Nordic Hyper GHD

Back to all stories
Training

Benji and How He Uses the Hyper Pro

PUBLISHED ON Oct, 24, 2024

At the heart of Freak Athlete is a story of resilience and discovery. Benji, the founder, knows firsthand the challenges of overcoming serious injury—and how crucial it is to find the right tools to get back on your feet. His journey from knee surgeries to full recovery is the backbone of Freak Athlete's mission. It is to provide effective, space-efficient tools, like the Hyper Pro that help people train smarter, not harder.

The Knee Injuries That Changed Everything

In 2018, Benji tore his meniscus while playing soccer, a sport that was his passion and his life. Like many athletes, he tried to push through the pain, but after six long months, he had no choice but to undergo surgery. What was supposed to be the end of his troubles turned into just the beginning. The surgery didn’t go as planned, and six months later, he found himself under the knife again.

Even after the surgeries, Benji’s knee pain persisted, and his range of motion was severely limited. But soccer was everything to him, and he fought to get back on the field. Then, in 2021, another devastating blow: he tore his ACL during a preseason game in England. This injury forced Benji to rethink everything about his training and recovery.

Discovering Strength Through Smart Training

After two major surgeries, Benji's athletic future was at stake. He knew he had to do more than recover. He had to come back stronger. Instead of avoiding the muscles around his knee, which he had done early on, he focused on strengthening his hamstrings and quads.

That's when he found Nordic Curls. They are a game-changer for building lower-body strength, especially in the hamstrings.

This pivotal moment led Benji down a path of innovation. Frustrated by the limitations of his home gym, he teamed up with his best friend Yogi to tinker with equipment, eventually creating what we now know as the Hyper Pro.

A machine built to handle key movements like Nordics, Leg Extensions, Hamstring Curls, and more—all in a compact setup. 

Benji’s hard work paid off. By the time he returned to the soccer field in 2021, he felt stronger and faster than ever. Today, Benji plays soccer five times a week, and the difference is undeniable. When he lets his training slide, he feels it in his knees. But with consistent training using the Hyper Pro—6 days a week, focusing on both lower and upper body—he’s performing at a higher level than before his ACL injury.

Key Movements That Fueled His Recovery

Some of the most important movements that helped Benji regain strength and stability post-surgery include:

  • Nordic Curls: Essential for rebuilding the hamstrings and mimicking the movements that protect the knees during sport.
  • Leg Extensions: Focuses on the quadriceps, which help stabilize the knee and improve range of motion.
  • Hamstring Curls: Targets the back of the legs to balance out the strength needed for knee stability.
  • ATG Split Squat: Increases mobility and strength throughout the entire lower body.
  • Back Extensions: Though not directly related to the knees, strengthening the lower back improved Benji’s overall athletic performance and prevented compensatory weaknesses.

Advice from Benji

If there’s one piece of advice Benji has for anyone recovering from injury or surgery, it’s this: don’t avoid strength training.

The biggest mistake he made after his first two surgeries was not focusing on strengthening the muscles around the injury.

“You can’t work through pain, but you also can’t be afraid to train smart,” Benji says. “Strengthening the muscles around an injury—whether it’s pre- or post-surgery—sets you up for long-term success. Don't wait until you're fully healed to start.”

He emphasizes that if you're unsure about surgery, either way, starting with rehab or pre-hab is essential. Only you and your doctor can decide if you need surgery. But, you can start your recovery by addressing weaknesses above and below the injury. For me, that was strengthening my lower back, ankles, and hips within the pain-free range of my knee.

Access Benji's full training routine here, or, subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of training tips, promotions, and more! 

If you want to train just like Benji, click HERE to explore the Hyper Pro—9 machines-in-one for full body training and recovery. 

Training Core Training Isn’t What You Think It Is
Training

Core Training Isn’t What You Think It Is

Core Training Is More Than Just Abs When people think of training their core, abs are usually the first thing that comes to mind. While a strong set of abs is great, your core is made up of much m...

Training The Most Common Age Related Injury (and how to avoid it).
Training

The Most Common Age Related Injury (and how to avoid it).

The Most Common Age-Related Injury: Falling As we age, falling becomes one of the most common and dangerous potential injuries. Falls often lead to serious issues like fractures, making daily task...

3 Reasons NOT To Buy the Hyper Pro

3 Reasons NOT To Buy the Hyper Pro

3 Reasons NOT to Buy the Hyper Pro At Freak Athlete, we understand that everyone has their own workout preferences and routines. The Hyper Pro isn’t for everyone, and that’s totally okay! But befo...

Training Benji’s FULL Workout Routine
Training

Benji’s FULL Workout Routine

Benji’s 6-Day Workout Routine Post-Recovery After three major knee surgeries, Benji has not only recovered but come back stronger than ever. His current workout routine is designed to maintain st...

Training Benji and How He Uses the Hyper Pro
Training

Benji and How He Uses the Hyper Pro

At the heart of Freak Athlete is a story of resilience and discovery. Benji, the founder, knows firsthand the challenges of overcoming serious injury—and how crucial it is to find the right tools ...

Training 5 Essential Movements for BJJ Athletes
Training

5 Essential Movements for BJJ Athletes

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a demanding sport that requires a unique blend of strength, flexibility, and endurance. Whether you're rolling on the mats or prepping for a match, specific movements ...

Training The Best Mobility Routine for Runners
Training

The Best Mobility Routine for Runners

Mobility Routine for Runners Running is a demanding activity that requires strength, flexibility, and endurance. To maintain peak performance and prevent injuries, it’s essential to add mobility ...

