Hyde’s Strength Odyssey

[Hyde]

10/18/26

Roll feet
Hip Stretches

6 min Assault Bike
Scap Pushups
Cat Camel
Bird Dogs
Glute Activation
Roll Tspine
20” Step-ups
KB RDL
Band Pullaparts
RFE Splitsquat

Squat, Hansu Powerbar
154x5
264,352x3
+belt
407x1
374 2x3
330 3x5

HS CSR
90x10
180x15
270x12
320 3x8

V-Grip Chin-ups
10,10,12,12

Band Pullaparts
Mini x35,40

Hit legs pretty hard Wednesday so I wanted to get upper back in today after squats. After going circamaximal last week, I knew this week would need to be lighter, and I was right. Kept it light & manageable to get some quality practice in.

 

[Dustin07]

Had to get up at 3am to get this one in before getting home very early to get on the road

beat mode fully engaged

I knew this week would need to be lighter

sometimes when you take a step back from the competitive world, being surrounded by great lifters, it can be hilarious to consider real world implications of a "light" 407 lb squat. lol. Like I've seen maybe 10 people outside of competitive power lifting that can honestly squat over 405 well. Your average gym rat will never see 405, muchless on a light day, haha.

 

[Hyde]

beat mode fully engaged



sometimes when you take a step back from the competitive world, being surrounded by great lifters, it can be hilarious to consider real world implications of a "light" 407 lb squat. lol. Like I've seen maybe 10 people outside of competitive power lifting that can honestly squat over 405 well. Your average gym rat will never see 405, muchless on a light day, haha.

Haha yes, that is true - but I would also definitely classify myself as a competitive powerlifter, so I have to measure against that standard. I have done quite a number of maximal lifts that 99% of pro bodybuilders will never achieve. Being “good enough” in a commercial gym isn’t going to cut it.

Not that I’m in contention for a national podium, but I think 12 years of competing, buying a CPAP out of pocket and eating sardines at 5am preWO pretty much squarely lands me into “obsessed” territory

 

[sammpedd88]

Haha yes, that is true - but I would also definitely classify myself as a competitive powerlifter, so I have to measure against that standard. I have done quite a number of maximal lifts that 99% of pro bodybuilders will never achieve. Being “good enough” in a commercial gym isn’t going to cut it.

Not that I’m in contention for a national podium, but I think 12 years of competing, buying a CPAP out of pocket and eating sardines at 5am preWO pretty much squarely lands me into “obsessed” territory

Eating sardines at 5am before a squat day is hardcore in itself

 

[Hyde]

Eating sardines at 5am before a squat day is hardcore in itself

It sounds bad, but I have a lot more respect for anyone who can eat a dozen eggs at once

 

[Hyde]

10/20/26
BW 217.4

7 min Assault Bike

Bench, Texas Powerbar
155x10
221x6
265x3
309x1
254 5x8

Widegrip Incline Bench
45,135x8
155 3x17

Shoulder Stretch

And just like that, 100 reps of benching in the books.

I hadn’t taken any GH since Thursday because I wanted to pull that water off to get a better idea of weight (normally I take Sat/Sun off of it). I also kept Saturday’s carb up under 4k calories, and Sunday was a PSMF except for a big plate of my MIL’s chicken & noodles for a family dinner. So that got my Monday weight down to 219 initially, and today is basically as low as I’ve been.

So that is encouraging that I have things on the right track now with the diet. Added GH back in preWO at 4iu (for more fat loss focus) now that I have my bearings. 3iu went fine, just more water, so we’ll see how 4 goes.

 

[sammpedd88]

It sounds bad, but I have a lot more respect for anyone who can eat a dozen eggs at once

Yeah that’s no easy feat either…..now I can’t help but picturing you trying to get down a can of sardines and a dozen eggs before a workout

 

[MrKleen73]

It sounds bad, but I have a lot more respect for anyone who can eat a dozen eggs at once

Facts! They have to be nice and salty, and well done for that to even be an option for me, and even then I imagine I would tap out around 8 eggs.

 

[Hyde]

Facts! They have to be nice and salty, and well done for that to even be an option for me, and even then I imagine I would tap out around 8 eggs.

