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HokiePride...{The Return}...2016

December 26, 2023

Bench Press
315Lbs | 5x10 {Milestone}

Hit this with no spotters and no equipment. All grit and dedication. I finally mastered this weight the way I wanted to since leaving the hospital July 2021. Now I’m eyeing the Powerlifting Meet in July. It’s going to be epic to finally lift 8 plates and for a World Record in my weight class and age category. I’ll set the standard and look to best it every year until I can’t do it anymore.
 
12/27/23

Arms
 
HokiePride said:
December 26, 2023

Bench Press
315Lbs | 5x10 {Milestone}

Hit this with no spotters and no equipment. All grit and dedication. I finally mastered this weight the way I wanted to since leaving the hospital July 2021. Now I’m eyeing the Powerlifting Meet in July. It’s going to be epic to finally lift 8 plates and for a World Record in my weight class and age category. I’ll set the standard and look to best it every year until I can’t do it anymore.
Click to expand...
Awesome man glad to hear it’s coming along!
 
January 10, 2024

Back to work. Been a minute but still working. Need to log my last training session which was:

Bench Press
Bar, 135, 225 {x2/10}
315lbs | 5x10

For first time in a long while I was able to complete an rollouts. Did one set
 
January 31

Bench Press
325lbs | 5x5
Mach. Cable Fly
205lbs | 3x10
Rear Mach Delt Fly
205lbs | 3x10

Still staying strong in the game.
 
Feb 2 Friday
Plan to bench again today but this time maxing out and seeing if I can complete two tasks. One being lift 405lbs for first time in two years. Maybe hit it for a double and back down.
This morning I was able to complete Ab Rollouts. 4x8.
First time since a month ago. Doms was tough on my belly. We will see how I feel tomorrow and if I can incorporate more often during week.
My plan today |
Bench
135, 225, 275, 315, 405, 315, 275, 225.
 
Wednesday Feb. 20

Staying the course. Still training as usual but knocked the amount of gym days to 1-2 per week due to fatigue levels at new job, I now work in manufacturing. Working 4/12s. Four days on and four days off @ 12hr shifts. Being a supervisor, I'm required to do an extensive amount of walking/standing. Been doing so since November. Don't know how long I'll be doing this type of work since I've had issues staying awake and sore quite often due to my body not being used to the physical demands of the job. Each shift I get stronger. Most of my lower body weakness and mobility was hindered through the covid hospitalization 3yrs ago. I wasn't forced until now be on my feet this often. I'm slowly getting acclimated to the physicality of the job.

On another note, just celebrated 24th wedding anniversary on Feb. 13, 2024. Of course, got her some special things for Valentines Day.

Last Friday hit a milestone.
Bench Press
135{2x10}, 225{2x10}, 275x10, 335lbs {5x5}
 
March 17, 2024

Whew.....Been a minute. I was worried about my employment as I began a new job as a manufacturing supervisor November 2023. Working 12-13 hour shifts 4 days on/off. I don't work out much on days I work if at all, but I get a few in on my off rotation. Fatigue played a huge part in how I have to adjust. After standing and walking for 13 hours I'm ready to get rested and sleep for next workday. When I'm off it takes a day or two to recover. Also, the boys were playing basketball up until two weeks ago for their school. My oldest went undefeated and won the championship his first time ever playing. My youngest did well but they have a lot of growing to do as a team. I was leaving work at times and dropping them off or picking up then on weekend they had games. I may get just two days in 8 days. Nonetheless, I'm maintaining my bench numbers and plan to compete in June.

I have a gym across from work that I plan to join which is also 24 hours. I will get more workouts in more often but less volume. Tomorrow I will be fresh off rotation and hopefully hit my numbers on both flat and incline.

Bench 335lbs {5x5}, Incline Bench 315 {3x2}

I've slowly been building my home gym and will add additional home training to perform SBD. This year has been great so far to say the least and my growth and rebuilding from Covid has been tough but increasing. We will see where I peak but I'm striving to hit another 500 bench one day before retiring that Max.
 
March 29, 2017

Peeled back on weight and increased volume. Due to work schedule and demand on the job it was affecting how often I could work out. To get more work out the minimal time that I have I decided to place more emphasis on volume this summer.

