Hyde’s Strength Odyssey

[Hyde]

1/14/26
BW 248.6

2 min Assault Bike

Lat Pulldowns
60,100x12
160,190x3
210 2x12

HS CSR
180,270x3
370 2x8

One-Arm DB Row
50,85,105x3
125 2x12

DB Hammercurls
40x15
50x10
55x6

Quick lat session before my son’s gymnastics this evening. I didn’t know my lats were already sore until the first workset of Pulldowns, but I suppose a PR set of deads the day prior can do that to a guy! Nonetheless, felt strong tonight.

 

[gphagan1]

That’s some good lat work, and finishing with 2x12 with 125 is some strong one arm dumbbell rows.

 

[Hyde]

That’s some good lat work, and finishing with 2x12 with 125 is some strong one arm dumbbell rows.

Thanks; biggest we have - old metal pair with gnurled but thick handles. I have been able to row this weight for many years, but to do so without straps or having to reset my grip before the end is encouraging.

 

[Dustin07]

1/14/26
BW 248.6

2 min Assault Bike

Lat Pulldowns
60,100x12
160,190x3
210 2x12

HS CSR
180,270x3
370 2x8

One-Arm DB Row
50,85,105x3
125 2x12

DB Hammercurls
40x15
50x10
55x6

Quick lat session before my son’s gymnastics this evening. I didn’t know my lats were already sore until the first workset of Pulldowns, but I suppose a PR set of deads the day prior can do that to a guy! Nonetheless, felt strong tonight.

I love these types of sessions when you know the big work is done. It's like painting the interior after the framing and drywall is in.

 

[Dustin07]

lol that definitely can help. I don’t believe age is a big factor though, at least not as big as people claim it is. But ask me again in 20 years and my mind may change. I just don’t see myself being able to stuff I wouldn’t be able to do when I’m 40. My grandpa was athletic at 77, obviously not a beast but he was muscular, strong and athletic at an old age.

I saw this one study that proved from the ages of 13-60 your metabolism doesn’t actually change. Meaning that everyone who’s older and claims to have a harder time losing weight than when you were younger is actually simply having a harder time not because their metabolism slowed down but because their lifestyle did.

lol yeah I’m pretty young, I’ve been lifting since I was 14 in grade 9. But some health problems made me unable to train properly for a few years.

Na biggest difference for me at 43 is just time. When I was leaner I had the time to be at the gym for 2hrs every night, I also played a tourney softball team, snowboarded, was in a gigging band, fished every week, hunted, etc. Now days time is rare so it's typically get an hour at the gym OR another form of recreation but rarely both. I'd love to golf every week but finding 4+hr windows is not common.

I'm much stronger now at 43 than ever before. I'm a bit fatter, but holding a lot more lean mass too.

If you take care of yourself, don't smoke, watch your drinking, eat well, moderate stress (that's the worst imo) you look ten years younger than all your peers at my age. I still live life with a goal of challenging the highschool kids on the daily and fitting in with the college athletes. I might not be quite there anymore but it's not my body's fault, just gotta manage time to the best of your ability.

 

[Hyde]

I love these types of sessions when you know the big work is done. It's like painting the interior after the framing and drywall is in.

Yeah, this is obviously useful stuff, but I don’t think about it as real training. This is more like prepping and eating my food; it’s just work I need to do to improve my progress.

 

[Hyde]

1/16/26
BW 248.4 yesterday

2 min Assault Bike
Mace Swings
Band Warmup

Bench, Texas powerbar
45x10,5
155x5
221,265x3
303 pec cramped on unrack
155x8
221x5 cramped on rep 5

DB Laterals
20x25
25 4x15

ss w/ Incline DB Flyes
20x25
25,30,35,40x15

Seated DB Rear Delt Flyes
30x20
35x15
40x12

alt w/ Incline DB Press
50,60,70,80x15

Took 15mg Mk677 yesterday morning, ate 6,000 calories with only moderate fat over 5 meals & a snack, got ART, stretched my lats, got to bed early, put Curcuprime on my elbow so it wouldn’t be stiff; felt absolutely great going into the gym this morning. Everything felt loose & warm, nothing stiff, I could tell I was ready.