Yep, 8 is my hard cap. I don’t even like eating 6, 5 is the ideal top for me. People who can slug down 12 are built different lol

 

[MrKleen73]

Yep, 8 is my hard cap. I don’t even like eating 6, 5 is the ideal top for me. People who can slug down 12 are built different lol

Yeah, I think 6 was my actual tap out during my bulk then I asked for a different protein source, but if I just had to try I think 8 would be my end.

 

[akboom87]

10/20/26
BW 217.4

7 min Assault Bike

Bench, Texas Powerbar
155x10
221x6
265x3
309x1
254 5x8

Widegrip Incline Bench
45,135x8
155 3x17

Shoulder Stretch

And just like that, 100 reps of benching in the books.

I hadn’t taken any GH since Thursday because I wanted to pull that water off to get a better idea of weight (normally I take Sat/Sun off of it). I also kept Saturday’s carb up under 4k calories, and Sunday was a PSMF except for a big plate of my MIL’s chicken & noodles for a family dinner. So that got my Monday weight down to 219 initially, and today is basically as low as I’ve been.

So that is encouraging that I have things on the right track now with the diet. Added GH back in preWO at 4iu (for more fat loss focus) now that I have my bearings. 3iu went fine, just more water, so we’ll see how 4 goes.

Is there much difference on timing of taking GH? Seems like I hear most say before bed. Just curious.

I’ll have to google I am unsure of what a hansu power bar is

 

[Dustin07]

It sounds bad, but I have a lot more respect for anyone who can eat a dozen eggs at once

Yeah that’s no easy feat either…..now I can’t help but picturing you trying to get down a can of sardines and a dozen eggs before a workout

Yeah that’s no easy feat either…..now I can’t help but picturing you trying to get down a can of sardines and a dozen eggs before a workout

Facts! They have to be nice and salty, and well done for that to even be an option for me, and even then I imagine I would tap out around 8 eggs.

When we were competing in regionals etc I had a buddy that would pound those cartons of egg whites. A friend from our box invited all of us up to her cabin in the mountains one weekend, where shenanigans took place. I think I was the only one not nursing a hangover, he comes walking out in his boxers chugging two of those egg white containers lol. kid was a beast, loved training with him.

 

[Hyde]

Is there much difference on timing of taking GH? Seems like I hear most say before bed. Just curious.

I’ll have to google I am unsure of what a hansu power bar is

Timing doesn’t really matter, most important thing is that you take it. BUT, if you want to know the 3 primary distinctions and how they differ:

1. Night time is best for year round recovery and technically least impact on insulin resistance.

2. Morning fasted is best for greatest acceleration of fatloss.

Daytime use will have slightly more impact on insulin resistance because it’s going to mean the elevated glucose & fats GH releases into the bloodstream will be present in the hours you are also eating. But if you are cutting (where insulin sensitivity otherwise is improving, as food is more limited overall), this isn’t really an issue for most.

3. PeriWO is technically the most anabolic, because it will have IGF1 elevated closest to when muscles are being freshly repaired, BUT to grow like this means you’re combining daytime use while eating with caloric surplus. This is the worst for you longterm, just something for a bulking stint or on targeted days.

You generally just want to take before bed, unless really trying to cut or grow. But it’s splitting hairs no matter when you get it in. You do not need to be empty stomach.

Hansu is just a brand that makes comp-spec gear. Our powerbars from them are 20kg/44lbs, instead of 45 like the Texas we have. In most comps you will use a 20kg powerbar, regardless of brand.

When we were competing in regionals etc I had a buddy that would pound those cartons of egg whites. A friend from our box invited all of us up to her cabin in the mountains one weekend, where shenanigans took place. I think I was the only one not nursing a hangover, he comes walking out in his boxers chugging two of those egg white containers lol. kid was a beast, loved training with him.

We used to drink them all the time when we could digest them better. They’re pasteurized so safe, and with a little sugar-free coffee syrup thrown in they’re pretty great - pop the top, add a shot, close lid & shake: 50g cold, sweet protein ready to chug or carry with you.

But man, the farts

 

[Dustin07]

But man, the farts

didnt' even think about that. they used to be a lot cheaper too, at Costco we'd get the 6packs of them, my wife's breakfast was usually straight egg whites and I'd add them to supplement my real eggs. been a while since I had those though.

 

[Rockslide]

Since a bar question came up …

I know that 99% of lifters can’t tell a difference one way or another but you are high level lifter….

