Hyde’s Strength Odyssey

Rocket3015 said:
I know nothing about Boron but my SHBG numbers are 43-43 so I guess I'm good ?
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That’s in a healthy normal range, but you’d definitely benefit some by lowering that (if you would like higher free test that is, which isn’t always desired by everyone).

Adding Boron for several months would definitely be something to look into for that!

gphagan1 said:
Merry Christmas everyone.
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Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! Hope you guys get some great holiday time this year with people you care about.
 
Haven’t been able to do this in about 2 years - tonight, I got my flexion back.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!!!
 
Hyde said:
That’s in a healthy normal range, but you’d definitely benefit some by lowering that (if you would like higher free test that is, which isn’t always desired by everyone).

Adding Boron for several months would definitely be something to look into for that!
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Why would it not be desired ??
 
Rocket3015 said:
Why would it not be desired ??
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Same reason we all don’t just stay on 500mg of test year round, or higher - too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. If you can’t control something like blood thickness, or estrogen, or some side effects at higher doses, you won’t be able to stay on them indefinitely happily.

High test means high estrogen, acne, gyno, blood pressure, aggression, for me.

The right amount of testosterone is what you prefer/will tolerate for current goals. A pro bodybuilder can’t just use 100mg/wk test and hope to win, but that might be optimal for another man to feel all around great & have his best health & longevity.
 
Hyde said:
Same reason we all don’t just stay on 500mg of test year round, or higher - too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. If you can’t control something like blood thickness, or estrogen, or some side effects at higher doses, you won’t be able to stay on them indefinitely happily.

High test means high estrogen, acne, gyno, blood pressure, aggression, for me.

The right amount of testosterone is what you prefer/will tolerate for current goals. A pro bodybuilder can’t just use 100mg/wk test and hope to win, but that might be optimal for another man to feel all around great & have his best health & longevity.
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I now understand, Thank you!
 
12/26/22
BW 238.0

Reverse Hyper
180 2x20

Beltsquat to box
90 2x20

Single Leg Deadlift
BW x8/side

Buffalo Bar Squat
55,165x3
255,345x1
+1-ply Gateway briefs
395x1
+belt
435,470,501x1 PR

Buffalo 3-Second Pause Squat
305x5
-belt
305 2x5

Beltsquat to box
180,270x8
320 2x8

Lying Leg Curl
90 3x12

Leg Extension
90 2x15
115x20

Used that holiday bloat for a good leg day! Felt like I definitely had another 20-30lbs in me on squat, but I saved it to move onto more quality secondary work. 15 reps of great pause squats will pay out more than an extra max single in the long run.
 
Somehow I was unsubbed?

Per usual, everything looks strong lol great news about the elbow!
 
Congrats on the PR and the recovered ROM!!!
 
Coming back stronger than ever !!
 
dapack said:
Crazy you still are crushing PR's all the time!!!!
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It’s easy when you just pick specialty bars you haven’t tested on recently!

I have wanted to work up on a buffalo for a long time. Last time I maxed out on one was 2017 probably. I remember squatting around 415lbs & it nearly crushing me to death Last night was not even a true max, so I’m at least a good 100lbs stronger.
 
Donated blood - can’t believe how fast it was, and whatever weird phobia of IV I experienced the last time I tried probably 8 years ago was no issue this time. Felt good to know someone in need is going to benefit as well.

So that should have my blood viscosity back into normal range, ready to rock when it’s time to step on the gas pedal.

Tomorrow is bench! Ready to progress the closegrip work.
 
I go at 2:30 today to donate !
 
12/28/22

Band Pullaparts, Facepulls, Pressdowns, Overhead Tri Extensions, Flyes, BB Reverse Curl

Rhinoflex Bar Closegrip Bench
7.5, +20,50,70,90,110,140,160x10

CG Mag Grip Pulldown
30,50x15
70,90,110,130,150x10
170x8

alt w/ CG Axle Max Incline Press
20 5x10

CG Axle Lying Tri Extension
20 4x10

alt w/ Chest-Supported Row
90/side 3x15 (3 different grips)

Band Facepulls
2x20

ss w/ DB Laterals
20 2x25

3 weeks post-op. Hit 100lbs more on the bench than last week. Using closest grip & biggest ROM possible on everything to rebuild strength under maximal flexion, and holding lockouts for TUT at peak extension.