But bench warmups felt heavy, and just unracking 303 something cramped or felt tweaky in my right pec. Racked it right away, felt it again during 100kg when I tried warming up a second time. I knew nothing was going to happen if I tried to train except get hurt, so that was that. Did some pumpy stuff; light Flyes and Incline didn’t bother it, which is a good sign. We’ll try again next week

 

[sammpedd88]

1/16/26
BW 248.4 yesterday

2 min Assault Bike
Mace Swings
Band Warmup

Bench, Texas powerbar
45x10,5
155x5
221,265x3
303 pec cramped on unrack
155x8
221x5 cramped on rep 5

DB Laterals
20x25
25 4x15

ss w/ Incline DB Flyes
20x25
25,30,35,40x15

Seated DB Rear Delt Flyes
30x20
35x15
40x12

alt w/ Incline DB Press
50,60,70,80x15

Took 15mg Mk677 yesterday morning, ate 6,000 calories with only moderate fat over 5 meals & a snack, got ART, stretched my lats, got to bed early, put Curcuprime on my elbow so it wouldn’t be stiff; felt absolutely great going into the gym this morning. Everything felt loose & warm, nothing stiff, I could tell I was ready.

But bench warmups felt heavy, and just unracking 303 something cramped or felt tweaky in my right pec. Racked it right away, felt it again during 100kg when I tried warming up a second time. I knew nothing was going to happen if I tried to train except get hurt, so that was that. Did some pumpy stuff; light Flyes and Incline didn’t bother it, which is a good sign. We’ll try again next week

By any chance did you take any OTC cold meds when you were sick or taking any lately? Just wondering if you’ve got some kind of electrolyte imbalance going on. OTC cold meds dehydrate me which is typical of the night time blends with diphenhydramine but the day time ones do me the same. Just wondering since you had some cramps going on. Smart move on not pushing it.

 

[gphagan1]

1/16/26
BW 248.4 yesterday

2 min Assault Bike
Mace Swings
Band Warmup

Bench, Texas powerbar
45x10,5
155x5
221,265x3
303 pec cramped on unrack
155x8
221x5 cramped on rep 5

DB Laterals
20x25
25 4x15

ss w/ Incline DB Flyes
20x25
25,30,35,40x15

Seated DB Rear Delt Flyes
30x20
35x15
40x12

alt w/ Incline DB Press
50,60,70,80x15

Took 15mg Mk677 yesterday morning, ate 6,000 calories with only moderate fat over 5 meals & a snack, got ART, stretched my lats, got to bed early, put Curcuprime on my elbow so it wouldn’t be stiff; felt absolutely great going into the gym this morning. Everything felt loose & warm, nothing stiff, I could tell I was ready.

But bench warmups felt heavy, and just unracking 303 something cramped or felt tweaky in my right pec. Racked it right away, felt it again during 100kg when I tried warming up a second time. I knew nothing was going to happen if I tried to train except get hurt, so that was that. Did some pumpy stuff; light Flyes and Incline didn’t bother it, which is a good sign. We’ll try again next week

That’s one of the worst feelings on bench, unrack and get a pec cramp. It feels like all stability is gone on the cramped side and never worth the risk Smart move backing off and catching up another day. Hey, you’ve been on such a good PR streak lately, that’s just a bump in the road.

 

[Dustin07]

yup, live to fight another day! not worth the risk on a training day.
I used to do that with box jumps, which IMO is a stupid movement with high achilles risk. people would ask why I don't bound... nope, I step down in training, if I'm going to risk injury, I'll wait and do it in comp.

