Hyde’s Strength Odyssey

Man, my hamstrings feel completely & absolutely blasted!!!

I haven’t done GHR in over 2 months, so starting off Wednesday night with 2x20 was probably a bit aggressive, but I’m also not training to have wimpy hams either I’m sure all the other volume did no favors either, but I’m glad my adductors, quads and knees feel good. I’ve got Manta Ray 15-rep squats on Sunday so I’m sure that will be remedied soon enough!
 
Also, been eating like a fatty! Never went to the grocery store after the meet and been overeating up a bunch of processed crap & sugar.

BW 229.8lbs

Good thing is it’s definitely helped support recovery from the meet & re-introduction to some training volume. Hit the grocery last night for wholesome food & currently doing some fasting. Last long ester shot was 150/100 test/mast on the 12th, so based on steroidplotter I will be at low hormone levels by Monday.
 
Yeah I was impressed with the 2x20 on those. No wonder you are sore.
 
BW 228.0

75 minutes fasted LISS session both yesterday & today. Getting back in the diet groove.

Started L-Carnitine & HGH back up. 2g carn in the VG & 2iu GH subq to kick things off.

Felt some gyno irritation yesterday so I know my test is too low. 30mg test e subq today, probably going to microdose 120-150mg/wk for the moment, try to let lipids clean up faster.

Feeling back in the saddle and excited for legs tomorrow!
 
3/26/23
BW 228.0lbs yesterday

8 min walk

KB Suitcase Carries
KB One-legged Deadlifts

Leg Extensions
50,100x10
150 2x20

Frontsquat
45,135,185,235,285x1
+grip shirt & belt
315,345,365,385x1

Mantaray “Super Hi Bar” Squat
275 2x15

Back Extensions
45,70x15

Single-leg Machine Legpress
140,180x15

Lying Leg Curl
88,108x15

Frontsquat wasn’t part of the program, but I haven’t done any in over half a year & wanted to see where I’m at. Smoked 385 & believe I could have taken another attempt, so I’m tickled pink. Lifetime best from years ago is 415, so I want to improve on that.

15-rep breathing squats were cardio!
 
3/26/23
BW 228.0lbs yesterday

8 min walk

KB Suitcase Carries
KB One-legged Deadlifts

Leg Extensions
50,100x10
150 2x20

Frontsquat
45,135,185,235,285x1
+grip shirt & belt
315,345,365,385x1

Mantaray “Super Hi Bar” Squat
275 2x15

Back Extensions
45,70x15

Single-leg Machine Legpress
140,180x15

Lying Leg Curl
88,108x15

Frontsquat wasn’t part of the program, but I haven’t done any in over half a year & wanted to see where I’m at. Smoked 385 & believe I could have taken another attempt, so I’m tickled pink. Lifetime best from years ago is 415, so I want to improve on that.

15-rep breathing squats were cardio!
That’s some really healthy front squats considering you haven’t done them in a while.
 
That’s some really healthy front squats considering you haven’t done them in a while.

I think it’s all the frequent bracing work and reverse hypers I’ve done since. I wasn’t struggling to stay upright like I always used to, so it was just allowing me to load my legs up & drive straight up out of the hole like a rocket.
 
3/26/23 - PM Session

Barbell Curl
30,50x8
60 2x15

Alt DB Curl
32.5,25x15

DB Concentration Curl
20 2x15

Seated Cable Row
121x10
165 2x15

Plate-loaded NG Vertical Row
140,90x15

Dips
BWx10
+50 2x15

Straight Bar Cable Tri Pressdown
60,71x20

I can count the 2-a-days I’ve done in my life probably on one hand, but I went back tonight to knock this arms/lats session out after lots of carbs and cals today for legs. Glad I did, because it only took 45 minutes and I feel like today will be very anabolic. Honestly looked pretty jacked after this.
 
3/26/23
BW 228.0lbs yesterday

8 min walk

KB Suitcase Carries
KB One-legged Deadlifts

Leg Extensions
50,100x10
150 2x20

Frontsquat
45,135,185,235,285x1
+grip shirt & belt
315,345,365,385x1

Mantaray “Super Hi Bar” Squat
275 2x15

Back Extensions
45,70x15

Single-leg Machine Legpress
140,180x15

Lying Leg Curl
88,108x15

Frontsquat wasn’t part of the program, but I haven’t done any in over half a year & wanted to see where I’m at. Smoked 385 & believe I could have taken another attempt, so I’m tickled pink. Lifetime best from years ago is 415, so I want to improve on that.

