Hyde’s Strength Odyssey

[SkRaw85]

There are some people who fabricate heavy duty wheelbarrows designed to be loaded either with weight plates on pegs or deep to hold sandbags, chains & such. Seems like basically only a hardcore gym purchase thing, but they’re out there! Definitely a fun way to do conditioning.

Always wanted one of those. Early labor jobs kept me on the rubber tires, but damn that will build strength!

 

[Dustin07]

There are some people who fabricate heavy duty wheelbarrows designed to be loaded either with weight plates on pegs or deep to hold sandbags, chains & such. Seems like basically only a hardcore gym purchase thing, but they’re out there! Definitely a fun way to do conditioning.

Always wanted one of those. Early labor jobs kept me on the rubber tires, but damn that will build strength!

my wife's aunt and uncle as you might know are our neighbors and her uncle (now 75) who refuses to ever go to a gym calls himself lifefit, lol. I'm not sure it's optimal training, but he's not entirely wrong either. I hear him in my head all the time. Yesterday I cleaned a bale of straw (which was dumb heavy for straw actually, felt like alfalfa), threw it on my shoulder, then rucked it about 100 yards into the woods over limbs and down trees to prop up as a back drop for my hidden redneck archery range. heavy awkward objects in the rain ftw.

 

[Hyde]

12/7/25

3 min Assault Bike
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Band Warmups
DB Incline Press
30,45x15

Bench, Texas Powerbar
155,221,265x3
276 3x3
281x3

1-Board
303x1
287x5

DB Laterals
20 4x15

ss w/ DB Rear Delt Flyes
20,25x15
30,35x12

Push-ups
20,30

Five triples around 275, fatigue single touching 300 and a max set of 5 to round out bench. Elbow hurt every rep of every set and every single push-up, so that made things a battle today. Squats flared it up, so I probably need to flip flop my upper/lower days to get bench ahead of squat in the schedule finally. This is always best practice for lowbar work. I did all of this solo though, and finally really nailed positioning for setup with self-liftoff on the top single (just in time). So that’s a silver lining for progress.

 

[Hyde]

Had to get in and out of training early yesterday; wife got signed up for a little Christmas-themed strongman competition less than 24 hours out. It was cool - there was a lever squat that was Santa’s sleigh, a sandbag toss with white marshmallow bags thrown over giant candy cane bars into a big cup of cocoa for the backboard, the Hercules hold was made to look like stacks of toppling presents, the Viking press was lifting the reindeer on the sleigh. They played Christmas music the whole show and lots of people dressed festive. It was a fun day!

We had been planning to go watch since last week, but a spot opened up so she jumped in. Easy little event day that go the wife her USS Nationals bid, which is going to be in IA this year so thankfully an easy drive instead of expensive flights/rental car.

 

[Segansational]

my wife's aunt and uncle as you might know are our neighbors and her uncle (now 75) who refuses to ever go to a gym calls himself lifefit, lol. I'm not sure it's optimal training, but he's not entirely wrong either. I hear him in my head all the time. Yesterday I cleaned a bale of straw (which was dumb heavy for straw actually, felt like alfalfa), threw it on my shoulder, then rucked it about 100 yards into the woods over limbs and down trees to prop up as a back drop for my hidden redneck archery range. heavy awkward objects in the rain ftw.

You know, I feel like I'm 100% the opposite: Not at all "life fit" LOL, because everything I do is a specific lift / fixed planes / ROM with handles.

I've been accused before of being the most unfit "fit" person in my circle before, mostly due to things like lower back injuries that have nagged me over the years.

Had to get in and out of training early yesterday; wife got signed up for a little Christmas-themed strongman competition less than 24 hours out. It was cool - there was a lever squat that was Santa’s sleigh, a sandbag toss with white marshmallow bags thrown over giant candy cane bars into a big cup of cocoa for the backboard, the Hercules hold was made to look like stacks of toppling presents, the Viking press was lifting the reindeer on the sleigh. They played Christmas music the whole show and lots of people dressed festive. It was a fun day!

We had been planning to go watch since last week, but a spot opened up so she jumped in. Easy little event day that go the wife her USS Nationals bid, which is going to be in IA this year so thankfully an easy drive instead of expensive flights/rental car.

That meet sounds awesome! Great to have some festive fun thrown into the mix.

 

[SkRaw85]

Sounds like a fun event with some time put in to it!

 

[gphagan1]

Had to get in and out of training early yesterday; wife got signed up for a little Christmas-themed strongman competition less than 24 hours out. It was cool - there was a lever squat that was Santa’s sleigh, a sandbag toss with white marshmallow bags thrown over giant candy cane bars into a big cup of cocoa for the backboard, the Hercules hold was made to look like stacks of toppling presents, the Viking press was lifting the reindeer on the sleigh. They played Christmas music the whole show and lots of people dressed festive. It was a fun day!

We had been planning to go watch since last week, but a spot opened up so she jumped in. Easy little event day that go the wife her USS Nationals bid, which is going to be in IA this year so thankfully an easy drive instead of expensive flights/rental car.

Man that is great and really cool….sounds like it was a fun day.

 

[MrKleen73]

So much awesomeness in the last couple of weeks. Happy to see everything clicking for you and yours!