Can you pick up a bar and tell the difference between a 28.5 and a 29 mm bar . Assuming you would easily recognize a 29 mm power bar loaded on deadlift or a 27 mm deadlift bar if loaded on bench if you were blindfolded ?

In comp do yall use specific 27 mm bar for deads and 29 mm for bench/squats or is it all done with with a 29 mm bar ?

 

[Dustin07]

an you pick up a bar and tell the difference between a 28.5 and a 29 mm bar . Assuming you would easily recognize a 29 mm power bar loaded on deadlift or a 27 mm deadlift bar if loaded on bench if you were blindfolded ?

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I think generally I can. I actually get very picky about bars and look for specific ones for specific uses even though I just use a box chain gym right now. I'm just fortunate that its been recently renovated with pretty decent PL and Oly gear. Things that I immediately notice always: bar diameter, center knurling, and sleeves.

 

[Hyde]

Since a bar question came up …

I know that 99% of lifters can’t tell a difference one way or another but you are high level lifter….

Can you pick up a bar and tell the difference between a 28.5 and a 29 mm bar . Assuming you would easily recognize a 29 mm power bar loaded on deadlift or a 27 mm deadlift bar if loaded on bench if you were blindfolded ?

In comp do yall use specific 27 mm bar for deads and 29 mm for bench/squats or is it all done with with a 29 mm bar ?

I wouldn’t necessarily notice half a mm alone, but I could definitely tell if it was a power bar or not. And would certainly notice pulling on one, or benching with a deadlift bar.

The weightlifting bar I use at the commercial gym for deadlifts is 28.5, while the Texas powerbar I pulled on last week for speed pulls feels obviously thicker/harder to hold. Both are less advantageous than a proper deadlift bar of course, which is why I use them in the off-season. I try to save the deadlift bar for the last couple months of prep, when specificity & load need to be at their highest overall.

 

[Hyde]

10/21/26
BW 219.0

Roll Feet

1” Deficit Deadlift, weightlifting bar
45x10 RDL
135x5 RDL
225x3 RDL
275,325,385x3
+belt
435,470,500x3
455x5

SLDL
+straps & deadlift belt
365 3x8

alt w/ DB Lateral Raises
30x15
35x12

Happy to see 219.0 on the scale given GH was bumped to 4iu Monday - same weight as 2 weeks ago when I was still on 2iu. I believe I’m down around 15% bodyfat or so now that I’ve lost over 30lbs. I can always see my top abs, and often can see all 6 faintly with no etching depending on lighting and how much water I’m holding.

Felt like 520x3 would be an unnecessarily risky reach tonight with how I was feeling, so opted for a 455 backoff & progressed on total volume. Very happy there were reps in the tank after doing 5 with it. Also made a 15lb jump on stifflegs but still absolutely smashed the 3x8, so keeping something in pocket paid out there as well.

 

[gphagan1]

Great job continuing to drop weight while preserving strength. And great deadlift work as always. I love watching your approach and training during this cut and how you are maintaining your strength. It really looks like you are going to hit your goal of those elite numbers at 198.

 

[MrKleen73]

Congrats on being happy with the current weight with the amount of GH you are using.

 

[Dustin07]

pulls are looking solid man. I like the reasoning for the audible on the backoff set. historically I would have been more likely to FAIL a top set, then do the backoff, and just inevitably dig that fatigue hole. Yours looks like actual productive use of volume.

 

[Rockslide]

I wouldn’t necessarily notice half a mm alone, but I could definitely tell if it was a power bar or not. And would certainly notice pulling on one, or benching with a deadlift bar.

The weightlifting bar I use at the commercial gym for deadlifts is 28.5, while the Texas powerbar I pulled on last week for speed pulls feels obviously thicker/harder to hold. Both are less advantageous than a proper deadlift bar of course, which is why I use them in the off-season. I try to save the deadlift bar for the last couple months of prep, when specificity & load need to be at their highest overall.