Felt good to be working my upper back again!
 
Congrats on the progress! I am really interested in the Rhinoflex bar for what it appears to do. How much of a difference in activation and stabilizer function do you think it really provides. How different / more effective would you say it is compared to attaching some weights to bands on the barbell for destabilizing the movement and engaging stabilizers?
 
MrKleen73 said:
Congrats on the progress! I am really interested in the Rhinoflex bar for what it appears to do. How much of a difference in activation and stabilizer function do you think it really provides. How different / more effective would you say it is compared to attaching some weights to bands on the barbell for destabilizing the movement and engaging stabilizers?
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At 167.5lbs, it doesn’t appear to add much difference. When I lockout forcefully there’s a little quiver at that weight.If you want stability work, I would look more at their earthquake bar which is ribbed to be used with bands holding plates and kettlebells.

I may try that next week, but probably going to keep going up on this one more week.
 
12/29/22
BW 234.0

Reverse Hyper
180 2x20

SSB Boxsquat
65x5
+140 chain
65,155,215x5
265x5,5,3

Not sure what was going on, but my pulse was crazy high and blood sugar got low for sure, and I kept feeling like I was close to passing out. Instead of 60-90 second rests I was taking 5 minutes on squat, and when my right knee popped twice loudly on the descent of the third rep I just said ‘Tonight isn’t the night to push’ and bagged it. No worries; live to fight another day 🤷‍♂️

On a positive, had a terrific final PT session. Increased my flexion and extension both by a full 10* the last 8 days. We both agreed my flexion is great & will continue to improve, but it’s extension that will be toughest to achieve completely. This is my final session by choice due to the new insurance year beginning next week, so we worked my extension hard. Last week it was 32* off, this week came in at 22*, her manual therapy got it down to 15* before leaving! She gave me the plan to essentially do that on my own, to hopefully retain some of that new range she got and to keep bringing it straighter & straighter.
 
Hyde said:
12/29/22
BW 234.0

Reverse Hyper
180 2x20

SSB Boxsquat
65x5
+140 chain
65,155,215x5
265x5,5,3

Not sure what was going on, but my pulse was crazy high and blood sugar got low for sure, and I kept feeling like I was close to passing out. Instead of 60-90 second rests I was taking 5 minutes on squat, and when my right knee popped twice loudly on the descent of the third rep I just said ‘Tonight isn’t the night to push’ and bagged it. No worries; live to fight another day 🤷‍♂️

On a positive, had a terrific final PT session. Increased my flexion and extension both by a full 10* the last 8 days. We both agreed my flexion is great & will continue to improve, but it’s extension that will be toughest to achieve completely. This is my final session by choice due to the new insurance year beginning next week, so we worked my extension hard. Last week it was 32* off, this week came in at 22*, her manual therapy got it down to 15* before leaving! She gave me the plan to essentially do that on my own, to hopefully retain some of that new range she got and to keep bringing it straighter & straighter.
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Any improvements, especially in flexion and extension, so soon since your procedure, are really good signs.
 
Sounds like you made a good call on abandoning the squat session. Low blood glucose and a unnaturally high heart rate are hard to push through on any session but for squatting it's down right dangerous, add the popping knee to it and yeah it is time to regroup and save the fight for another day.
 
Everything OK today ?
 
Yesterday was an avocado and 1/2 serving each of ghee & coconut oil in a coffee for an evening meal so I could take my Indomethacin - 400 calorie fasting-mimicking day. Woke at a new low of 231.2. Got the Christmas 3-day splurge knocked off and then some.

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Ending the year back under 105kg, dropped all the 15kg of last prep season & lower body is stronger and more muscular than this time last year. Achieved lifetime Bench & Total PRs and was able to get back over 600 on raw squat & deadlift this year.

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^160 test e, 140 mast e/wk. Pulled 535x3 conventional on a regular bar & squat 500 on a buffalo bar since surgery 3 weeks ago, and benched 315+40 bands on a buffalo right before it - I think comp numbers to end the year would be a conservative 530/340/590. Could probably make a 1,500 total at 220 raw in about 4 weeks if I wanted.
 