 

[sammpedd88]

Had to get in and out of training early yesterday; wife got signed up for a little Christmas-themed strongman competition less than 24 hours out. It was cool - there was a lever squat that was Santa’s sleigh, a sandbag toss with white marshmallow bags thrown over giant candy cane bars into a big cup of cocoa for the backboard, the Hercules hold was made to look like stacks of toppling presents, the Viking press was lifting the reindeer on the sleigh. They played Christmas music the whole show and lots of people dressed festive. It was a fun day!

We had been planning to go watch since last week, but a spot opened up so she jumped in. Easy little event day that go the wife her USS Nationals bid, which is going to be in IA this year so thankfully an easy drive instead of expensive flights/rental car.

That sounds like a cool time man! Glad your wife did well and you got to spend some time together doing what you guys enjoy!

 

[Dustin07]

i'm seeing a massive trend this week on X (obviously mostly engagement farming) about how deadlifts are the superior lift for hypertrophy and all I can think about is that when I took my pulls from 440 to ~500 / 520rack, my legs atrophied horribly and when I went back to squatting my leg size came back. what are your thoughts? I just can't fathom people relying on deadlifts alone for size.

 

[SkRaw85]

i'm seeing a massive trend this week on X (obviously mostly engagement farming) about how deadlifts are the superior lift for hypertrophy and all I can think about is that when I took my pulls from 440 to ~500 / 520rack, my legs atrophied horribly and when I went back to squatting my leg size came back. what are your thoughts? I just can't fathom people relying on deadlifts alone for size.

Trending now!

 

[Hyde]

12/9/25
BW 243.8 yesterday

Stretching at home

2 min Assault Bike
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Glute Bridges
KB Suitcase Carries
SL KB Deadlift

Hi Bar Squat, Texas Powerbar
45x12,8
+heels
155,221,265x10

Deadlift, Texas Powerbar
155x5 RDL
265,331,375x3
+powerbelt
419,464x3
491x2,7

RDL
+deadlift belt & straps
375 2x8

Plate-loaded Lying Leg Curl
90x3
125x11

Great day in the gym. Actually thought I’d loaded 502, but realized later I did my bar math for top weight like I was using a Squat/Duffalobar. Still, ripped a smooth set of 7 that felt like I definitely had one more hard one left in the tank. Someone showed me a vid & I was very pleased with my hip position overall; technique is definitely clicking.

Also added in just a pinch of hi bar work before deads, with the primary purpose of seeing if I could actually get my body under a powerbar in a position I think I could possibly work with. The only American ABS Powerlifting meet this year is a ProAm being held May 30th in Virginia Beach at a beachfront Doubletree. This is a meet where by default I’d be grouped into the D1 Men’s class of 400-469.99 DOTS lifters, which is exciting to me because the baseline caliber of lifter I’d be competing with is MUCH higher than any Nationals (Pro class for men is 470 DOTS+). It’s not like I’d be someone placing at this meet, but this is inherently a big & very serious competition, with some very strict judging as well - more serious competition than Worlds in most feds. We’ll see; it’s just an idea I’m floating at the moment. But I’d have to squat on a powerbar.

Looking more immediately, there’s a PLU meet in the STL area March 1st. 11.5 weeks is pretty ideal from a training block & cycle standpoint for me to prep. Trying to talk the gym owner into doing it with me.

 

[Hyde]

i'm seeing a massive trend this week on X (obviously mostly engagement farming) about how deadlifts are the superior lift for hypertrophy and all I can think about is that when I took my pulls from 440 to ~500 / 520rack, my legs atrophied horribly and when I went back to squatting my leg size came back. what are your thoughts? I just can't fathom people relying on deadlifts alone for size.

My biggest deadlifts have unmistakably come when I had the biggest quads. But I don’t think about them as being a major quad builder, moreso that they benefit from powerful leg drive.

I think anyone who thinks a hinge is the singular answer to hypertrophy is lying to themselves. The only lift there is that can really address most of the body is the clean & press, and we know from Olympic weightlifters that still does not a bodybuilder make. Who ONLY wants to deadlift anyway? I’d ask those people what’s so wrong with wanting to do multiple lifts.

 

[gphagan1]

12/9/25
BW 243.8 yesterday

Stretching at home

2 min Assault Bike
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Glute Bridges
KB Suitcase Carries
SL KB Deadlift

Hi Bar Squat, Texas Powerbar
45x12,8
+heels
155,221,265x10

Deadlift, Texas Powerbar
155x5 RDL
265,331,375x3
+powerbelt
419,464x3
491x2,7

RDL
+deadlift belt & straps
375 2x8

Plate-loaded Lying Leg Curl
90x3
125x11

Great day in the gym. Actually thought I’d loaded 502, but realized later I did my bar math for top weight like I was using a Squat/Duffalobar. Still, ripped a smooth set of 7 that felt like I definitely had one more hard one left in the tank. Someone showed me a vid & I was very pleased with my hip position overall; technique is definitely clicking.

Also added in just a pinch of hi bar work before deads, with the primary purpose of seeing if I could actually get my body under a powerbar in a position I think I could possibly work with. The only American ABS Powerlifting meet this year is a ProAm being held May 30th in Virginia Beach at a beachfront Doubletree. This is a meet where by default I’d be grouped into the D1 Men’s class of 400-469.99 DOTS lifters, which is exciting to me because the baseline caliber of lifter I’d be competing with is MUCH higher than any Nationals (Pro class for men is 470 DOTS+). It’s not like I’d be someone placing at this meet, but this is inherently a big & very serious competition, with some very strict judging as well - more serious competition than Worlds in most feds. We’ll see; it’s just an idea I’m floating at the moment. But I’d have to squat on a powerbar.