Bench
275lbs | 4x10, 315 | 1x6
Incline DB | 90lbs, 3x10
Incline Bench | 135x10, 185x10, 225x10, 275x10
 
May 30, 2024

Lost job but maintaining positive attitude towards life.

Returned to gym for quick chest work after week off.

Bench Press
310lbs | 5x5
Incline Bench Press
225lbs | 3x10
Cable Fly
45lbs | 3x15
 
HokiePride said:
May 30, 2024

Lost job but maintaining positive attitude towards life.

Returned to gym for quick chest work after week off.

Bench Press
310lbs | 5x5
Incline Bench Press
225lbs | 3x10
Cable Fly
45lbs | 3x15
Click to expand...
Dang man sorry to hear that, hoping you have good luck picking up a new job!
 
Update:
Still on the hunt for employment. Being unemployed this long has challenged my mental health and of course pocket. I expended all savings ngs I had when I was hospitalized and rehabbed from Covid. I worked for a year and a half before being fired from Air Products Memorial Day weekend 2023.

I picked up a job with a manufacturing company from November 2023 through April 2024 and got fired. Yet here I am jobless and seeking employment. It’s been a long 4 years since Covid 2020 lockdowns until now.

I just had an interview this past Wednesday and hopefully my drought ends. This has put a significant strain on my finances and health. I’m still hitting the gym but recently I decided to get gynecomastia surgery. I had man boobs from puberty. I even had side boobs. That all got lipo from chest to under arms. I’m one week into recovery..
 
9/27/24

Update:
I’m still unemployed. I had prospective jobs but telling about my Covid experience has made it difficult to get hired. I will no longer discuss this time frame in interviews. I believed my comeback was a major success for living and being in a job. Apparently I look more as a liability by being honest…..

My grandmother passed a few days ago. She went peacefully but it’s taking its toll on our entire family. She will be laid to rest next Saturday. Covid caused her many issues when she was hospitalized in 2020. It destroyed her kidney function. She was on dialysis last few years and it got to a point where it would no longer work…..
I had gyno surgery July 2024 to get rid of chest and under arm fat. This was from adolescence. I’m about 9 weeks post surgery……

In August I was hospitalized in a Va hospital as I was getting very sick and found glucose was above 600. Needless to say I was hospitalized. I was diagnosed Type 1 diabetic. I would say my body was out of control due to depression and anxiety. Covid did similar to myself in 2021. Since then I’ve been dealing with mental health issues and my father passing in 2020 from Covid. Last 4.5 years have been extremely challenging yet here I am….

Started training chest again along with full body…..
Today is Chest day

Bench
290lbs {5,5,5,4,3} Goal is 5x5
Incline Db
90lbs {3x5}
Cable Crossover

Cardio
30min Treadmill

Raising mph/incline weekly. Getting to 2.2/4.0 by October for full 30min before raising incline remaining steady @ 2.2mph. After 3 months see where I am before adjusting speed. I think speed can remain constant while raising incline steadily until reaching 12-15.
 
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10/1/24

Delts
Plan to hit 90 or 95lbs for db raises amongst all other lifts we perform.
 
Just dropping a note in here of support. All that you've had to deal with is certainly heavy, but as you mentioned: You're still here. Let that sink in for you. Still choosing to get up and fight the good fight. That's success in and of itself. Keep going brother.
 
Oct 6 2024
Buried my grandmother of 90years, yesterday . She was a real one. Loved her so so much. Beautiful service and she looked very restful and beautiful in her dress for her heavenly trip. She now now joins a long list family including my father to watch over us.
 
HokiePride said:
Oct 6 2024
Buried my grandmother of 90years, yesterday . She was a real one. Loved her so so much. Beautiful service and she looked very restful and beautiful in her dress for her heavenly trip. She now now joins a long list family including my father to watch over us.
Click to expand...
Sorry for your loss 🙏🏻 sounds like she was a great person and will be missed.
 
