Testify Courant - September 21, 2026

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video When Deadlifting Heavy, Don't Stand Up & Try This Instead (click the title to watch):

Eldr
A question. What is the protocol for lowering? Just drop the bar? Lower under tension?

Phil
Don't drop the bar, but you can and should lower the bar faster than you picked it up. Hips back, "bow to the floor," and set the bar down relatively quickly right over the midfoot.

You might find this video of ours useful: https://youtu.be/bo1A2Y8wpq8


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Interested in getting stronger working one-on-one remotely with us? Click here to book your free strategy session.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start Today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

The BEST Barbell Collar Most Lifters Overlook (And It's Been Around for Decades)
Which barbell collar is actually the best? Phil breaks down four common types, what each one does well, where each falls short, and which collar he'd choose. Click here to watch.

 

7 Signs You're Using Your Lifting Equipment WRONG - Stop Making These Mistakes With Your Lifting Gear | Part 3
Are you making some mistakes with your weight lifting gear? You might be, and you probably don't even know it. In Part 3 of this series, we cover 7 more errors (and how to fix them) that lifters make with their equipment. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: 2 Fatal Deadlift Mistakes: 1 Solution (Simple and Fast)
Are these two errors destroying your deadlift? Find out and fix them in under 2 minutes. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: STOP Making This Deadlift Mistake With Your Legs!
Are you accidentally "kicking the bar" away with your shins when deadlifting? Let’s identify and fix this problem quickly. Click here to read.


“GET STRONGER - LIVE BETTER” SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE!

Why do you train? Because getting stronger makes everything else easier. Get stronger. Live better. “Testify” to this message and represent your favorite gym with this shirt in several color options.

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Below are a few of our upcoming events, and you can find out what else is on the calendar by heading to our events page at www.testifysc.com/events.

Push Pull Pandemonium

  • October 16, 2026

  • Join us for a Friday evening filled with benching, deadlifting, and general revelry!

  • Sign up by September 25 to get a meet shirt and avoid the late registration rate!

  • Registration ends October 15.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Minneapolis, MN: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • October 3, 2026

  • Spend the day learning the theory and practice of the low bar back squat and the deadlift.

  • Participants will spend lots of time on the platform receiving coaching and instruction on the squat and deadlift in a small group setting. We will also have a lecture and discussion on programming and cover how to identify and correct common technical problems.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Kansas City, MO: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • November 14, 2026

  • Spend the day learning the theory and practice of the low bar back squat and the deadlift.

  • Participants will spend lots of time on the platform receiving coaching and instruction on the squat and deadlift in a small group setting. We will also have a lecture and discussion on programming and cover how to identify and correct common technical problems.

  • Click here to register or for more information.


THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
Sled Pyramid – 4, 5, or 6 tiers
Go up and down a 4, 5, or 6 tier “sled pyramid” – rest as needed. The distance for each round is 80 m indoors (a down-back on the 40m course) or 200 ft outdoors (2 down-backs on the 50 ft course). Rest as needed.

For example, Bob does the following (4 tiers):
Round 1: Empty sled
Round 2: 25#
Round 3: 50#
Round 4: 75#
Round 5: 50#
Round 6: 25#
Round 7: Empty sled

Compare to 2026.08.17.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = lowest distance.

Compare to 2026.06.29.

Option 3
Outdoors:
5-10 rounds:
10 sledgehammer strikes (5R, 5L)
50 yd farmer carry (25 yd down-back)
Rest 1 minute

Indoors:
5-10 rounds:
10 sledgehammer strikes (5R, 5L)
100 ft farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 minute

Compare to 2026.06.01.

Option 4
10 x 50 ft yoke carry
Each carry is 25 feet down and 25 feet back and is for time. Rest 1 minute between carries.

Compare to 2026.06.01.


As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!

Whenever you want even more Testify in your life, here are some free resources:

  • Book a free intro and strategy session with us HERE.