Looking more immediately, there’s a PLU meet in the STL area March 1st. 11.5 weeks is pretty ideal from a training block & cycle standpoint for me to prep. Trying to talk the gym owner into doing it with me.

Another nice training session…..Deadlifts are looking strong. That 491 x 7 at 11 1/2 weeks out, looks like you are going to get over 600 by a decent amount by the time of the meet.

 

[Segansational]

i'm seeing a massive trend this week on X (obviously mostly engagement farming) about how deadlifts are the superior lift for hypertrophy and all I can think about is that when I took my pulls from 440 to ~500 / 520rack, my legs atrophied horribly and when I went back to squatting my leg size came back. what are your thoughts? I just can't fathom people relying on deadlifts alone for size.

Only Sith deal in absolutes.

Now that my nerdiness is out of the way, I guess partly the question is do they mean hypertrophy overall (eg, most muscles worked / hit in one movement) vs specific quad or other muscle hypertrophy/growth?

Also, I'd think if using deads for hypertrophy you'd see some quads, some hams, certainly spinal electors, and then some lat/upper back growth depending on grip type. But I wouldn't necessarily call it quad dominant for me.

 

[Dustin07]

Only Sith deal in absolutes.

Now that my nerdiness is out of the way, I guess partly the question is do they mean hypertrophy overall (eg, most muscles worked / hit in one movement) vs specific quad or other muscle hypertrophy/growth?

Also, I'd think if using deads for hypertrophy you'd see some quads, some hams, certainly spinal electors, and then some lat/upper back growth depending on grip type. But I wouldn't necessarily call it quad dominant for me.

he's just a douche shilling pulls I think. I did more digging into the trend and the garbage and realized he's a starting strength coach trying to build his clientele. Maybe Mark will drop him, that would be great, lol.

I mean there is always the conversation on size vs strength and how they are related and how they are not, but undoubtedly some of my best measurements (meaning largest chest, quads etc) while lean, came in while I was much weaker than I am now but my volume was through the roof. I've mentioned before but my quads were 2" smaller when I PR'd deadlifts and squats, than they were when I was crossfitting and squatting damn near every day. same with chest actually. biggest chest measurement (probably from back size really, pulls, pullups etc daily) was when my bench was 50lbs lower.

 

[Hyde]

12/10/25

2 min Assault Bike
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Band Warmup

Widegrip Bench, Texas powerbar
45x10,15
95,145x15
185x10
205,210x25

Swissbar JM Press
135x12
145x10

Vbar Cable Tri Pressdown
80,100x3
120 2x10

Lat Pulldowns
80,140x12
180x3
200 2x14

HS CSR
180,270,320x3
350 2x7

ss w/ Band Pullaparts
Mini 3x35

Up super early to get this one in before my stepdaughter leaves for work, since it’s my wife’s training morning but I want to see my son’s gymnastics tonight. Plus I have bloodwork scheduled Friday morning. Anyway, things felt really good and I was particularly strong this morning - 210x25 was just flying. Looking forward to taking down 215 next time!

 

[Dustin07]

205,210x25

goals

I want to see my son’s gymnastics tonight.

when my boy was younger I loved partaking, people told my wife "he'll be more interested when the kid is older" I guess thats a dad thing to not be interested in your young child?? I was more like you, enjoyed him from day 1.

But I tell you what son, whatever great enjoyment you get from your young sons athletic endeavors today continue to get more and more exciting as he finds his niche and grows. By the time your boy is in high school its worth the $7 admission and like watching pro sports. (excitement wise)

 

[Hyde]

goals

when my boy was younger I loved partaking, people told my wife "he'll be more interested when the kid is older" I guess thats a dad thing to not be interested in your young child?? I was more like you, enjoyed him from day 1.

But I tell you what son, whatever great enjoyment you get from your young sons athletic endeavors today continue to get more and more exciting as he finds his niche and grows. By the time your boy is in high school its worth the $7 admission and like watching pro sports. (excitement wise)

Oh I believe that! That’s your own flesh & blood out there going for it, someone you spent a lot of time caring for over years. There’s an investment I’m sure.

 

[sammpedd88]

goals

when my boy was younger I loved partaking, people told my wife "he'll be more interested when the kid is older" I guess thats a dad thing to not be interested in your young child?? I was more like you, enjoyed him from day 1.

But I tell you what son, whatever great enjoyment you get from your young sons athletic endeavors today continue to get more and more exciting as he finds his niche and grows. By the time your boy is in high school its worth the $7 admission and like watching pro sports. (excitement wise)

My son played baseball and was a lefty pitcher. He finished his 4 years of high school ball with a 1.46 ERA over 4 years. Was the number 1 pitcher in the rotation all four years. Was even able to come back his senior year after labrum surgery. Signed with a small college and his shoulder couldn’t hold up. I miss those days more than I could ever put into words. I wish I could go back in time for one game and watch him pitch. For all of the out of town trips for showcase ball was worth every penny I spent. Cherish every memory with your kids, they won’t be small forever!