Guess whos back? I'm back on my grind. I've been on a hiatus. I'm reducing bodyfat and getting stronger. My goals for 2025 have been on my mind and I've remained quiet and steady. I finally got hired and I'm extremely grateful after hearing no from company after company. It's been such a struggle last four years to live just on minimal income. I won't mention the source, but it came at the right time. it's been holding my family together in the meantime. Since being let go by Air Products after my hospitalization, which I made it back for a year and half before being let go, I wasn't working from April 2021 until November 2021. I drained all our savings try to keep my family intact while trying to rebuild my body and regain my health. It took 4 years post hospitalization. During that time I worked fr a few months with Crown Cork & Seal from November 2023 until April 2024 and got fired. Body still wasn't functioning quit right and psychologically I was down. Thank god I'm feeling 1000x better and found great work. I'm not looking back.

My plan for tomorrow. This is all I want to accomplish. Nothing else matters in terms of numbers. This will be a PR since prehospitalization. I'm on my way to competing this April and breaking my record from 2yrs when I first tried hitting 405lbs. This time I'm targeting my record @ 365lbs and looking to hit 385lbs. If all goes well, in June I'll target 405 for a record single.

FYI. please follow my Instagram page to see my Chevy Silverado RST. Please give it a like and a follow.

Bench Press {TARGET}
295lbs 4x10.
 
Been a tumultuous time period since beginning my new employment with PennDot. I have a lot to divulge including speaking about my low testosterone. I've suffered daily since April 2021 after getting covid. I've been denied care to get back on since hematocrit goes sky high with injections. My general practitioner attempted to help and give me the cream but its trash. Anyways, I'm trying to go through the hoops of getting it through the VA.
Currently, we are mandatory Mondays at work due to Real ID. Until this ends, I can get focused on my training. I have one day a week off right now which is Sundays, except Easter until May 5. I'll get Sunday and Monday back afterwards. I appreciate and thank God I'm working again.
 
Yet through all, you persevere! Sorry about the struggles, but the fact that you are facing it all and still here means something brother. Don't let life crush you. Push that ish back up like the weights.

Good luck on the next few weeks.
 
Definitely appreciate it bro. Thank you for checking in. Looking forward to summer 25'. Recently, my Silverado has been down due to catastrophic engine failure. Its been in the shop since January. They found metal shavings in the oil filter. I'm going through the process of claiming lemon law. They are now required to replace my entire engine which can take anywhere from another month to 6 months. In the meantime, I was given a loaner vehicle.

I've been mandated at work 6 days a week due to Real ID until May 12. Gym has been hit or miss due to fatigue to make it to the gym after work. This past Monday a coworker fell and broke his foot. Now I've been volunteered to help bring him to work until he is capable of driving again. I will figure a way out to get a few in until he is capable of driving himself.

I'm working on peeling off the bodyfat tall summer. It started last August. I've added some peptides along the way {Ozempic, Jardiance, AOD9604 & SLu-PP-332}. All have weight loss properties but work differently. They also have benefits which extend beyond weight loss. These benefits include organ protection. My kidneys were having filtration issues following the hospitalization from covid. These all have great benefits and allow me to control exactly what I eat without cravings. These are game changers. I will get another body scan late this summer to compare from the one I completed November 2024. My fat mass was 167lbs and muscle mass was 200lbs. It will be interesting to know after 3 months on these peptides, including what I was doing prior to beginning the peptides, what my results will be. I will get another scan beginning 2026 to compare all three.

Segansational said:
Yet through all, you persevere! Sorry about the struggles, but the fact that you are facing it all and still here means something brother. Don't let life crush you. Push that ish back up like the weights.

Good luck on the next few weeks.
Click to expand...
 
295lbs {5x5} Bench Press {2x a week}

I finally reached this point where I feel like progress is beginning to take hold. Strength slowly increasing each week regardless of fatigue level. I've managed to understand how to work around sleep, nutrition and long work hours. Previously I hit 315 but couldn't sustain it once I was employed again. For three months I've been working 6 days a week and driving an hour each to work @ 10-12 workdays. Before I did reach 315 but I was unemployed, and recovery was different. I've only been working 3.5 months in last four years. This has been trial and error.
 