On Feb 9th & 10th this past year I benched 375, squat 555 & pulled 570 in my garage at ~253-255 normal morning weight, so I’m essentially same total strength an entire weightclass lighter (and my elbow is cleaned out).
 
Hyde said:
On Feb 9th & 10th this past year I benched 375, squat 555 & pulled 570 in my garage at ~253-255 normal morning weight, so I’m essentially same total strength an entire weightclass lighter (and my elbow is cleaned out).
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Life is Good !
 
Hyde said:
Yesterday was an avocado and 1/2 serving each of ghee & coconut oil in a coffee for an evening meal so I could take my Indomethacin - 400 calorie fasting-mimicking day. Woke at a new low of 231.2. Got the Christmas 3-day splurge knocked off and then some.

Invalid Link Removed

Ending the year back under 105kg, dropped all the 15kg of last prep season & lower body is stronger and more muscular than this time last year. Achieved lifetime Bench & Total PRs and was able to get back over 600 on raw squat & deadlift this year.

Invalid Link Removed

^160 test e, 140 mast e/wk. Pulled 535x3 conventional on a regular bar & squat 500 on a buffalo bar since surgery 3 weeks ago, and benched 315+40 bands on a buffalo right before it - I think comp numbers to end the year would be a conservative 530/340/590. Could probably make a 1,500 total at 220 raw in about 4 weeks if I wanted.
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Looking good…..leaning out, losing body fat, while still hitting PRs is a win/win, about as good as it gets.
 
Morning, first reading:

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On a cup of coffee, haven’t been using telmisartan, or any bp supps like grape seed or pine bark since they can increase risk of bleeding issues with Indomethacin, which also is known to RAISE bp some independently. I’m guessing donating blood Tuesday lowered things a few points.

Feels good, man
 
Hyde said:
Morning, first reading:

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On a cup of coffee, haven’t been using telmisartan, or any bp supps like grape seed or pine bark since they can increase risk of bleeding issues with Indomethacin, which also is known to RAISE bp some independently. I’m guessing donating blood Tuesday lowered things a few points.

Feels good, man
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Always good when that blood pressure is good without having to take anything. Feels healthy.
Happy New Year
 
1/1/23
BW 235.4

10 min walk

Cable Rope Facepulls ss w/ Tri Pressdowns
27 2x15 slow, holding contractions

Pec Mashing & Stretching

DB Pressing
5,8,10 slow working on position & extension

Strictpress
45x5,5,5,10 slow working on position & extension

CGBP
45 2x10
65,85,115,135,155,175,195,215,235x5 pausing on chest & holding lockouts

Incline Bench
45 4x5, 1x10
95 3x6 slow working on position & extension

Plate-Loaded Overhead Press Machine
Empty, working a bunch of sets in deeper positions

EZBar Curls
20x5,5,10,10 just relearning the movement
20x6 tempo reverse curl

EZBar Lying Tri Extension
20x20 holding extension

Decided to post this in case anyone wants to see what it looks like, trying to return to training in ranges of motion you haven’t been in years. Everything is trying to relearn or create new proper motor patterns and avoid all the compensatory ones you’ve adapted with to get by.

So no big weights, but I did go over 2 plates on super closegrip bench no problem. I was happy that it still felt so easy!
 
I am jealous of that BP !! Good to see you are coming back better!
 
SkRaw85 said:
Benching coming back fast! Would you ever really drop to 220 to compete?
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I’m strongly considering it. 1510lbs/685kg would be a Masters level total at 220 raw. If I squat 551, bench 352, & pull 606 (250/160/275) I would do it, so as long as I can get my bench back in a timely fashion.

Even if I missed it, I should be able to total enough to qualify for nationals in July at 220 AND 242. I’m already qualified at 275.

I like the idea of getting a Masters total in 2 classes and it would force me to get a bit leaner.
 