 

[Dustin07]

Oh I believe that! That’s your own flesh & blood out there going for it, someone you spent a lot of time caring for over years. There’s an investment I’m sure.

My son played baseball and was a lefty pitcher. He finished his 4 years of high school ball with a 1.46 ERA over 4 years. Was the number 1 pitcher in the rotation all four years. Was even able to come back his senior year after labrum surgery. Signed with a small college and his shoulder couldn’t hold up. I miss those days more than I could ever put into words. I wish I could go back in time for one game and watch him pitch. For all of the out of town trips for showcase ball was worth every penny I spent. Cherish every memory with your kids, they won’t be small forever!

small forever lol. my 16yr old is 30lbs heavier than me and squats more than I can (for fun) lol. The greatest thing I think I realized this week was I can guide, coach, encourage but you can't MAKE them do something so watching your kid really go for it, to make his own decision to try hard. thats a proud papa moment. You can't beg or force a kid to want to win. and I don't care if he wins or loses, I love watching him GO FOR IT.

 

[SkRaw85]

small forever lol. my 16yr old is 30lbs heavier than me and squats more than I can (for fun) lol. The greatest thing I think I realized this week was I can guide, coach, encourage but you can't MAKE them do something so watching your kid really go for it, to make his own decision to try hard. thats a proud papa moment. You can't beg or force a kid to want to win. and I don't care if he wins or loses, I love watching him GO FOR IT.

Dude it’s crazy, our boy is almost taller than my wife now lol. Wtf happened?!

 

[Hyde]

Dude it’s crazy, our boy is almost taller than my wife now lol. Wtf happened?!

How old is he now?

 

[SkRaw85]

How old is he now?

11 in January. He’ll prob be taller than me in a few years. Recently got into kickboxing and is thriving

 

[Dustin07]

11 in January. He’ll prob be taller than me in a few years. Recently got into kickboxing and is thriving

awesome choice of sport!!

 

[Hyde]

Getting packed up to head to EliteFTS this evening; meeting some guys for breakfast prior at 7am Eastern tomorrow, so goal for today is get enough food in and get to bed soon as possible. I think the plan is probably squats tomorrow and bench Sunday, but as I’m 11 weeks out still with no prep gear started I’m going to let the training go wherever for fun this weekend.

Catch you guys next week!

 

[Dustin07]

have a great time man!!

 

[gphagan1]

Hope you have a blast….can’t wait to hear how it goes.

 

[akboom87]

Getting packed up to head to EliteFTS this evening; meeting some guys for breakfast prior at 7am Eastern tomorrow, so goal for today is get enough food in and get to bed soon as possible. I think the plan is probably squats tomorrow and bench Sunday, but as I’m 11 weeks out still with no prep gear started I’m going to let the training go wherever for fun this weekend.

Catch you guys next week!

Man have a blast!

 

[sammpedd88]

Getting packed up to head to EliteFTS this evening; meeting some guys for breakfast prior at 7am Eastern tomorrow, so goal for today is get enough food in and get to bed soon as possible. I think the plan is probably squats tomorrow and bench Sunday, but as I’m 11 weeks out still with no prep gear started I’m going to let the training go wherever for fun this weekend.

Catch you guys next week!

Man enjoy it! I know you’ve been there before with Swede and I hope this experience is even better! Can wait for you to report back.

 

[SkRaw85]

Enjoy the training! Pics please!

 

[Hyde]

12/13/25
BW 244.2 yesterday

2 min Assault Bike
Reverse Arm Circles
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
RFE Splitsquat

Squat, Duffalobar
195,285x3
+doubleply sleeves
375x3
+belt
435x3
485,525,555x1
465x7 PR

Paused SSB Squat
+lifters & deadlift belt
155,245,335,385x3
405x5

EFS Pendulum Squat
w/ minibands assisting bottom
+90x8
140x6,9

EFS Legpress
w/ reverse lightbands assisting bottom
360x10
540x5
720x12
900x10

EFS Standing Calves
60,120x12
180x10
220 2x14

Got to Elite on Saturday 15 minutes before we were supposed to be able to go in, yet 20 guys were already in their squat briefs when I came in - hadn’t even taken my preWO yet. It was a lot like being in the warmup area at a meet that’s a total cluster; bet there was at least 50 lifters. Fortunately, I am both experienced with that & also thrive in high-adrenaline situations. It was definitely a positive overall for me; everyone seemed excited to go hard.

Found someone stronger who wanted a similar setup (lots of people were boxsquatting or were using bands), did my activations while people messed around with the bar/ a plate or two, and hopped into the rotation. Knew I was on when the first squat I took at 200lbs felt like an empty bar. My plan was to take around 523 for a single and 457 for an AMRAP, but when 525 absolutely flew I decided to cook while the pan was hot: I blasted up 555. My PR on a buffalobar is 578 while weighing 20lbs heavier, and I definitely could have taken 580 after, but prep is just beginning so I moved on to knock out a solid set with 465 at RPE8. I believe this is the most I’ve ever actually squat for 7.