  • Pick up a free copy of Testify’s Squat Guide: 12 Tips to Improve Your Squat Now HERE.

  • Get our free weekly email - containing useful videos, articles, and training tips - HERE.

  • Follow Testify on Instagram HERE.

  • Subscribe to Testify’s YouTube channel HERE.

The Testify Globe - September 14, 2026

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 8 Tiny Habits That Make Lifting So Much Easier (click the title to watch):

JJ Squad
I loved this vid! I'm already using 5 out of the eight in my workouts, so I need to add chalk, lifting shoes, and a belt as soon as I need them. Currently, I'm rehabbing with lighter weights after having two surgeries and 9 months away from the gym (VERY difficult!), but as soon as I'm ready for the heavier lifting again, I will get those 3 things that you suggest. I'm an 80 yo woman and just before I had to stop lifting for those 9 months, I was deadlifting over 50 kilos, which I think isn't too bad for my age and size (5'2'' and 135 lbs).

Phil
That’s great to hear in a number of ways! Congrats on that 50 kg deadlift, and way to get back at it!


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Interested in getting stronger working one-on-one remotely with us? Click here to book your free strategy session.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start Today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

8 Tiny Habits That Make Lifting So Much Easier
Lifting should be challenging, but don't make it harder than it needs to be. Phil covers eight habits that make your workouts smoother, more effective, and easier to stick with. Click here to watch.

 

4 ERRORS Beginners Make that Experienced Lifters NEVER Do | Part 2 - The Press
Beginner lifters make these 4 mistakes in the squat, press, deadlift, and bench press. We explain and cover how to successfully fix them. This week’s article covers the press. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Get a Bigger Squat EFFORTLESSLY | 4 Mindset Shifts
Want to get a bigger, stronger squat? Here are 4 simple mindset shifts that will help. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Antonio and the Deadlift
Phil covers how to correctly perform - and hold - the Valsalva maneuver when deadlifting. Click here to read.


“GET STRONGER - LIVE BETTER” SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE!

Why do you train? Because getting stronger makes everything else easier. Get stronger. Live better. “Testify” to this message and represent your favorite gym with this shirt in several color options.

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Reminder: The gym will have modified training hours on Friday, 09/18/26, and Saturday, 09/19/26, as we are hosting the Starting Strength Coaches Conference that weekend.

  • Friday, 9/18/26:

    • 5:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. → Normal Training

    • 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. → Open Gym Training

    • Closed for afternoon and evening

  • Saturday, 9/19/26:

    • 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. → Normal Training

    • 9:00 a.m. and onward → Closed

Below are a few of our upcoming events, and you can find out what else is on the calendar by heading to our events page at www.testifysc.com/events.

Push Pull Pandemonium

  • October 16, 2026

  • Join us for a Friday evening filled with benching, deadlifting, and general revelry!

  • Sign up by September 25 to get a meet shirt and avoid the late registration rate!

  • Registration ends October 15.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Minneapolis, MN: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • October 3, 2026

  • Spend the day learning the theory and practice of the low bar back squat and the deadlift.

  • Participants will spend lots of time on the platform receiving coaching and instruction on the squat and deadlift in a small group setting. We will also have a lecture and discussion on programming and cover how to identify and correct common technical problems.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Kansas City, MO: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • November 14, 2026

  • Spend the day learning the theory and practice of the low bar back squat and the deadlift.

  • Participants will spend lots of time on the platform receiving coaching and instruction on the squat and deadlift in a small group setting. We will also have a lecture and discussion on programming and cover how to identify and correct common technical problems.

  • Click here to register or for more information.


THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
“Prowler Base+1”
1. Load up a manageable weight.
2. Sprint 40m at 85% intensity.
3. Rest 30 sec.
4. Repeat 5-15 times.

Courtesy of “Death by Prowler” (on Starting Strength).

Compare to 2026.08.10.

Option 2
Bike/row:
5 min on
4 min off
4 min on
3 min off
3 min on
2 min off
2 min on
1 min off
1 min on

Record distance for each interval and add for total distance.