 

[Hyde]

By any chance did you take any OTC cold meds when you were sick or taking any lately? Just wondering if you’ve got some kind of electrolyte imbalance going on. OTC cold meds dehydrate me which is typical of the night time blends with diphenhydramine but the day time ones do me the same. Just wondering since you had some cramps going on. Smart move on not pushing it.

No I haven’t, if anything I would be retaining extra water with the 3,000mg of sodium from the 2 packs of ramen I had right before bed, and the Mk677 I took the day prior, and the 2,000 calories of McDonalds I had at lunch, and all the meat/rice/eggs through the day, etc. I felt really good going into this one, but some days it’s just not your day. Thanks though!

 

[sammpedd88]

No I haven’t, if anything I would be retaining extra water with the 3,000mg of sodium from the 2 packs of ramen I had right before bed, and the Mk677 I took the day prior, and the 2,000 calories of McDonalds I had at lunch, and all the meat/rice/eggs through the day, etc. I felt really good going into this one, but some days it’s just not your day. Thanks though!

Damn that’s some eating! Yeah I bet you did feel good. Well at least you stopped and knew that was the best thing to do to prevent an injury.

 

[dapack]

Congrats on deads. Things are going really good for you right now

 

[Hyde]

1/18/26

Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Plank
Side Plank Activations
Hip Stretches
Glute Bridges
RFE Split Squat
Mace Swings

Squat, Buffalobar
BW,55,145x5
235,325x3
+Inzer sleeves
415x3
+belt
465x3
510,540,570,590x1 PR
485x5,10 PR

Best squat on a bow bar I’ve ever done, and it felt so easy I contemplated going for a double before common sense kicked in. Previous best was 578 in fall of ‘23 when I was a good bit heavier. This is the heaviest I’ve squat in over 2 years. Then just figured I’d do 2x5 with 485 for some work, but felt so good I just kept the 2nd set rolling into the best volume set I’ve ever squat.

It was about 20* in the garage, so I had to wear gloves to load the plates & flannel inbetween sets, but worked out fine obviously!

 

[akboom87]

1/18/26

Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Plank
Side Plank Activations
Hip Stretches
Glute Bridges
RFE Split Squat
Mace Swings

Squat, Buffalobar
BW,55,145x5
235,325x3
+Inzer sleeves
415x3
+belt
465x3
510,540,570,590x1 PR
485x5,10 PR

Best squat on a bow bar I’ve ever done, and it felt so easy I contemplated going for a double before common sense kicked in. Previous best was 578 in fall of ‘23 when I was a good bit heavier. This is the heaviest I’ve squat in over 2 years. Then just figured I’d do 2x5 with 485 for some work, but felt so good I just kept the 2nd set rolling into the best volume set I’ve ever squat.

It was about 20* in the garage, so I had to wear gloves to load the plates & flannel inbetween sets, but worked out fine obviously!

Whew awesome PR!! Looks like a great time in the garage!!!!!! And then a great finish at 485 for 10

 

[Hyde]

Whew awesome PR!! Looks like a great time in the garage!!!!!! And then a great finish at 485 for 10

I realized after the Yukonbar is only 50lbs, not 55, so the PRs were actually a 585 single & 480x10, but those are still perfect

 

[gphagan1]

Congrats on the PRs….dude that is some incredibly impressive squats. The four single sets all over 500 lbs with the 585 x 1 and followed up with the 2 sets of 480 and finishing with a 480 x 10 PR. Looks like 2026 is already your year big guy. And I thought that was cute your spotter in her robe and bedroom shoes.
The family that lifts together wins championships together.

 

[Segansational]

Out of curiosity, why MK and not one of the "-morelins"? Given you pin already, is there a benefit to MK that you're using it for differently?

 

[Shadowblaze]

Do you find mk677 is great for sleep and recovery? I’m trying to get a bit of a boost to my sleep and recovery from training, while increasing rem sleep.

 

[Dustin07]

Does Rogue sell that lifting robe?