The strongest guy in our group went up to 685 in briefs & wraps, but his knee was bugging him so he had to shut it down early (he was hoping to take a 5lb PR with 900). His wife was an IFBB Pro, so I went on to train some legs with them after I got my paused yokebar squats done with some other guys I’d had breakfast with prior. I had never used a pendulum squat before, but it was absolutely insane how hard it was with just a plate per side on it! They leave bands on it to assist out of the bottom because so many people struggle with it empty at first. The legpress was huge, 270lbs empty, but I didn’t have any troubles with that one as expected.

Towards the end I introduced myself to Dave to thank him for Elite & all the ways it’s positively impacted me, which led to a really enjoyable conversation about all kinds of things. It was just a very cool genuine interaction that really put an awesome cap on an already great experience.

 

[akboom87]

12/13/25
BW 244.2 yesterday

2 min Assault Bike
Reverse Arm Circles
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
RFE Splitsquat

Squat, Duffalobar
195,285x3
+doubleply sleeves
375x3
+belt
435x3
485,525,555x1
465x7 PR

Paused SSB Squat
+lifters & deadlift belt
155,245,335,385x3
405x5

EFS Pendulum Squat
w/ minibands assisting bottom
+90x8
140x6,9

EFS Legpress
w/ reverse lightbands assisting bottom
360x10
540x5
720x12
900x10

EFS Standing Calves
60,120x12
180x10
220 2x14

Got to Elite on Saturday 15 minutes before we were supposed to be able to go in, yet 20 guys were already in their squat briefs when I came in - hadn’t even taken my preWO yet. It was a lot like being in the warmup area at a meet that’s a total cluster; bet there was at least 50 lifters. Fortunately, I am both experienced with that & also thrive in high-adrenaline situations. It was definitely a positive overall for me; everyone seemed excited to go hard.

Found someone stronger who wanted a similar setup (lots of people were boxsquatting or were using bands), did my activations while people messed around with the bar/ a plate or two, and hopped into the rotation. Knew I was on when the first squat I took at 200lbs felt like an empty bar. My plan was to take around 523 for a single and 457 for an AMRAP, but when 525 absolutely flew I decided to cook while the pan was hot: I blasted up 555. My PR on a buffalobar is 578 while weighing 20lbs heavier, and I definitely could have taken 580 after, but prep is just beginning so I moved on to knock out a solid set with 465 at RPE8. I believe this is the most I’ve ever actually squat for 7.

The strongest guy in our group went up to 685 in briefs & wraps, but his knee was bugging him so he had to shut it down early (he was hoping to take a 5lb PR with 900). His wife was an IFBB Pro, so I went on to train some legs with them after I got my paused yokebar squats done with some other guys I’d had breakfast with prior. I had never used a pendulum squat before, but it was absolutely insane how hard it was with just a plate per side on it! They leave bands on it to assist out of the bottom because so many people struggle with it empty at first. The legpress was huge, 270lbs empty, but I didn’t have any troubles with that one as expected.

Towards the end I introduced myself to Dave to thank him for Elite & all the ways it’s positively impacted me, which led to a really enjoyable conversation about all kinds of things. It was just a very cool genuine interaction that really put an awesome cap on an already great experience.

He’ll yeah! That’s awesome man congrats on a awesome time and great lifts!

Dave seems like he would be a cool dude that would just carry on a conversation about anything.

 

[Hyde]

12/14/25

2 min Assault Bike
Band warmup
Serratus Activations
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Mace Swings

Bench, F8 Bench bar
145x8
195,235,265,285x3
305,325,340x1
285 2x5

2-boardpress
295x7

DB Laterals
20 4x20

Thompson Fatbell Rear Delt Flyes
35 4x15

Magnum Converging Cable Chestpress
warmup triples
250x12
290x8

Day 2 at EFS was definitely more chill, and I also showed up sooner at 9am to get ahead of things. Most people bench this day, and I worked with mainly the same group I had Saturday plus a guy I’d been having breakfast with each morning at the M&M diner. Despite going hard on squats the day before, I found myself feeling quite strong. Haven’t touched over 300 since the meet almost 4 months ago, so I worked up some. Really happy with how 340 moved, definitely had 350+ in me, so bench is climbing back out of the hole finally. Put in a bunch of good work, and also used my favorite cable chest press ever that Swede had me use when we recorded his Chest day routine.

Had more time to have some good conversations with other lifters this day, catch up with some people, helped spot some benches and squats, etc. It definitely felt like more of a casual hangout this day before everyone had to make their long drives home.

Also, forgot to mention on the squat day that one of the guys worked up to a 1,313lb squat with reverse monster minibands. I was asked to come help spot, which wasn’t so scary considering there was 5 of us with 3 more ready to jump in, but it was definitely very cool. This will be the heaviest multiply squat ever if he pulls it off in the meet in 8 weeks, so this will probably be the biggest lift I ever spot for the rest of my life!

Also, the F8 bench bar is incredible. Feels just like a perfectly knurled powerbar in hand; you don’t even feel the extra 10lbs from the longer sleeves.

 

[gphagan1]

Man that is awesome…. I know you had a great time. There was definitely some tonnage moved there this weekend. Both days were impressive, but man I can tell you were feeling it on leg day Saturday just from the numbers you were putting up. Sounds like that environment just supercharged your whole system.