15-rep breathing squats were cardio!
Man I'd be seriously curious to see what kind of clean you would build if you ever did
 
3/26/23 - PM Session

Barbell Curl
30,50x8
60 2x15

Alt DB Curl
32.5,25x15

DB Concentration Curl
20 2x15

Seated Cable Row
121x10
165 2x15

Plate-loaded NG Vertical Row
140,90x15

Dips
BWx10
+50 2x15

Straight Bar Cable Tri Pressdown
60,71x20

I can count the 2-a-days I’ve done in my life probably on one hand, but I went back tonight to knock this arms/lats session out after lots of carbs and cals today for legs. Glad I did, because it only took 45 minutes and I feel like today will be very anabolic. Honestly looked pretty jacked after this.
You got a double pump, blasting legs and arms.
 
Man I'd be seriously curious to see what kind of clean you would build if you ever did

I’ve powercleaned 185 on an axle and done a 235 or 240 continental clean & press on an axle, before my bicep repair. I don’t know that I have the mobility in that elbow anymore to try to powerclean fluidly - but never say never
 
Congrats on some productive sessions!
 
BW 227.8

75 min LISS in the books, fasted until 5pm. Started this today:

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I’ve heard a lot of good things about Anabolic XT. Steve always has all the bases covered with his products, always very comprehensive and complete. I’ve considered that one as well with TRT just to see if there was any added benefits with Test. I’m sure there will be, looking at the ingredients profile. I’d like to hear your feedback on that one.👍
 
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Anabolic XT. Steve always has all the bases covered with his products, always very comprehensive and complete. I’ve considered that one as well with TRT just to see if there was any added benefits with Test. I’m sure there will be, looking at the ingredients profile. I’d like to hear your feedback on that one.

Steve told me a lot of guys on true TRT have been incorporating it and reporting being pleased by the addition, so I figured it made sense for me at the moment. I would like to restore my HDL that was undoubtedly hit by the SARMs as fast as possible - keeping the Masteron out and cruising at an actual TRT dose seems like the most sensible way to do so.

I figure 150 test, injectable L-Carnitine, 2iu GH and using Anabolic XT should keep me from fading away for a month! I am excited to train and have no interest in slacking there, either.
 
Steve told me a lot of guys on true TRT have been incorporating it and reporting being pleased by the addition, so I figured it made sense for me at the moment. I would like to restore my HDL that was undoubtedly hit by the SARMs as fast as possible - keeping the Masteron out and cruising at an actual TRT dose seems like the most sensible way to do so.

I figure 150 test, injectable L-Carnitine, 2iu GH and using Anabolic XT should keep me from fading away for a month! I am excited to train and have no interest in slacking there, either.

Stuff is solid! I haven’t used on its own, I stacked with CEL Anabolic Effect, and the combo was killer.
 
What kind of things do you feel you noticed from that combo? I appreciate your input.

Honestly, just strength really. I don’t have a scale or do any kind of endurance stuff. I didn’t get the mental benefits some people say. No real difference in pumps for me either, but I feel I pump pretty easy regardless. Just feel like I was looking fuller, maybe a bit tighter, but the strength was climbing even during PCT.
 
Honestly, just strength really. I don’t have a scale or do any kind of endurance stuff. I didn’t get the mental benefits some people say. No real difference in pumps for me either, but I feel I pump pretty easy regardless. Just feel like I was looking fuller, maybe a bit tighter, but the strength was climbing even during PCT.

Even if it is 100% placebo, that is the greatest quality I could hope for ⛩️
 
Even if it is 100% placebo, that is the greatest quality I could hope for

I’ve taken Anabolic XT with Anabolic Effect and Optimize T in the past. Currently taking it with M-Test and Cloma-Plex. What I get from it is strength, motivation and drive to do more, and muscle endurance. For a natural supplement it can’t be beat! I’m really interested to see what you think about it.
 