Training Weekly Workout on the Hyper Pro: Strength & Stability
Training

Weekly Workout on the Hyper Pro: Strength & Stability

Strength & Stability: Full Workout on the Hyper Pro Looking for a time-efficient way to strengthen your lower body while boosting overall athleticism? This week’s Hyper Pro workout is designed...

Training 5 Moves Every Office Worker Should Be Doing
Training

5 Moves Every Office Worker Should Be Doing

Counter Sitting Moves In today's world, it is more common than not to be sitting for the majority of your shift. This excess sitting long term causes hip, back & shoulder pain.  Today we are...

Why Static Stretching Alone Is Not Enough

Why Static Stretching Alone Is Not Enough

Why Stretching Alone Is Not Enough If you’re serious about improving both strength and mobility, it's time to rethink the role of stretching. While static stretching—holding a muscle in a lengthen...

5 of the Best Exercises for Longevity

5 of the Best Exercises for Longevity

As we seek to live longer, exercise becomes an essential part of this process. Its role in longevity is crucial. Regular exercise improves our physical health and mental well-being. It helps us li...

Training Full Beginner Friendly Workout on the Hyper Pro
Training

Full Beginner Friendly Workout on the Hyper Pro

If you’re looking for a beginner friendly workout for a stronger lower body, then today we’ve got you covered! Join us for a full workout on the Hyper Pro! Incline Nordic Curl The Nordic Curl is a...

Why Is The Hyper Pro So Expensive?

Why Is The Hyper Pro So Expensive?

The Hyper Pro is a big investment. So, is it worth it? Here’s a full breakdown of how it compares to the 9 machines it replaces so you can decide for yourself.  1. Nordic Bench How it compares Th...

Training 45 Degree VS 90 Degree HyperExtensions Explained
5 MIN READ
Training

45 Degree VS 90 Degree HyperExtensions Explained

What’s the difference and which one should you be doing? This movement could fix your low back pain, and you can do it right from home. (With the right equipment)  The back extension is an effect...

Training Reverse Nordics VS Quad Extensions
Training

Reverse Nordics VS Quad Extensions

Reverse Nordics or Quad Extensions? Both of these movements have high potential for strength gains, mobility and injury prevention—but which one is better? Which one should you be doing for your...

Training What does it mean to be a Freak Athlete?
Training

What does it mean to be a Freak Athlete?

What It Means to Be a Freak Athlete We believe that being a "Freak Athlete" isn't just about physical prowess; it's a holistic mindset that embodies a relentless pursuit of excellence in every asp...

Training Best Nordic Bench
Training

DIY Nordic Set-Ups- Are they worth it?

DIY Nordic Set-Ups Do you feel that your Nordic progress is slow? Or even worse, are you skipping Nordics because you hate the set up for it? It may be that you have not found the right set-up for...

Training Weekly Workout with Team Freak!
Training

Weekly Workout with Team Freak!

Why?  Every week, the Freak Athlete team gathers via video call and we complete a group workout ran by either Coach Jason Dias or our Head of Product, Yogi. These workouts are always so fun and a ...

Training Best Low Back Stretch
Training

3 of the BEST Stretches for the Low Back

Our 3 Favorite Low Back Stretches!  Do you sit for more than 5 hours a day? Do you play a physically demanding sport? Chances are, you deal with some low back tightness. It is not fun, and if igno...

Training Building your Dream Home Gym with Limited Space: A Complete Guide
Training

Building your Dream Home Gym with Limited Space: A Complete Guide

Building Your Home Gym Struggling to make the most of limited space while wanting a fully functional home gym? You’re not alone. Many seek solutions that balance functionality with minimal footpri...

Training 5 Best Exercises for a Stronger Low Back
Training

5 Best Exercises for a Stronger Low Back

Top 5 Best Low Back Movements  A weak lower back can make life harder. It can affect sitting, standing, walking, and exercising. Your lower back is a key part of your core, protecting your body wh...

Training The Quick Solution to Tight Quads
Training

The Quick Solution to Tight Quads

Tight Quads Holding You Back? You don't have to have stiff and tight quads when trying to build bigger legs. In this article, we will discuss exercises to help you avoid getting stiff when chasing...

Training Top 5 Glute Exercises for Size AND Strength
Training

Top 5 Glute Exercises for Size AND Strength

Top 5 Glute Exercises for Size AND Strength: In this article, we will discuss the best glute movements that will increase the size and strength of your glutes over time while ensuring you don’t ne...

Training How to Start Nordic Curls: A Complete Guide
Training

How to Start Nordic Curls: A Complete Guide

How to do Nordic Curls: A Complete Guide Interested in Nordic curls but not sure where to start? Look no further! Read on to discover how you can ease into this challenging movement and make progr...

Training Nordic Curls VS Hamstring Curls: Explained
10 MIN READ
Training

Nordic Curls VS Hamstring Curls: Explained

Nordic Curls or Hamstring Curls? Is one better than the other? What are the benefits of each? Which one should I be doing? These are the questions we most commonly hear when we talk about Hamstrin...

Training 4 Effective Moves For Better Posture
Training

4 Effective Moves For Better Posture

4 Movements for Better Posture In a world where most of us sit for more than 4 hours a day, it is crucial that we actively work against it by utilizing movements that strengthen the muscles to keep...

Training Fix Tight hips FAST
3 MIN READ
Training

Fix Tight hips FAST

Fix Tight Hips Fast: 2 Movements for Quick Relief Are tight hips slowing you down? Don't fret! Today we are going to go over 2 highly effective stretches for tight hips. At the end, We will go over...