 

[Segansational]

Awesome. Congrats on the PR too. Was it any seminar style stuff too, or was it really just an opportunity to lift in the atmosphere with elite, like minded lifters? Either way, the environment alone probably helped you hit that PR! I know you've done a lot of competitions and done some other similar experiences, but I'd have to imagine it's how I feel about going to the Arnold, etc. Just so much good vibes and motivation being surrounded by it all.

 

[sammpedd88]

12/14/25

2 min Assault Bike
Band warmup
Serratus Activations
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Mace Swings

Bench, F8 Bench bar
145x8
195,235,265,285x3
305,325,340x1
285 2x5

2-boardpress
295x7

DB Laterals
20 4x20

Thompson Fatbell Rear Delt Flyes
35 4x15

Magnum Converging Cable Chestpress
warmup triples
250x12
290x8

Day 2 at EFS was definitely more chill, and I also showed up sooner at 9am to get ahead of things. Most people bench this day, and I worked with mainly the same group I had Saturday plus a guy I’d been having breakfast with each morning at the M&M diner. Despite going hard on squats the day before, I found myself feeling quite strong. Haven’t touched over 300 since the meet almost 4 months ago, so I worked up some. Really happy with how 340 moved, definitely had 350+ in me, so bench is climbing back out of the hole finally. Put in a bunch of good work, and also used my favorite cable chest press ever that Swede had me use when we recorded his Chest day routine.

Had more time to have some good conversations with other lifters this day, catch up with some people, helped spot some benches and squats, etc. It definitely felt like more of a casual hangout this day before everyone had to make their long drives home.

Also, forgot to mention on the squat day that one of the guys worked up to a 1,313lb squat with reverse monster minibands. I was asked to come help spot, which wasn’t so scary considering there was 5 of us with 3 more ready to jump in, but it was definitely very cool. This will be the heaviest multiply squat ever if he pulls it off in the meet in 8 weeks, so this will probably be the biggest lift I ever spot for the rest of my life!

Also, the F8 bench bar is incredible. Feels just like a perfectly knurled powerbar in hand; you don’t even feel the extra 10lbs from the longer sleeves.

Sounds like a good time! Glad the squats and bench felt good. Would you go again for this specific event?

 

[SkRaw85]

Sounds like it was a hoot! Gratz on that Duffalo PR man!
Yeah those F8 bench bars are superior! Glad it’s grooving again for ya brother

 

[Hyde]

Awesome. Congrats on the PR too. Was it any seminar style stuff too, or was it really just an opportunity to lift in the atmosphere with elite, like minded lifters? Either way, the environment alone probably helped you hit that PR! I know you've done a lot of competitions and done some other similar experiences, but I'd have to imagine it's how I feel about going to the Arnold, etc. Just so much good vibes and motivation being surrounded by it all.

No seminar or structure; the crew retreat is just a chance for people who want to support the company come lift at the compound together. If someone was a big introvert going alone, they probably wouldn’t have as good of a time - the key is to get involved, talk with people & try to lift with others.

When you are in a rotation, taking turns with others on a rack or bench, something magical happens that pushes you to be present & try harder. This only happens when there’s more than 2-3 people really, especially if they don’t really know you. It’s what happens in the warmup room at a meet, and it teases the dog out of you.

Sounds like a good time! Glad the squats and bench felt good. Would you go again for this specific event?

Yeah I’d say so. $114 is barely the price of doing a meet (before getting the fed membership you’d need for one), and this is a 2-day event, so it’s a solid value if you look at it as an exciting place to go lift. I learned a long time ago that traveling to lift with like-minded individuals is both helpful for progress as well as just directly enjoyable for what it is.

Sounds like it was a hoot! Gratz on that Duffalo PR man!
Yeah those F8 bench bars are superior! Glad it’s grooving again for ya brother

Thanks; it was good. I didn’t take a PR single on the duffalo, but the AMRAP set was a PR regardless of bar I realized later (even leaving some a little in pocket), so that was very cool. Things are really trending properly for good things to come!

 

[Dustin07]

When you are in a rotation, taking turns with others on a rack or bench, something magical happens that pushes you to be present & try harder. This only happens when there’s more than 2-3 people really, especially if they don’t really know you. It’s what happens in the warmup room at a meet, and it teases the dog out of you.

this is the thing though, what an awesome opportunity. it's like the bro sesh of all bro seshs. congrats on a great time and solid lifts dude. that was a great trip report to read!!

 

[Hyde]

12/16/25
BW 245.2 yesterday

2 min Assault Bike
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
KB Suitcase Carries
SL Glute Bridges

Deadlift, Texas Powerbar
45,155x5 RDL
265,353x3
+powerbelt
419x3
464,507,535x1
419x5

RDL
+belt & straps
380 2x8

Plate-loaded Lying Leg Curl
45x5
90x3
130x10

Could tell by 353 the weekend got me, neurologically. Muscle soreness had dissipated in time, had done good with mobility work to be able to hit positions fine without tightness, but things just moved slower. Took the 507 warmup single and knew 502 for reps wasn’t happening, so I pulled 535 to get a good touch of something heavier since I haven’t even done 500 since the meet. This was 5lbs more than I’ve done on a powerbar this year, and knowing it’s only 90% of 600 I should be able to take it rain or shine. Which I did fine, then dropped to just 419 for a light backoff & it was incredibly heavy

Got my RDLs & curls in, but going to run a couple 9-day micros to get fatigue managed. I did realize I have totaled 1,430 over the last 72 hours, so I don’t feel too bad about that.