I’ve been waiting for a cerakote limited edition orange Texas power bar to come back in stock and today they did . Not having a bar with center knurl was driving me insane . Picked up the 28.5 mm original , figured I’m not near strong enough to benefit from the extra stiffness of the pro and also since I may also do deads with it would rather it be thinner. I currently have a cheap 28 mm Amazon bar that is working fine but the intention was always to use that one for things like landmines. A deadlift bar would be nice but don’t think i am anywhere near the point where i would benefit from it. Will have to see if I prefer the nice aggressive knurl on the 28.5 mm power bar vs the cheap knurl but 28 mm less stiff Olympic bar when it comes to deads. I know the cerakote isn’t the best option for bars but man it’s going to look great on my rack

They dropped a 32 mm ultra stiff squat bar pro today that has the entire shaft knurled which is pretty cool

 

[Hyde]

Great job continuing to drop weight while preserving strength. And great deadlift work as always. I love watching your approach and training during this cut and how you are maintaining your strength. It really looks like you are going to hit your goal of those elite numbers at 198.

Thank you; just keep reminding myself that the key is ultimately to be patient & consistently put in quality work. I need to keep training hard & stick to my diet, but not be in a rush to force either. Chipping away is how this is going to manifest success.

Congrats on being happy with the current weight with the amount of GH you are using.

Yeah when on blast I’ll need to be controlling estrogen with no need to support nitrogen retention with GH (just fat loss & orthopedic support). So 2iu will be plenty then, so I’ll get to shed the extra water.

The gear also shouldn’t cause too much water weight when I introduce it, as I’ll be leaning on dry compounds mainly again. And the metabolic increase they’ll bring will ultimately further allow cut progress.

pulls are looking solid man. I like the reasoning for the audible on the backoff set. historically I would have been more likely to FAIL a top set, then do the backoff, and just inevitably dig that fatigue hole. Yours looks like actual productive use of volume.

Yeah 455x5 is ~50% more tonnage/total volume than 520x3, so when I realized that it made it a very easy decision. When I did 515x3 I was feeling particularly on that night, but that’s not something I need to try to force replicating routinely. Training is about working hard enough to progress, while holding back enough to allow you to KEEP progressing.

I’ve been waiting for a cerakote limited edition orange Texas power bar to come back in stock and today they did . Not having a bar with center knurl was driving me insane . Picked up the 28.5 mm original , figured I’m not near strong enough to benefit from the extra stiffness of the pro and also since I may also do deads with it would rather it be thinner. I currently have a cheap 28 mm Amazon bar that is working fine but the intention was always to use that one for things like landmines. A deadlift bar would be nice but don’t think i am anywhere near the point where i would benefit from it. Will have to see if I prefer the nice aggressive knurl on the 28.5 mm power bar vs the cheap knurl but 28 mm less stiff Olympic bar when it comes to deads. I know the cerakote isn’t the best option for bars but man it’s going to look great on my rack

They dropped a 32 mm ultra stiff squat bar pro today that has the entire shaft knurled which is pretty cool

The Rogue Squatbar is fully knurled, and I much prefer it to the Texas the club has for that reason. Nice to hear Texas is getting wise!

Yeah you will be fine with 28.5mm in the squat. You can still adapt if there’s any whip later on. I have done 585 in my garage on a 29mm ISF powerbar. It definitely had whip to control, but nothing strength and skill can’t overwhelm if you develop enough. I mean Ray Williams did 1,080! Plus 28.5 will feel much better for rows, pulls, bench, everything else for sure.

 

[Dustin07]

Yeah you will be fine with 28.5mm in the squat. You can still adapt if there’s any whip later on. I have done 585 in my garage on a 29mm ISF powerbar. It definitely had whip to control, but nothing strength and skill can’t overwhelm if you develop enough. I mean Ray Williams did 1,080! Plus 28.5 will feel much better for rows, pulls, bench, everything else for sure.

I never even think about whip anymore since I haven't been oly lifting and my squats aren't heavy enough or fast enough to feel it. Did you have much wip in those 500+ squats at the meet?

 

[dapack]

Nice deficit numbers!!!

 

[Hyde]

I never even think about whip anymore since I haven't been oly lifting and my squats aren't heavy enough or fast enough to feel it. Did you have much wip in those 500+ squats at the meet?

No, I’ve never done a meet that didn’t have a squat bar for men. There is a bit of flex in in the Rogue over 600, but it doesn’t really whip. A squat bar definitely helps stabilize bigger weights a bit easier. Just feels better on your shoulders too, because the bar is wider and spreads the load out more.

Most feds do not use a powerbar for men on squat. Some use the squat bar for women now even, to keep it fair.