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3/28/23

8 min walk

Rope Cabel Facepulls ss w/ Pressdowns
33 2x25 / 44x15

EZBar JM PRESS
67,97,117,137x12

EZBar French Press
67,87,92x12

V-Handle Tri Pressdown
60,66,71x15

DB Front Raise
35 2x12
37.5x12

Duffin Upright Row
26 3x12

Incline Bench
45x8,6
115,130,145,170x12

Plate-loaded Chest Press
80,90,95x12

Cable Flyes
22 3x15

Set added to everything, reps bumped down, RPE shooting for 10 on last set now. Some of it is sandbagging, but I enjoyed today & felt like I’m getting what I need out of this work. Huge pumps just from the L-Carnitine prior and the volume.
 
Only day 2, so I can’t really blame the hunger on the Anabolic XT yet, but I could have eaten 2 plates of this without a doubt 🤤

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^8oz salmon baked w/ Worcestershire, half a sweet potato w/cinnamon, & teriyaki yakisoba
 
Felt some gyno irritation yesterday so I know my test is too low.
I'm still not sure I fully understand what this means aside from my own paranoia.
After a month of extremely irritated nipples and also noticing my pecs look different at night vs morning I had to constantly remind myself that you guys all said the dermacrine and UH wouldn't lead to issues lol.

235 or 240 continental clean & press on an axle, before my bicep repair. I don’t know that I have the mobility in that elbow anymore to try to powerclean fluidly - but never say neve

My buddy tried to keep up with me 1rm'ing cleans the other day and he really shouldn't have...ended up with a sore neck for a week, it was ego lifting but he was pretty strong. I basically tell everyone the same thing... pick a medium weight (probably around 155lbs for you and me after warming up with 95 and 135) and practice hang power cleans over and over. just hook grip, hang, clean. reason being is cause everyone sucks at the second pull. they bend their elbows, attempt muscle cleans, can't get the mobility.

i'm not as big as you but even I struggled to get enough mobility around these subcompact guns I sport. I can throw a pretty solid clean on my delts with just an empty barbell now (and I do every single day to warm up my elbows before squats, bench, etc), but it used to be like 95-115lbs minimum to get the bar heavy enough to weigh back the elbows into a nice catch position. I like 155lbs because it's heavy enough that you cant fake it, but light enough that you can pound out a lot of reps.
 
I'm still not sure I fully understand what this means aside from my own paranoia.
After a month of extremely irritated nipples and also noticing my pecs look different at night vs morning I had to constantly remind myself that you guys all said the dermacrine and UH wouldn't lead to issues lol.

Gyno is about an imbalance between androgen and estrogen &/or progesterone. So a man with low test can get gyno just from that being insufficient compared to estrogen. If you look at old men at the pool or beach, it is extremely common as a natural part of the male aging process/andropause.

This is how men can get rebound gyno during PCT. Estrogen is high but test positive insufficient to maintain the balance.

Ultra Hard will NOT cause gyno, it will fight gyno. Dermacrine can cause gyno in an excess amount for YOU. You have to experiment. I am very sensitive to DHEA & Pregnenolone historically, and don’t need much. Pregnenolone also converts to progesterone, which is another pathway for anabolism, collagen synthesis, and gyno potentially. The trick is to use enough you see benefits and not negatives.

When you return, if you are paranoid just use Ultra Hard for now.
 
I think those things I mostly understand but what is the irritation/sensation that you are having that makes you aware of a rebound?

except the aging parts, I hadn't really thought about how gyno would essentially also be a natural part of aging in some ways.
 
I think those things I mostly understand but what is the irritation/sensation that you are having that makes you aware of a rebound?

except the aging parts, I hadn't really thought about how gyno would essentially also be a natural part of aging in some ways.

It isn’t natural at your age, but very late on. We get fatter which increases aromatization enzymes, and the low test we would have gets converted to more estrogen proportionally.

I have a gland on my left side from Mk677 (GH pathway gyno, a separate deeper topic) that is my canary in the coal mine. Because it’s existing, already formed, it is more sensitive to stark hormonal changes. If I get a twinge there, I know I need to adjust something. Kind of cool in that regard, but it needs more prevention measures than if I didn’t have it.
 