Compare to 2026.06.22.

Option 3
5-10 rounds of:
30 sec ME tire flips
30 sec rest

Compare to 2026.05.25.

Option 4
For time:
500m row
5 x 80m sled push (200 ft if indoors)
500m row

Rest 1 minute after the first row and after each sled push.

Compare to 2026.05.25.


As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!

Whenever you want even more Testify in your life, here are some free resources:

  • Book a free intro and strategy session with us HERE.

  • Pick up a free copy of Testify’s Squat Guide: 12 Tips to Improve Your Squat Now HERE.

  • Get our free weekly email - containing useful videos, articles, and training tips - HERE.

  • Follow Testify on Instagram HERE.

  • Subscribe to Testify’s YouTube channel HERE.

The Testify Union - September 7, 2026

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video When warming up, don’t rest & try this instead (and 10 more tips lifters miss) (click the title to watch):

blackhawksq1
If you don't rest between warm-up sets, but your first warm-up set is 5 reps of the bar for 2 sets then is it just 10 reps of the bar?

Phil
You can certainly do that if you wish - no problems there. On the squat, for example, most people appreciate the chance to get out from under the bar (since shoulders are often tight when starting to warm up), shake out the arms for a few seconds, and then get right back under the bar for the second set.

blackhawksq1
@TestifySC So it's more of a form reset than a set. (I know getting stuck on the vernacular here) But I was actually slightly confused :). Thanks for the clarification!

Phil
You’re welcome!


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Interested in getting stronger working one-on-one remotely with us? Click here to book your free strategy session.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start Today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

When warming up, don’t rest & try this instead (and 10 more tips lifters miss)
Your warm-up is either preparing you to lift well . . . or wasting your time. Here are 11 tips that fix the most common warm-up mistakes, including one counterintuitive tip that surprises a lot of lifters. Click here to watch.

 

Wraps and Belts and Shoes – Oh My! Stop Making These Mistakes With Your Lifting Gear | Part 2
You're making some mistakes with your lifting gear, and you don't even know it. In Part 2 of this series, Phil covers 7 more errors (and how to fix them) that lifters make with their equipment. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: The BEST Conditioning Tool NOBODY Uses
What's the most effective conditioning tool that people hardly ever use? Learn what it is, why it's so effective, how to program its use within your strength training programming, and pick up some sample workouts as well. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Handle a Misload (it's NOT what you think)
An unevenly loaded barbell is a common mistake, but after you've corrected the load on the bar, do you just proceed as usual? Not quite. Click here to read.


SLEEVES ARE OVERRATED - GRAB A TESTIFY TANK!

Sun's out, guns out, and we've got men's and women’s tank tops in multiple colors.

Get yours today and represent your favorite gym!

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Below is one of our upcoming events, and you can find out what else is on the calendar by heading to our events page at www.testifysc.com/events.

Reminder: We are closed for training on Monday, 09/07/26, in observance of Labor Day.

Push Pull Pandemonium

  • October 16, 2026

  • Join us for a Friday evening filled with benching, deadlifting, and general revelry!

  • Sign up by September 25 to get a meet shirt and avoid the late registration rate!

  • Registration ends October 15.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Minneapolis, MN: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • October 3, 2026

  • Spend the day learning the theory and practice of the low bar back squat and the deadlift.

  • Participants will spend lots of time on the platform receiving coaching and instruction on the squat and deadlift in a small group setting. We will also have a lecture and discussion on programming and cover how to identify and correct common technical problems.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Kansas City, MO: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • November 14, 2026

  • Spend the day learning the theory and practice of the low bar back squat and the deadlift.

  • Participants will spend lots of time on the platform receiving coaching and instruction on the squat and deadlift in a small group setting. We will also have a lecture and discussion on programming and cover how to identify and correct common technical problems.

  • Click here to register or for more information.


THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
“Prowler Base”
1. Load up a manageable weight.
2. Sprint 40m at 85% intensity.
3. Rest until breathing and heart rate slow down. (45 sec – 2 min)
4. Repeat 5-15 times.

Courtesy of “Death by Prowler” (on Starting Strength).

Compare to 2026.08.03.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = lowest distance.

Compare to 2026.06.15.

Option 3
Outdoors:
5-10 rounds:
50 yd sled push (25 yd down-back)
50 yd farmer carry (25 yd down-back)
Rest 1 min

Indoors:
5-10 rounds:
100 yd sled push (50 ft down-back)
100 yd farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 min

Compare to 2026.05.18.

Option 4
Row 10 x 100m
Rest 1 min between sprints. Your score is your slowest time.

Compare to 2026.05.18.


As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!

Whenever you want even more Testify in your life, here are some free resources:

  • Book a free intro and strategy session with us HERE.

  • Pick up a free copy of Testify’s Squat Guide: 12 Tips to Improve Your Squat Now HERE.

  • Get our free weekly email - containing useful videos, articles, and training tips - HERE.

  • Follow Testify on Instagram HERE.

  • Subscribe to Testify’s YouTube channel HERE.

Testify Journal - August 31, 2026

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video This Stupid Trick Made His Deadlift So Much Easier (click the title to watch):

Biknjak
Great video, Phil. I worked out at a gym once that had ONLY octagonal plates. Talk about bar rolling! When you lower them, they NEVER land on a flat spot. They either roll away from you, or into your shins....ouch! You have to reset every time. Not great for deadlifting😬😳

Phil
Thanks very much, and ah yes, the octogonal plates . . . so true about never landing on a flat spot. They are indeed great shin busters.


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Interested in getting stronger working one-on-one remotely with us? Click here to book your free strategy session.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start Today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

The ONLY Grip That Will Make Your Bench & Press Stronger
Your grip can make a big difference in how effectively you bench and press. In this video, Phil shows you the grip that gives you the strongest, most effective position for both lifts. Click here to watch.

 

4 ERRORS Beginners Make that Experienced Lifters NEVER Do | Part 1 - The Squat
Beginner lifters make these 4 mistakes in the squat, press, deadlift, and bench press. Phil explains and covers how to successfully fix them. This week’s article covers the squat. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: The Bench Press Truth No One Told You
Want to improve your bench press? Make sure you're doing this . . . and not that. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: 4 Tips for a Better Bench Press
We cover 4 useful tips to help you build a better, stronger bench press. Click here to read.


SLEEVES ARE OVERRATED - GRAB A TESTIFY TANK!

Sun's out, guns out, and we've got men's and women’s tank tops in multiple colors.

Get yours today and represent your favorite gym!

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Below is one of our upcoming events, and you can find out what else is on the calendar by heading to our events page at www.testifysc.com/events.

Reminder: We will be closed for training on Monday, 09/07/26, in observance of Labor Day.

Push Pull Pandemonium

  • October 16, 2026

  • Join us for a Friday evening filled with benching, deadlifting, and general revelry!

  • Sign up by September 25 to get a meet shirt and avoid the late registration rate!

  • Registration ends October 15.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Minneapolis, MN: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • October 3, 2026

  • Spend the day learning the theory and practice of the low bar back squat and the deadlift.

  • Participants will spend lots of time on the platform receiving coaching and instruction on the squat and deadlift in a small group setting. We will also have a lecture and discussion on programming and cover how to identify and correct common technical problems.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Kansas City, MO: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • November 14, 2026

  • Spend the day learning the theory and practice of the low bar back squat and the deadlift.

  • Participants will spend lots of time on the platform receiving coaching and instruction on the squat and deadlift in a small group setting. We will also have a lecture and discussion on programming and cover how to identify and correct common technical problems.

  • Click here to register or for more information.


THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
Sled
Outdoors:
10-20 x 25 yds EMOM at a weight of your choice

Every minute, push the sled 25 yards, i.e., if pushing the sled takes 20 seconds, then you have 40 seconds to rest. Perform 10-20 rounds.

Indoors:
10-20 x 100 ft EMOM at a weight of your choice

Every minute, push the sled 100 feet, i.e., if pushing the sled takes 20 seconds, then you have 40 seconds to rest. Perform 10-20 rounds.

Compare to 2026.07.27.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = slowest time.

Compare to 2026.06.08.

Option 3
1. 5 x 50 ft seated sled pull. Add weight each round. Rest as needed.
2. 5 x 100 ft duck walk. Add weight each round. Rest as needed.

Compare to 2026.05.11.

Option 4
Outdoors
4 rounds:
50 yd farmer carry
80 m sled drag
Rest 2 min

Indoors
4 rounds:
100 ft farmer carry
100 ft sled drag
Rest 2 min

Compare to 2026.05.11.


As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!

Whenever you want even more Testify in your life, here are some free resources:

  • Book a free intro and strategy session with us HERE.

  • Pick up a free copy of Testify’s Squat Guide: 12 Tips to Improve Your Squat Now HERE.

  • Get our free weekly email - containing useful videos, articles, and training tips - HERE.

  • Follow Testify on Instagram HERE.

  • Subscribe to Testify’s YouTube channel HERE.

Testify Review - August 24, 2026

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Stop Putting Your Lifting Belt On Wrong & Try This Instead (click the title to watch):

Hugh Le Fitness
Pioneer came up with that? I thought it was SBD.

Phil
SBD has a hybrid lever-prong system as opposed to the adjustable version provided by Pioneer. SBD's is still good, but I like Pioneer's design a bit better as it allows very quick, 1/2" adjustments as opposed to taking the prongs out of the holes and the 1" inch adjustments on the SBD design.

These are minor differences as both companies make great belts. The biggest reason I recommend Pioneer over SBD is the price difference - $310 for the SBD and less than half of that for the Pioneer ($131, I believe). For that reason, I don't recommend SBD to anyone unless they really just love the SBD name.


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Interested in getting stronger working one-on-one remotely with us? Click here to book your free strategy session.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start Today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

Stop Putting Your Lifting Belt On Wrong & Try This Instead
Putting your lifting belt on should be easy and straightforward. Phil gives you 3 methods that accomplish exactly that . . . and 1 is sneaky smart. Click here to watch.

 

STOP Making These MISTAKES With Your Lifting Gear | Part 1: Straps, Wraps, Plates, and more…
You're making some mistakes with your lifting gear, and you don't even know it. In Part 1 of this series, we cover 7 errors (and how to fix them) that lifters make with their equipment. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Why THIS is the Most Important Supplement for Building Muscle
The best supplement for strength? It's not what you think. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Correct Grip for Snatch, Clean, and Jerk
Gripping the bar for the Olympic lifts shouldn't be complicated, but there are a few simple things you must do to ensure you're getting the most out of your lifts. Click here to read.


SLEEVES ARE OVERRATED - GRAB A TESTIFY TANK!

Sun's out, guns out, and we've got men's and women’s tank tops in multiple colors.

Get yours today and represent your favorite gym!

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Below is one of our upcoming events, and you can find out what else is on the calendar by heading to our events page at www.testifysc.com/events.

Reminder: We will be closed for training on Monday, 09/07/26, in observance of Labor Day.

Push Pull Pandemonium

  • October 16, 2026

  • Join us for a Friday evening filled with benching, deadlifting, and general revelry!

  • Sign up by September 25 to get a meet shirt and avoid the late registration rate!

  • Registration ends October 15.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Minneapolis, MN: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • October 3, 2026

  • Spend the day learning the theory and practice of the low bar back squat and the deadlift.

  • Participants will spend lots of time on the platform receiving coaching and instruction on the squat and deadlift in a small group setting. We will also have a lecture and discussion on programming and cover how to identify and correct common technical problems.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Kansas City, MO: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • November 14, 2026

  • Spend the day learning the theory and practice of the low bar back squat and the deadlift.