 

[Dustin07]

with 535 being you letting off the gas a little, it seems like you are ending the year on a really positive note man.

 

[Hyde]

with 535 being you letting off the gas a little, it seems like you are ending the year on a really positive note man.

Yes, things are going very well. I feel I am in a great place to potentially do something solid this spring.

 

[gphagan1]

12/16/25
BW 245.2 yesterday

2 min Assault Bike
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
KB Suitcase Carries
SL Glute Bridges

Deadlift, Texas Powerbar
45,155x5 RDL
265,353x3
+powerbelt
419x3
464,507,535x1
419x5

RDL
+belt & straps
380 2x8

Plate-loaded Lying Leg Curl
45x5
90x3
130x10

Could tell by 353 the weekend got me, neurologically. Muscle soreness had dissipated in time, had done good with mobility work to be able to hit positions fine without tightness, but things just moved slower. Took the 507 warmup single and knew 502 for reps wasn’t happening, so I pulled 535 to get a good touch of something heavier since I haven’t even done 500 since the meet. This was 5lbs more than I’ve done on a powerbar this year, and knowing it’s only 90% of 600 I should be able to take it rain or shine. Which I did fine, then dropped to just 419 for a light backoff & it was incredibly heavy

Got my RDLs & curls in, but going to run a couple 9-day micros to get fatigue managed. I did realize I have totaled 1,490 over the last 72 hours, so I don’t feel too bad about that.

Definitely understandable for you to be a little drained, considering the amount of weight you moved this weekend, but still a good heavy workout…..looks like you’re on pace for a great 2026.

 

[Hyde]

Meet I’m eyeing is 11 weeks from last Sunday.

Adding 200mg Mast E in this week over my daily shots. 400 Test E & 200 EQ have been going well the last 3 weeks, but I know if I am going to consider Dienelone at some point I am going to want this in prior.

Got the results of my bloodwork back: I have never had this good of lipids since before I ever took a designer steroid 14+ years ago. I have been microdosing Rosuvastatin at 2.5mg every 3rd night, so like 6.5 total average mg per week exposure (which is 2/3rd of the smallest pharmaceutical pill they make). On 600mg of gear, my HDL was still 41, my LDL was down to 79, and my trigs were only 54!!! I couldn’t even believe it, 20 points/percent drop in LDL despite the increased steroid exposure as well as over 20 point drop on triglycerides (which are usually around 80). I suspect the Anabolic Diet for 8 weeks in off-time got my HDL built up especially good, but I am amazed how much the microdose of statin positively impacted my LDL & trigs. Feels like I finally found something that can really help me minimize my longterm risk of atherosclerosis (combined with diet, supplements and obviously better gear exposure choices) from my powerlifting.

Everything else looked very solid; hematocrit didn’t really increase at all so far (54.9) despite hemoglobin going from 18.1 to 18.9. Platelets actually went down from 300 to 270. RBC stayed the same around 6. Nothing that makes me want to run out to donate yet, plus my ferritin only being 53 I’ll certainly wait until it gets closer to the meet. My hsCRP is under 1, so cardiovascular inflammation is extremely low as expected.

 

[sammpedd88]

Meet I’m eyeing is 11 weeks from last Sunday.

Adding 200mg Mast E in this week over my daily shots. 400 Test E & 200 EQ have been going well the last 3 weeks, but I know if I am going to consider Dienelone at some point I am going to want this in prior.

Got the results of my bloodwork back: I have never had this good of lipids since before I ever took a designer steroid 14+ years ago. I have been microdosing Rosuvastatin at 2.5mg every 3rd night, so like 6.5 total average mg per week exposure (which is 2/3rd of the smallest pharmaceutical pill they make). On 600mg of gear, my HDL was still 41, my LDL was down to 79, and my trigs were only 54!!! I couldn’t even believe it, 20 points/percent drop in LDL despite the increased steroid exposure as well as over 20 point drop on triglycerides (which are usually around 80). I suspect the Anabolic Diet for 8 weeks in off-time got my HDL built up especially good, but I am amazed how much the microdose of statin positively impacted my LDL & trigs. Feels like I finally found something that can really help me minimize my longterm risk of atherosclerosis (combined with diet, supplements and obviously better gear exposure choices) from my powerlifting.

Everything else looked very solid; hematocrit didn’t really increase at all so far (54.9) despite hemoglobin going from 18.1 to 18.9. Platelets actually went down from 300 to 270. RBC stayed the same around 6. Nothing that makes me want to run out to donate yet, plus my ferritin only being 53 I’ll certainly wait until it gets closer to the meet. My hsCRP is under 1, so cardiovascular inflammation is extremely low as expected.

Got my labs done 3 weeks and two days after my run of 450 mgs test and 200 mgs Deca. Lipids weren’t terrible but not where they normally are. Also this was my first run of Deca. Overall cholesterol was 211 LDL was 154 HDL 42 and triglycerides 75. My HDL didn’t drop but triglycerides and LDL are up as well as my overall cholesterol. The only reason I did labs this soon after my cycle was needing to get in by the end of the year to my TRT Dr. she didn’t seem concerned. Told me to stop eating processed foods which I don’t really eat. The only real processed food I eat is an occasional rice Krispy treat preworkout. I’m thinking the Deca has done this and will prob continue to drop. Any thoughts @Hyde?