305lbs {5x5} Bench Press {2x a week}

Finally reached another milestone. Hitting these numbers at a great pace. Unfortunately, only able to get to the gym twice a week. I'm still moving forward with goals of achieving 315 2x a week. Once I establish an additional ten lbs. I'll take more time to hit every other muscle and maintain that baseline. Focus on stretching and widening my chest and adding dips, pull ups and ab rollouts as staples.

Weight management:
These are my peptides I'm currently on to lower bodyfat. My body has an extremely slow response to weigh loss. I had to incorporate these three as catalysts.
AOD9604

SLU-PP-332

Ozempic
 
Been a month and I'm making progress. Finally, hit 325 yesterday for 5x3. Going to continue this trend for next 4-6 weeks 2x a week. RPE of 9.5. Finished off with Incline bench 225 | 5x5, Hammer Flye 6x6, completed with ab work.

Goal is to hit 335 | 5x3 beginning September.

Ozempic raised to 1ml. Continuing to plan and execute strength gains. Hopefully land at the 405lb mark by end of the year.
 
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Its been a few months but I'm still here. My strength has been going up and down due to struggles with Covid. Managing fat loss extremely well. On my last days with AOD/Slu-PP-13 both utilized for fat loss. I'm continuing ozempic to control blood sugar but also fat loss. I'm also taking cla/carnitine from EHPlabs. I'll spend a year focused on weightloss and maintaining whatever muscle I can.
 
HokiePride said:
Its been a few months but I'm still here. My strength has been going up and down due to struggles with Covid. Managing fat loss extremely well. On my last days with AOD/Slu-PP-13 both utilized for fat loss. I'm continuing ozempic to control blood sugar but also fat loss. I'm also taking cla/carnitine from EHPlabs. I'll spend a year focused on weightloss and maintaining whatever muscle I can.
Click to expand...
How are you dosing the SLU & AOD?
 
I'll check shortly; I'll get a body scan in November. I feel like I lost a lot in my stomach. I have a long way to go. I lost a significant amount in my chest which affected my strength levels. I'm staying the course. I'm also on Ozempic, mainly for blood sugar control but of course, it helps with weight loss. The problem is my testosterone is extremely low and makes it difficult to lose weight even with the supplements and drugs, my true measure will be a one-year scan comparison.

Bench Press
255lbs | 5x10 completed Tuesday 10/7 & 10/10. Slowly making my way back to 315lbs. We see if it I can hold it there and maintain as opposed to dropping. Hopefully I'll be able to do it Summer 26 with that weight. Steady progress is key.
 
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Bench Press {This week}
260lbs | 5x10 10/14. Goal for today & Friday 10/17

Moving to

Been invited to compete in DAY OF THE DAY in Carlisle PA. Oct 19, 2025.
This was after entering my first real show with my truck 21'Chevy Silverado RST {IG: Navy_717_RST}.
I was invited to this show prior to taking second place in 4x4 category. I was asked by the sponsor to bring it to the show because they liked the vehicle. We shall see how it does on the big stage. I even got approved for VIP status inside the building. This is bigger than the show itself. It's about meeting people and understanding comradery and building friendships.

Purchased some weights and weight tree from a friend this weekend. I'll be ae able to do some work outside in the driveway and keep my other plates in the basement. things are coming together as I planned 5yrs ago but got sick from covid and had to abort mission.
 
Bench Press {This week}
275lbs | 5x10 10/20. RPE 8.0

Strength climbing and going to attempt again this Friday.

Show didn't go well for me, but it was a great time with family. Show season is over but I have plans for next year.
 
Monday October 27,2025
Bench Press
285lbs | 5x10

Final set was hard at very end but managed. So I’ll stay here at this weight for a few weeks, 2x a week. Lifting and healing. Then move again. Surprised at the strength holding week to week but everything moving in right direction.
 
Monday January 5, 2026
Happy New Year

Wow didn’t know it was this long since last post!
I haven’t stopped grinding or working.
Been to the gym daily since year 2026 except for the 1st since I was working. I’ve put time into my abs and began rebuilding my strength since it fell off due to low testosterone. Doctors just won’t give me exogenous treatment. I’m stuck with producing little to none.