HUGE PR, I was thinking as I read that, watching you hit some fat PR's lately, I can't help but to think your 40s are going to be I've seen other guys mention it and I can't explain it but by 40 it just feels like you've ggot this base built and the body is ready for peak performance. at least thats been my experience. aside from the nagging injury here and there the strength side is awesome.

 

[Hyde]

Congrats on the PRs….dude that is some incredibly impressive squats. The four single sets all over 500 lbs with the 585 x 1 and followed up with the 2 sets of 480 and finishing with a 480 x 10 PR. Looks like 2026 is already your year big guy. And I thought that was cute your spotter in her robe and bedroom shoes.
The family that lifts together wins championships together.

Thank you. It’s been a long time since I’ve had some real PRs, but 2024 was spent hurt/healing and ultimately 2025 was rebuilding - it’s been a lot of effort & patience, but that’s what building strength is.

Yeah it was absolutely freezing out there, so she had to gear up!

Out of curiosity, why MK and not one of the "-morelins"? Given you pin already, is there a benefit to MK that you're using it for differently?

I use MK specifically when I need to overeat & increase water retention acutely. It’s a ghrelin agonist, so taken in the morning it will make me hungrier the rest of the day allowing me to get more meals in. Plus it adds more water than 2iu GH, while also being cheaper & more convenient. I use it VERY rarely, usually the day before maxing out or after a weighin. It’s just a tool in the cupboard.

Do you find mk677 is great for sleep and recovery? I’m trying to get a bit of a boost to my sleep and recovery from training, while increasing rem sleep.

It can help you sleep longer, but the nightmares it can give me taken before bed certainly don’t make for a restful sleep - more like a long night. Plus I’m often groggy the next morning. It’s not a good bodybuilding drug, more for someone looking to fatten up.

2iu GH is much more effective for me to get more rest out of my sleep, healthier on blood sugar, more recovery overall & better joint support. If I used one routinely for enhanced recovery, it would definitely be GH.

Does Rogue sell that lifting robe?

HUGE PR, I was thinking as I read that, watching you hit some fat PR's lately, I can't help but to think your 40s are going to be I've seen other guys mention it and I can't explain it but by 40 it just feels like you've ggot this base built and the body is ready for peak performance. at least thats been my experience. aside from the nagging injury here and there the strength side is awesome.

Lol if they did she might buy one.

I think when you peak mainly depends on when you got going training properly for strength, how hard you go, and what kind of injuries you pick up along the way. While I could definitely believe that I could be my strongest at 40 in 5 more years, I do not believe I will be seeing my best performances near 49. I’ve already got 10 years of competition mileage on me and been lifting steady for 17. That doesn’t mean I won’t lift or even compete, but that’s a lot more orthopedic trauma by 50.

 

[Dustin07]

I think when you peak mainly depends on when you got going training properly for strength, how hard you go, and what kind of injuries you pick up along the way. While I could definitely believe that I could be my strongest at 40 in 5 more years, I do not believe I will be seeing my best performances near 49. I’ve already got 10 years of competition mileage on me and been lifting steady for 17. That doesn’t mean I won’t lift or even compete, but that’s a lot more orthopedic trauma by 50.

another thought on that is pharma support. my stats teacher in college was a baseball geek, too, and he pointed out the bell curve of athletic dominance always being around age 30. (this seems to apply both to physical and academic accomplishments) however those athletes with pharma support during the early 2000s scandals had 2nd curves in their late 30s and early 40s. so I have no doubt that you'll be building for a while!

 

[akboom87]

Not sure if it fits your situation but just picked up a propane heater at northern tools that just hooks to a propane bottle and 110 to run the fan. 99 bucks

Will be testing out today as it is supposed to be a high of 7. Will just use to preheat the garage and then shut off before we go out

 

[Hyde]

Added 250-500mcg SLU-PP the last 3 mornings from MA Research - thanks for the discount @Smont. Will be using it just preWO/4 days per week probably, as that’s what Duffin advises, but between him & Kikel’s spiel about the longevity benefits, seemed like a solid addition. May have noticed a little energy, but I’m strictly taking it for mitochondrial health as an enhanced powerlifter.