If I get a twinge there, I know I need to adjust something. Kind of cool in that regard, but it needs more prevention measures than if I didn’t have it.
ah, I see.
I think my only cause for paranoia was when my chapped nips started looking like when my ex was breastfeeding my son who was a total muncher and left her bloody often.
I have also found it interesting to see how my chest looks more filled out and "manly" in the morning than at night knowing T levels are typically also higher when we first wake up. after my 5 days away from supps and lifting my chest stayed proportionaly shaped and I somehow lost a pound living off bachelor chow with my son so IDK. I'll be restarting the UH again today.
 
ah, I see.
I think my only cause for paranoia was when my chapped nips started looking like when my ex was breastfeeding my son who was a total muncher and left her bloody often.
I have also found it interesting to see how my chest looks more filled out and "manly" in the morning than at night knowing T levels are typically also higher when we first wake up. after my 5 days away from supps and lifting my chest stayed proportionaly shaped and I somehow lost a pound living off bachelor chow with my son so IDK. I'll be restarting the UH again today.
The itchy nips are not itchy from the outside if that makes sense. It feels like the itchiness is coming from under or inside the nipple, which it is. What you are dealing with sounds like it is completely external irritation, and water fluctuation on the difference in how they look from morning to night.
 
The itchy nips are not itchy from the outside if that makes sense. It feels like the itchiness is coming from under or inside the nipple, which it is. What you are dealing with sounds like it is completely external irritation, and water fluctuation on the difference in how they look from morning to night.

yeah my skin was peeling it's been so dry, specifically on the nips themselves. some of the itchiness felt like stretching skin and my pecs have grown noticeable I think the past 6 months since eating more and growing on bench. but I suppose it also feels like how my back used to get really miserably dry during the winter, enough to ask my wife to put lotion on it. I think I understand...l just sorta trying to be aware as I peak behind the curtain of these... alternative supplements... ;) lol

and I mean really peely too, like peeling skin right off the nipple.
 
yeah my skin was peeling it's been so dry, specifically on the nips themselves. some of the itchiness felt like stretching skin and my pecs have grown noticeable I think the past 6 months since eating more and growing on bench. but I suppose it also feels like how my back used to get really miserably dry during the winter, enough to ask my wife to put lotion on it. I think I understand...l just sorta trying to be aware as I peak behind the curtain of these... alternative supplements... ;) lol

and I mean really peely too, like peeling skin right off the nipple.
I used to get that from running, the shirts would rub my nipple raw sometimes. Add any sun to the equation and forget about it.
 
I used to get that from running, the shirts would rub my nipple raw sometimes. Add any sun to the equation and forget about it.
yes very similar to that, mine were getting more irritated on deadlift day and bench day. bench day I understand, deads not so much. But the slingshot would really make them bad. today I'd say they're at 90% recovered but I put a bunch of bag balm on this morning just in case. I also put some on these dots on my torso that I think are old irritation from the absolved and TDs so today when I add the UH i'm looking for new skin locations lol.
 
yes very similar to that, mine were getting more irritated on deadlift day and bench day. bench day I understand, deads not so much. But the slingshot would really make them bad. today I'd say they're at 90% recovered but I put a bunch of bag balm on this morning just in case. I also put some on these dots on my torso that I think are old irritation from the absolved and TDs so today when I add the UH i'm looking for new skin locations lol.
Tops of feet and or inner thighs is good, front part of traps and lower section of neck. Inner forearm if not too hairy. All very thin skin the UH will get through easily.
 
3/29/23
BW 229.0

8 min walk

GHR
2x15
+5x15

BW One-leg Deadlifts

RDL
45,135,205x5
255x12
+straps
275,295x12

Legpress
360x5
450x3
540,630x12
770x16

DB Walking Lunges
27.5,32.5,37.5x12

Leg Extensions
170,180,190x12

Bumped up weights on everything. Still sucking wind on RDLs, but walking lunges felt a lot stronger. Ramping up to get back to a 1,000lb Legpress next week
 
3/30/23

8 min walk

Rope Cable Facepulls ss w/ Rope Cable Tri Ext
44 3x15 each

Strictpress
45x5
95,115,135,165,175,185x1
+belt
195x1

Klokov Press
45x5
65,80,90x12

One-arm Cable Lateral Raise
11 2x12
16x12

One-arm DB Row
100x15
+straps
110,120x15

Lat Pulldowns
121,132,143x12

With the extra warmup/prehab cable work & working up fast on Strictpress, I truly did not have time for biceps before work. Thought I might knock them out in the garage, but I was spent from those DB Rows. Happy I pressed 195 so easily - need to break a long-standing PR of 240 at some point!
 