Today I gave plasma for the first time and I feel great afterwards. Took a trip to LoveSac to look into purchasing a bean bag for my youngest son bedroom. Dropped about $875. Excruciatingly painful spending that kind of money but it was justified in his friends joining him in his room or if he wants to chill and watch movies in there.

Work
Incline Bench Press 195lbs {5x5}
Ab work
Assisted Pull-up {5x5} Full stack
 
Happy New Year!

Have you gotten your bloodwork run to confirm you actually have low T? If so, not sure why they wouldn't prescribe for you?
 
HokiePride said:
Took a trip to LoveSac to look into purchasing a bean bag for my youngest son bedroom. Dropped about $875. Excruciatingly painful spending that kind of money but it was justified in his friends joining him in his room or if he wants to chill and watch movies in there.
Click to expand...
I saw that place at the mall one time I think, it was a small like pop up store where I think you ordered. are those the couches you can reconfigure with speakers in them and stuff? Thats a pretty penny there but sounds awesome.

Segansational said:
Happy New Year!

Have you gotten your bloodwork run to confirm you actually have low T? If so, not sure why they wouldn't prescribe for you?
Click to expand...

I was wondering this too, in our area I'm seeing more and more of the small clinics pop up that will pretty much find any justification to get you HRT/TRT
 
Biggest reason they won't prescribe is because my blood sugar was out of control and needed insulin again. in just a few short months I got it controlled and stabilized and no longer taking shots. This is second time I was able to get back off them on my own through careful eating and donating plasma which resets balance in bloodstream. I also take Irish Sea Moss & Black Seed Oil. It has done wonders.
 
Today January 22, 2026

Hit the gym this morning and this entire month, been attacking abs with a vengeance. Also added Incline benching twice weekly @ 225lbs and Assisted Pull ups. I hit the gym upwards 4`5 days per week. Sometimes twice a week.
 
February 12, 2026 Thursday​
In todays' NEWS:
Morning Workout consisted of daily routine:
Ab Crunch Machine: 500 reps
Oblique Twist Machine: 300 Reps

Incline Bench Press:
260lbs ~ 5x5 {Increased +5lbs}, getting closer to 275lbs.

Headed to work shortly after. Losing more belly fat slowly but surely. Received all packaging from Love Sac. Purchased new couch after previous couch from local furniture store failed. Two recliners became stuck in outward position. Made it very annoying to maneuver around living room during holidays. Contacted company and after several phone calls they sent someone out, but they never followed up. I have paid for the warranty service and have it for three years, but they refused to help.
 
HokiePride said:
Two recliners became stuck in outward position. Made it very annoying to maneuver around living room during holidays. Contacted company and after several phone calls they sent someone out, but they never followed up. I have paid for the warranty service and have it for three years, but they refused to help.
Click to expand...
what a PITA! I'm a very hesitant person to smear people in reviews and whatnot, I let them wrong me many times before I do anything, but once they do I tend to go scorched earth on them on google, yelp, then reaching out to corporate as well. I can say that approach has definitely got some attention in the past when they wouldn't just honor their commitment on the first 12 tries.
 
Friday February 13th​

Penndot Lebanon TODAY! Assist! since multiple call offs!

Highlights
Ab work as above
Db shrugs {75-100lbs, +5 increments} x 20reps each
Assisted Pull Up 115lbs | 5x5 {-5lb} Getting better!

Note:
Strength improving and numbers going up. Tons of different ways to continue to grow. Playing the longevity game. No rush. Each workout counts and very methodical.
 
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Saturday Friday 14th​
Valentine Day/26 Wedding Anniversary
Incline Bench Press 260lbs | 5x5
Ab work
 
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Sunday February 15th​

Ab work
W/ additional reverse pyramid.
Added lower ab leg raises 6x10
Std. OH Press | 135lbs | 5x5
Pendlay BB Row | 135lbs | 5x5
 
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Monday February 16th

Ab work
W/ additional reverse pyramid.
Added lower ab leg raises 6x10
Inc. Bench Press | 260lbs | 5x5
 
Tuesday February 17th

Ab work
W/ additional reverse pyramid.
Added lower ab leg raises 6x10
 
Wednesday February 18th

Ab work
W/ additional reverse pyramid.
Added lower ab leg raises 6x10
 
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