Also, a 3cc glute shot of 600mg Glutathione this morning to help recover from yesterday’s trauma, plus my son has a perpetual snot nose. The added lidocaine is a really clutch detail: normally glutathione just aches afterwards.

Began Caber at 0.25 twice/wk last week. I ran out of P5P and it was only barely keeping up with Dien, so this is the right play thru the comp in 40 days.

Added 5mg Trest on 5 mornings last week and it went well, so mixing it into my vial for this week ahead.

Last week’s androgens were:
300 test c / 400 mast e / 200 dien e / 25 trest a / 200 deca

This week:
300 test c / 400 mast e / 200 dien e / 35 trest a

May or may not keep deca in at 100. I just took a shot from an old open vial after the pec strain Friday. There’s no reason I want to be that dry to be able to cramp like that.

 

[Hyde]

Not sure if it fits your situation but just picked up a propane heater at northern tools that just hooks to a propane bottle and 110 to run the fan. 99 bucks

Will be testing out today as it is supposed to be a high of 7. Will just use to preheat the garage and then shut off before we go out

I will probably do everything at the barbell club this prep normally, which we keep at like 60. I mocked up an order when Kleen posted that though and they wanted like $130 to ship to IL; we don’t have that store here.

-17* windchill here (and this is a very windy place), but it is going from 7 up to 14 for the high, so we’re better off than you!

 

[akboom87]

I will probably do everything at the barbell club this prep normally, which we keep at like 60. I mocked up an order when Kleen posted that though and they wanted like $130 to ship to IL; we don’t have that store here.

-17* windchill here (and this is a very windy place), but it is going from 7 up to 14 for the high, so we’re better off than you!

Yeah I don’t blame you there.

This is a different setup then what he had posted it just a forced air set up, a little more practical for the garage.

https://www.northerntool.com/products/mr-heater-forced-air-propane-heater-60-000-btu-1500-sq-ft-capacity-model-f228112-106927?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Heaters%20%26%20Stoves%20%2B%20Fireplaces%20%3E%20Propane%20Heaters%20%3E%20Propane%20Construction%20Heaters&utm_campaign=Mr.%20Heater&utm_content=106927&ogmap=SHP%7CPLA%7CGOOG%7CSTND%7Cm%7CSITEWIDE%7CINTRADE%7CHeaters&Stoves+Fireplaces%7C%7Badgroup%7D%7C%7C857740797%7C42214667263&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=857740797&gbraid=0AAAAADpPfbOoqFfQQJnyuVmssYSL-NBID&gclid=CjwKCAiAybfLBhAjEiwAI0mBBrbofURNUWdacC-Idw-xQcNddcItMQQud8Pq8_E6K5koGO4EpQPabxoCujkQAvD_BwE

 

[Dustin07]

saw this if you have a HF. they don't sell high end stuff but I've had good experiences. I often buy a tool there for a one time use and find it lasts far longer than I expected.

Propane Heaters - Harbor Freight Tools

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

 

[dapack]

Been crushing those PRs lately!!

 

[Hyde]

1/20/26
BW 251.4 yesterday

3 min Assault Bike
Band Warmups
Mace Swings

Bench, Texas Powerbar
45x10,5
111,155x8
221x5
243,265,276,287,298,304,306x3
309x2

Band Pullaparts
Mini 3x35

GHD Sit-ups
BWx15
+10 2x10

Lat Pulldowns
50,100x12
150,200x3
220 2x10

HS CSR
270x3
375x10,8

Didn’t feel super strong but the pec isn’t strained, so I was able to work hard until my elbow started inflaming & locking up on me. Second rep of 309 my body touched to the left to try to spare the elbow any possible flexion, so I shut it down instead of practicing shitty technique. But I am confident I could have tripled it if necessary.

