my book! 405x12 RDLs is also definitely getting sweet for me.
PolishHamm3r77
Well-known member
My lower back just winced and became jealous at the same time. Some impressive numbers!!!
Hyde
Legend
Improving slightly every day! Doesn’t feel great getting up off the bench or out of bed yet, but I am good with a little roll.
I am not worried about Sunday. If I can’t squat pain-free, I will just do some Trapbar pulling for the legs. As long as my push/pull is going up, my total is going up!
Thanks! Hoping to set some lifetime bests on them here in the next few months if the trend can continue.