Are your one arm DB Rows done like croc rows? Some nice numbers and volume there!
 
3/30/23

8 min walk

Rope Cable Facepulls ss w/ Rope Cable Tri Ext
44 3x15 each

Strictpress
45x5
95,115,135,165,175,185x1
+belt
195x1

Klokov Press
45x5
65,80,90x12

One-arm Cable Lateral Raise
11 2x12
16x12

One-arm DB Row
100x15
+straps
110,120x15

Lat Pulldowns
121,132,143x12

With the extra warmup/prehab cable work & working up fast on Strictpress, I truly did not have time for biceps before work. Thought I might knock them out in the garage, but I was spent from those DB Rows. Happy I pressed 195 so easily - need to break a long-standing PR of 240 at some point!
Putting in some good work…..that’s a good PR 240 on your Overhead Press. I’ve seen you and others mention the Klokov Press before, so I had to look that bad boy up. So basically it looks like a behind the neck press with a really wide grip. It looks really challenging, but I don’t think my old shoulders could handle that now. I still do good with Overhead Press, but just that slight adjustment going behind the neck causes pain, I couldn’t imagine doing it with a wide grip. It is impressive though.💪
 
Are your one arm DB Rows done like croc rows? Some nice numbers and volume there!

Probably a lot more strict than what most would call a Kroc row.

For me, I like to rest my spare forearm on the head of an incline bench set just high enough to clear the stroke from the floor, then rest my forehead on it to tie it into my brace. Being bent over sufficiently helps prevent any trap involvement.

I like to fully protract the scapula at the bottom, then exert the pull through the elbow so the lat, and not the trap, is drawing the weight up. I think it’s also important to keep the elbow close to the body & reach sufficient elbow height (depth) on the row.

Andy Bolton always focused on quality with DB Rows, and while Matt Kroc was known for an exceptional upper back size & strength on his high-rep rows, he was never know for his deadlift.

Plus, the dbs only go to 120, unless I bring a handle in I suppose
 
what body weight was your 240 at? that's mucho weighto.

I just don't know that I 100% fully grasp the difference of the many different forms of db rows/kroc rows etc. I've done them all and I do tend to mix them up. aside from your forehead mount there... I do like "assisted"... meaning, left arm on the bench while right arm rows, then switch, when I'm going for as heavy as I can.

If I'm just doing say 70s for 3x10 as an accessory I'll grab both 70s, bend over like i'm doing a bb row and just knock out both sides at once. I do like being able to change the angle of my back when I'm pulling/rowing a bit, in my mind it changes how it's hitting the traps/lats/upper back some.


how are those klokovs treating you? I almost want to throw them in again just cause you've reminded me of how freaking hard they are.
 
Probably a lot more strict than what most would call a Kroc row.

For me, I like to rest my spare forearm on the head of an incline bench set just high enough to clear the stroke from the floor, then rest my forehead on it to tie it into my brace. Being bent over sufficiently helps prevent any trap involvement.

I like to fully protract the scapula at the bottom, then exert the pull through the elbow so the lat, and not the trap, is drawing the weight up. I think it’s also important to keep the elbow close to the body & reach sufficient elbow height (depth) on the row.

Andy Bolton always focused on quality with DB Rows, and while Matt Kroc was known for an exceptional upper back size & strength on his high-rep rows, he was never know for his deadlift.

Plus, the dbs only go to 120, unless I bring a handle in I suppose
Even more impressive. Really protracting and getting a long full pull via the eblow arching up toward the hip is how I row too. I normally post one knee and arm up on a bench and get almost horizontal for mine and really try to get the elbow behind the back too. Like you said, It gets the most back meat hit effectively.
what body weight was your 240 at? that's mucho weighto.