1/2/23

8 min walk

Bird Dogs
Side Planks
Glute Bridges

GHR
BWx12

Distance Jumps followed by 24” Box Jumps
2x2 each

Squat, straight bar
45 2x5
135,225,315,385x3
+belt & yellow jacket sleeves
435,470x3
500x1

Really came into this wanting 500x3, because I thought I was good for it. Long story short, I blasted 500 up but sh*t my pants! Racked it and had to hit the shower, then packed it up.

Besides the hassle, it was extremely frustrating - 470 flew, & now I’m sure I was going to triple 500. Still, on a positive I’m not injured AND now I’m certain of my strength.

Next time something matters and I change my diet specifically for it, I’m taking Imodium.
 
Maxing squats has always been scary, for multiple reasons!
 
UnrealMachine said:
Maxing squats has always been scary, for multiple reasons!
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That’s what’s so frustrating! I just wanted that triple. I believe I would have been good for 540 actually maxing today.

AND I got no accessory done with all the time I lost in the locker room lol.
 
Hyde said:
1/1/23
BW 235.4

10 min walk

Cable Rope Facepulls ss w/ Tri Pressdowns
27 2x15 slow, holding contractions

Pec Mashing & Stretching

DB Pressing
5,8,10 slow working on position & extension

Strictpress
45x5,5,5,10 slow working on position & extension

CGBP
45 2x10
65,85,115,135,155,175,195,215,235x5 pausing on chest & holding lockouts

Incline Bench
45 4x5, 1x10
95 3x6 slow working on position & extension

Plate-Loaded Overhead Press Machine
Empty, working a bunch of sets in deeper positions

EZBar Curls
20x5,5,10,10 just relearning the movement
20x6 tempo reverse curl

EZBar Lying Tri Extension
20x20 holding extension

Decided to post this in case anyone wants to see what it looks like, trying to return to training in ranges of motion you haven’t been in years. Everything is trying to relearn or create new proper motor patterns and avoid all the compensatory ones you’ve adapted with to get by.

So no big weights, but I did go over 2 plates on super closegrip bench no problem. I was happy that it still felt so easy!
Click to expand...
That arm must be feeling really good, 235 for 5 on closegrip bench with no problem…..boom.
That’s rehab 💪
 
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Hyde said:
1/2/23

8 min walk

Bird Dogs
Side Planks
Glute Bridges

GHR
BWx12

Distance Jumps followed by 24” Box Jumps
2x2 each

Squat, straight bar
45 2x5
135,225,315,385x3
+belt & yellow jacket sleeves
435,470x3
500x1

Really came into this wanting 500x3, because I thought I was good for it. Long story short, I blasted 500 up but sh*t my pants! Racked it and had to hit the shower, then packed it up.

Besides the hassle, it was extremely frustrating - 470 flew, & now I’m sure I was going to triple 500. Still, on a positive I’m not injured AND now I’m certain of my strength.

Next time something matters and I change my diet specifically for it, I’m taking Imodium.
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Imodium does come in handy with a new diet, especially on squat days.
 
gphagan1 said:
That arm must be feeling really good, 235 for 5 on closegrip bench with no problem…..boom.
That’s rehab
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Could have kept going - those were all paused, top & bottom. But I reminded myself I can bench again Wednesday so I should leave something for then!
 
I feel like I got hit by a bus, but I got the wife’s blessing to go train leg accessories tomorrow night after my son’s dinner, God bless her. I’m not going to get weaker from what I accomplished today, but I need to do more than 10 total work reps if I want to actually get better.
 
Also, started HGH for the first time ever last night. 1iu reconstituted with 100mg L-Carnitine pinned subq right before bed. Felt pretty rested from the minimal sleep I did get.

Doing 180 test/120 mast this week.
 
Hyde said:
Also, started HGH for the first time ever last night. 1iu reconstituted with 100mg L-Carnitine pinned subq right before bed. Felt pretty rested from the minimal sleep I did get.

Doing 180 test/120 mast this week.
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Would think HGH should help you heal up faster.
 
Hyde said:
Also, started HGH for the first time ever last night. 1iu reconstituted with 100mg L-Carnitine pinned subq right before bed. Felt pretty rested from the minimal sleep I did get.

Doing 180 test/120 mast this week.
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It will be interesting to see how this helps you? Leaner and Stronger ?
 
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