Elbow didn’t even want to bend with the empty barbell after that, so pressing/tri accessories were out. Made the most of it & got some rear delts, abs & lats in. Definitely better overall than Friday’s session at least!

 

[gphagan1]

1/20/26
BW 251.4 yesterday

3 min Assault Bike
Band Warmups
Mace Swings

Bench, Texas Powerbar
45x10,5
111,155x8
221x5
243,265,276,287,298,304,306x3
309x2

Band Pullaparts
Mini 3x35

GHD Sit-ups
BWx15
+10 2x10

Lat Pulldowns
50,100x12
150,200x3
220 2x10

HS CSR
270x3
375x10,8

Didn’t feel super strong but the pec isn’t strained, so I was able to work hard until my elbow started inflaming & locking up on me. Second rep of 309 my body touched to the left to try to spare the elbow any possible flexion, so I shut it down instead of practicing shitty technique. But I am confident I could have tripled it if necessary.

Elbow didn’t even want to bend with the empty barbell after that, so pressing/tri accessories were out. Made the most of it & got some rear delts, abs & lats in. Definitely better overall than Friday’s session at least!

Glad the pec wasn’t strained….do you notice your elbow issues more in the cold, like I do with arthritis? I figured you probably do, because it just seems like cold weather tends to trigger anything that causes inflammation.

 

[Hyde]

Glad the pec wasn’t strained….do you notice your elbow issues more in the cold, like I do with arthritis? I figured you probably do, because it just seems like cold weather tends to trigger anything that causes inflammation.

It’s pretty much tied to use of ROM I believe, for now. But I think today was bad because I just squat 48 hours prior. I had it moved to before squats in the weekly rotation, then Widegrip after (which helped circumvent the stiffness/mobility post squat), but Friday’s issues got things flip-flopped to a bad order of operations today.

 

[Dustin07]

But I think today was bad because I just squat 48 hours prior.

that sure makes sense to me. normally my elbow issues are the reverse of yours, heavy weight on the bench makes it feel better and the accessories flare it up, but heavy squatting can trash my elbows from time to time.

 

[Hyde]

1/21/26
BW 252.4

Band Warmup

CG Shouldersaver Bench
45,111x10
155x8
221x6
243,254,265,276x10

Push-ups
BWx35
vs Light Band 2x12

Yesterday after benching my elbow couldn’t even handle pressing the barbell out of the rack to do any closegrip; 33 hours later today I did 40 reps averaging 260lbs no problem. Also really pleased I was able to get 12s on pushups against such a big band.

100 work reps of triceps tonight I was nearly cheated out of this week by my joints - what a difference a day can make!

 

[gphagan1]

1/21/26
BW 252.4

Band Warmup

CG Shouldersaver Bench
45,111x10
155x8
221x6
243,254,265,276x10

Push-ups
BWx35
vs Light Band 2x12

Yesterday after benching my elbow couldn’t even handle pressing the barbell out of the rack to do any closegrip; 33 hours later today I did 40 reps averaging 260lbs no problem. Also really pleased I was able to get 12s on pushups against such a big band.

100 work reps of triceps tonight I was nearly cheated out of this week by my joints - what a difference a day can make!

Nice Close Grip bench work…..glad the elbow cooperated so you were able to get some good heavy volume in.

 

[Dustin07]

thats awesome man, glad it smoothed out so fast for you. I hadn't even thought about banded pushups....

 

[UnrealMachine]

Great job setting PRs brother

 

[Segansational]

Interested to hear what you think of the SLU after you've used it for a bit. I have a bottle as well, but some of what I'm reading is that the constant high metabolic output might be counterproductive to my goals - which would include recovery - even though it might help the fat loss equation. I am interested about the "energy" feel though, since fatigue is sometimes an issue for me.

 

[Hyde]

Great job setting PRs brother

Thanks; good to see you around!