I just don't know that I 100% fully grasp the difference of the many different forms of db rows/kroc rows etc. I've done them all and I do tend to mix them up. aside from your forehead mount there... I do like "assisted"... meaning, left arm on the bench while right arm rows, then switch, when I'm going for as heavy as I can.

If I'm just doing say 70s for 3x10 as an accessory I'll grab both 70s, bend over like i'm doing a bb row and just knock out both sides at once. I do like being able to change the angle of my back when I'm pulling/rowing a bit, in my mind it changes how it's hitting the traps/lats/upper back some.


how are those klokovs treating you? I almost want to throw them in again just cause you've reminded me of how freaking hard they are.
Kroc Rows compared to strict Bodybuilding style Db Bent Over Rows are like the difference in technique between a Muscle Snatch a real Snatch - One is more about brute force, and getting the weight moving and the other is big on the form and technique. That and Kroc rows are done in high rep sets for a massive volume hit.
 
Putting in some good work…..that’s a good PR 240 on your Overhead Press. I’ve seen you and others mention the Klokov Press before, so I had to look that bad boy up. So basically it looks like a behind the neck press with a really wide grip. It looks really challenging, but I don’t think my old shoulders could handle that now. I still do good with Overhead Press, but just that slight adjustment going behind the neck causes pain, I couldn’t imagine doing it with a wide grip. It is impressive though.

Thanks, I do them with a snatch grip, pointer finger touching the power rings. I think that will have a better transfer to my strict press, while still getting the shoulder strengthening. So really more like a BTN Strictpress, but still a full hand width wider than I would Strictpress from the front, because of my lesser mobility on the left side.

what body weight was your 240 at? that's mucho weighto.

I just don't know that I 100% fully grasp the difference of the many different forms of db rows/kroc rows etc. I've done them all and I do tend to mix them up. aside from your forehead mount there... I do like "assisted"... meaning, left arm on the bench while right arm rows, then switch, when I'm going for as heavy as I can.

If I'm just doing say 70s for 3x10 as an accessory I'll grab both 70s, bend over like i'm doing a bb row and just knock out both sides at once. I do like being able to change the angle of my back when I'm pulling/rowing a bit, in my mind it changes how it's hitting the traps/lats/upper back some.


how are those klokovs treating you? I almost want to throw them in again just cause you've reminded me of how freaking hard they are.

I was 235lbs. I have found that to Strictpress more, the best thing besides an unreasonable focus on it (as much frequency AND volume AND intensity as you can handle) is just gaining weight.

Kroc was just famous for heaving heavy DB rows for a billion reps until he was gonna puke.

The Klokovs are really boring. The program actually calls for BTN Pushpress but that made no sense for these hypertrophy rep ranges. I’m not going to be explosive for 15 knee bends in a row, which becomes cardio (and poor hypertrophy). So this was a good opportunity to work something that’s weak.
 
I feel like BTN press, when performed properly, is almost a core workout as that’s where I fatigue first. Keeping scaps tied in with open ribs and neutral pelvis through the movement is a real challenge for me, but I think it pays dividends when you start pushing heavy in conventional OHP. I really don’t feel any challenge to the big shoulder muscles yet.
 
Fasted 38 hours with some LISS, ended at 11am today for pizza with the family.

I was 230.0lbs yesterday but woke up at 226.6 today, despite drinking 5g each of salt & creatine mono yesterday. Really tightened up from this fast, back to where I was before depleting for the meet.
 
Fasted 38 hours with some LISS, ended at 11am today for pizza with the family.

I was 230.0lbs yesterday but woke up at 226.6 today, despite drinking 5g each of salt & creatine mono yesterday. Really tightened up from this fast, back to where I was before depleting for the meet.
Nice! Pretty good way to end a fast too!
 
Fasted 38 hours with some LISS, ended at 11am today for pizza with the family.

I was 230.0lbs yesterday but woke up at 226.6 today, despite drinking 5g each of salt & creatine mono yesterday. Really tightened up from this fast, back to where I was before depleting for the meet.
Keep that up bruh....good stuff all around. Do you ever find that the drastic weight loss messes with your head?
 
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