 

[gphagan1]

Got my labs done 3 weeks and two days after my run of 450 mgs test and 200 mgs Deca. Lipids weren’t terrible but not where they normally are. Also this was my first run of Deca. Overall cholesterol was 211 LDL was 154 HDL 42 and triglycerides 75. My HDL didn’t drop but triglycerides and LDL are up as well as my overall cholesterol. The only reason I did labs this soon after my cycle was needing to get in by the end of the year to my TRT Dr. she didn’t seem concerned. Told me to stop eating processed foods which I don’t really eat. The only real processed food I eat is an occasional rice Krispy treat preworkout. I’m thinking the Deca has done this and will prob continue to drop. Any thoughts @Hyde?

I’m not Hyde, but Deca can affect your lipids. They aren’t too bad though, and should return to normal with a clean diet.

 

[gphagan1]

Meet I’m eyeing is 11 weeks from last Sunday.

Adding 200mg Mast E in this week over my daily shots. 400 Test E & 200 EQ have been going well the last 3 weeks, but I know if I am going to consider Dienelone at some point I am going to want this in prior.

Got the results of my bloodwork back: I have never had this good of lipids since before I ever took a designer steroid 14+ years ago. I have been microdosing Rosuvastatin at 2.5mg every 3rd night, so like 6.5 total average mg per week exposure (which is 2/3rd of the smallest pharmaceutical pill they make). On 600mg of gear, my HDL was still 41, my LDL was down to 79, and my trigs were only 54!!! I couldn’t even believe it, 20 points/percent drop in LDL despite the increased steroid exposure as well as over 20 point drop on triglycerides (which are usually around 80). I suspect the Anabolic Diet for 8 weeks in off-time got my HDL built up especially good, but I am amazed how much the microdose of statin positively impacted my LDL & trigs. Feels like I finally found something that can really help me minimize my longterm risk of atherosclerosis (combined with diet, supplements and obviously better gear exposure choices) from my powerlifting.

Everything else looked very solid; hematocrit didn’t really increase at all so far (54.9) despite hemoglobin going from 18.1 to 18.9. Platelets actually went down from 300 to 270. RBC stayed the same around 6. Nothing that makes me want to run out to donate yet, plus my ferritin only being 53 I’ll certainly wait until it gets closer to the meet. My hsCRP is under 1, so cardiovascular inflammation is extremely low as expected.

Looks like micro dosing the statin is your secret sauce. It’s always a good sign when you increase anabolics, and it doesn’t affect your lipids. With where you’re at, 11 weeks out looks like it would be just right to hit your groove.

 

[Hyde]

Got my labs done 3 weeks and two days after my run of 450 mgs test and 200 mgs Deca. Lipids weren’t terrible but not where they normally are. Also this was my first run of Deca. Overall cholesterol was 211 LDL was 154 HDL 42 and triglycerides 75. My HDL didn’t drop but triglycerides and LDL are up as well as my overall cholesterol. The only reason I did labs this soon after my cycle was needing to get in by the end of the year to my TRT Dr. she didn’t seem concerned. Told me to stop eating processed foods which I don’t really eat. The only real processed food I eat is an occasional rice Krispy treat preworkout. I’m thinking the Deca has done this and will prob continue to drop. Any thoughts @Hyde?

Exactly as gphagan1 said, deca will hit lipids harder than testosterone will (pretty much all AAS do this). And even testosterone will do this in a dose-dependent fashion, just to a lesser degree. If you had taken 650mg of just test per week, you’d still see HDL coming down and LDL & trigs creeping up (with a static diet). By wk 8 or so of 500 test only, my HDL had dropped to high 30s and LDL gone up to ~130 as I recall from 100.

Orals and Tren will adulterate lipids VERY fast, from the first dose. Even 1 day of an oral can really punch HDL down a notch.

Time off restores things, but not always at the rate you will be messing them back up. Cardio can help fix things faster, and 5-10mg GW can really improve them in a matter of a month. But that has its own risks. This is why people recommend pulling bloods before starting a blast, to know if things are recovered enough to even be considering one.

 

[sammpedd88]

Exactly as gphagan1 said, deca will hit lipids harder than testosterone will (pretty much all AAS do this). And even testosterone will do this in a dose-dependent fashion, just to a lesser degree. If you had taken 650mg of just test per week, you’d still see HDL coming down and LDL & trigs creeping up (with a static diet). By wk 8 or so of 500 test only, my HDL had dropped to high 30s and LDL gone up to ~130 as I recall from 100.

Orals and Tren will adulterate lipids VERY fast, from the first dose. Even 1 day of an oral can really punch HDL down a notch.

Time off restores things, but not always at the rate you will be messing them back up. Cardio can help fix things faster, and 5-10mg GW can really improve them in a matter of a month. But that has its own risks.

I’ve got an appt with my VA Dr in the middle of January. I’ll get him to order labs and get it checked again and see how it’s tracking. I’ll step the cardio up. I’ve got some GW so I may add that in. I’ve never had an issue with GW before and my liver readings were on point. Started with Tudca and pinning 400 mgs of glutathione three times a week to help with liver detox when I finished my last cycle.