Interested to hear what you think of the SLU after you've used it for a bit. I have a bottle as well, but some of what I'm reading is that the constant high metabolic output might be counterproductive to my goals - which would include recovery - even though it might help the fat loss equation. I am interested about the "energy" feel though, since fatigue is sometimes an issue for me.

I’m not using very much and don’t really intend to for the moment. I don’t notice much, but seems like it helps energy slightly if anything at the ~250mcg or so that I’m using on training days. The MA Super SLU is so concentrated I only need 5 units, which is tough to measure on an oral syringe - basically one drop.

Duffin said it’s great for cellular health, but should just be a training day thing preWO. You do want some cleanup/breakdown on offdays as well, so he does not promote daily use. He would use BAM15 for the extra fission it promotes on off-days if fatloss was also the goal (which it’s not for me currently).

 

[Hyde]

1/23/26

3 min Assault Bike
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
KB Suitcase Carries
KB One-leg DL

Deadlift, Texas Deadlift bar
155x8 RDL
265,375x3
+powerbelt
464,530,574x1
+straps
530x5 PR

RDL
+belt & straps
407 2x9

Dimmel Deads
242 2x20

Awesome deadlift session, and last one before testing next time. 574 moved well, snapping to lockout faster than I expected. Used straps for the PR set to make sure I didn’t risk tearing my hands open the week before testing. Grip on the bare steel Texas DL bar felt pretty solid, no problem holding the lockout with 574, so hopefully that continues when maxing out.

 

[Dustin07]

sick pr man, and looking yoked!

 

[akboom87]

 

[gphagan1]

Another impressive PR…..man I’m really interested to see what your max will be, because you are riding a strong PR wave the last couple of months. Wouldn’t be shocked at all if you pull 620 to 630.

 

[dapack]

On a huge pr binge

 

[Hyde]

1/24/26

3 min Assault Bike
Mace Swings
Get a powerbar onto my upper back
Reverse Grip Bench

Bench, Texas Powerbar
135x8
185x6
225x5
255x3
280x2
300,320x1

No real strength or bodybuilding work, but it did feel very productive. Sore, tight, tired, after yesterday’s deadlifts, and very cold. Focused on mobility, eventually working my hands onto a powerbar on my back & getting it into comp position with all my fingers on the bar (this is not an easy thing for me!). Also was touching my chest with the empty cambered reverse grip multigrip bar.

Then spent time working on setting up feet first before setting my upper back, instead of using feet on the bench to set my back first. I had to work up to some real percentage to know what was working, but thankfully able to nail it by 280. I am not sure I’ll be allowed to put my feet on the pad to set up at this meet with the new 2026 rules, so I needed to adapt to be ready. 320 came out of the rack easy and moved very smoothly, didn’t feel too heavy, plus zero pec issues (which is confidence-inspiring for next time).

I’ve totaled 1,479lbs in my biggest training lifts this week, not maxing out.

 

[sammpedd88]

1/24/26

3 min Assault Bike
Mace Swings
Get a powerbar onto my upper back
Reverse Grip Bench

Bench, Texas Powerbar
135x8
185x6
225x5
255x3
280x2
300,320x1

No real strength or bodybuilding work, but it did feel very productive. Sore, tight, tired, after yesterday’s deadlifts, and very cold. Focused on mobility, eventually working my hands onto a powerbar on my back & getting it into comp position with all my fingers on the bar (this is not an easy thing for me!). Also was touching my chest with the empty cambered reverse grip multigrip bar.

Then spent time working on setting up feet first before setting my upper back, instead of using feet on the bench to set my back first. I had to work up to some real percentage to know what was working, but thankfully able to nail it by 280. I am not sure I’ll be allowed to put my feet on the pad to set up at this meet with the new 2026 rules, so I needed to adapt to be ready. 320 came out of the rack easy and moved very smoothly, didn’t feel too heavy, plus zero pec issues (which is confidence-inspiring for next time).

I’ve totaled 1,479lbs in my biggest training lifts this week, not maxing out.

What federation are you competing in? I know the IPF has made some crazy changes.i didn’t realize others were jumping on board.

I’m assuming your elbow felt decent today. Hopefully it will hang in there and not aggravate you too much and allow you to make it to meet time with no issues.

 

[Shadowblaze]

1/24/26

3 min Assault Bike
Mace Swings
Get a powerbar onto my upper back
Reverse Grip Bench

Bench, Texas Powerbar
135x8
185x6
225x5
255x3
280x2
300,320x1

No real strength or bodybuilding work, but it did feel very productive. Sore, tight, tired, after yesterday’s deadlifts, and very cold. Focused on mobility, eventually working my hands onto a powerbar on my back & getting it into comp position with all my fingers on the bar (this is not an easy thing for me!). Also was touching my chest with the empty cambered reverse grip multigrip bar.

Then spent time working on setting up feet first before setting my upper back, instead of using feet on the bench to set my back first. I had to work up to some real percentage to know what was working, but thankfully able to nail it by 280. I am not sure I’ll be allowed to put my feet on the pad to set up at this meet with the new 2026 rules, so I needed to adapt to be ready. 320 came out of the rack easy and moved very smoothly, didn’t feel too heavy, plus zero pec issues (which is confidence-inspiring for next time).

I’ve totaled 1,479lbs in my biggest training lifts this week, not maxing out.

Are you part of the 2000lb club?

 

[Hyde]

What federation are you competing in? I know the IPF has made some crazy changes.i didn’t realize others were jumping on board.

I’m assuming your elbow felt decent today. Hopefully it will hang in there and not aggravate you too much and allow you to make it to meet time with no issues.

Powerlifting United

Last meet I set up feet first, which I can always set up great assuming I get a liftoff, but changed to setting my upper back first this offseason so I can do all my self-liftoff work well because it lets my upper body consistently be under the bar where I need to safely nail the self-unrack. But reading these rules and knowing the IPF banned feet on pad for setup, until I get clarification otherwise I’m just going back to setting my feet and pulling myself under the bar again.

If I practice consistency in feel and position under the bar, I should be able to make it work well. I just need to do better. I was nailing it yesterday.

Are you part of the 2000lb club?

My best total is 1,653lbs in the Open 275 Raw class. My best squat/bench/deadlifts in gym or meet total 1,680 (645/405/630).

 

[sammpedd88]

Powerlifting United

Last meet I set up feet first, which I can always set up great assuming I get a liftoff, but changed to setting my upper back first this offseason so I can do all my self-liftoff work well because it lets my upper body consistently be under the bar where I need to safely nail the self-unrack. But reading these rules and knowing the IPF banned feet on pad for setup, until I get clarification otherwise I’m just going back to setting my feet and pulling myself under the bar again.

If I practice consistency in feel and position under the bar, I should be able to make it work well. I just need to do better. I was nailing it yesterday.


My best total is 1,653lbs in the Open 275 Raw class. My best squat/bench/deadlifts in gym or meet total 1,680 (645/405/630).

I wish I could set my feet first and pull myself under the bar. Never been able to do it comfortably. I put my feet on the bench and set my shoulders. I’m wondering how many federations are going to follow suit with IPF.

 

[Hyde]

I wish I could set my feet first and pull myself under the bar. Never been able to do it comfortably. I put my feet on the bench and set my shoulders. I’m wondering how many federations are going to follow suit with IPF.

Usually none; the IPF sucks for so many reasons even the USAPL defected from them finally. But unless I can get clarification otherwise, I’m just going to train to be ready.

 

[sammpedd88]

Usually none; the IPF sucks for so many reasons even the USAPL defected from them finally. But unless I can get clarification otherwise, I’m just going to train to be ready.

Yeah the changes they have made recently are stupid. Can’t step over the bar on deadlifts, can’t have a visible necklace on…it keeps going and going.