  • Participants will spend lots of time on the platform receiving coaching and instruction on the squat and deadlift in a small group setting. We will also have a lecture and discussion on programming and cover how to identify and correct common technical problems.

  • Click here to register or for more information.


THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
Sled
Outdoors:
10 rounds of:
Push sled 100 ft
Pull sled 100 ft (hand over hand)

Indoors:
20 rounds of:
Push sled 50 ft
Pull sled 50 ft (hand over hand)

Compare to 2026.07.20.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = lowest distance.

Compare to 2026.06.01.

Option 3
1. Work up to a heavy single on the axle clean-and-press (i.e., ground to overhead).
2. 5 x 100 ft Zercher carry (50 ft down-back). Add weight each round. Rest as needed.

Compare to 2026.05.04.

Option 4
Outdoors:
5 rounds:
15 cal row
50 yd sled push, 100#/50#

Indoors:
5 rounds:
15 cal row
100 ft sled push, 250#/125#

Push sled slow for recovery. Score is slowest row.

Compare to 2026.05.04.


As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!

Whenever you want even more Testify in your life, here are some free resources:

  • Book a free intro and strategy session with us HERE.

  • Pick up a free copy of Testify’s Squat Guide: 12 Tips to Improve Your Squat Now HERE.

  • Get our free weekly email - containing useful videos, articles, and training tips - HERE.

  • Follow Testify on Instagram HERE.

  • Subscribe to Testify’s YouTube channel HERE.

Testify Star-Advertiser - August 17, 2026

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Easy Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken (click the title to watch):

Aloysius
Yes! This is how I make white chilli - I could easily eat this every day for the rest of my life and not get bored, haha. Absolutely delicious and almost no prep time required, just throw it in and go!

Phil
Absolutely, and “throw and go“ should be a phrase right up there with “set it and forget it.“


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Interested in getting stronger working one-on-one remotely with us? Click here to book your free strategy session.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start Today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

Easy Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
This Mexican shredded chicken is easy, delicious, and works in just about everything — tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, burrito bowls, and more. It's also packed with protein, which means it's as practical as it is tasty. Set it. Forget it. Eat well all week. Click here to watch.

 

Want a BIGGER Bench Press? | Use These FOUR Tactics
Phil covers four major technical aspects to focus on and evaluate when trying to improve your bench press. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: The 2 Most Overlooked Bench Press Tips
What's the worst mistake on the bench press? It's not what you think. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Fix Your Early Arm Bend on Your Cleans and Snatches!
Struggling to keep your arms straight on your cleans and snatches? Phil provides 4 cues to help avoid that power leak as well as the inconsistency that it often brings with it. Click here to read.


SLEEVES ARE OVERRATED - GRAB A TESTIFY TANK!

Sun's out, guns out, and we've got men's and women’s tank tops in multiple colors.

Get yours today and represent your favorite gym!

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Below is one of our upcoming events, and you can find out what else is on the calendar by heading to our events page at www.testifysc.com/events.

Minneapolis, MN: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • October 3, 2026

  • Spend the day learning the theory and practice of the low bar back squat and the deadlift.

  • Participants will spend lots of time on the platform receiving coaching and instruction on the squat and deadlift in a small group setting. We will also have a lecture and discussion on programming and cover how to identify and correct common technical problems.

  • Click here to register or for more information.


THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
Sled Pyramid – 4, 5, or 6 tiers
Go up and down a 4, 5, or 6 tier “sled pyramid” – rest as needed. The distance for each round is 80 m indoors (a down-back on the 40m course) or 200 ft outdoors (2 down-backs on the 50 ft course). Rest as needed.

For example, Bob does the following (4 tiers):
Round 1: Empty sled
Round 2: 25#
Round 3: 50#
Round 4: 75#
Round 5: 50#
Round 6: 25#
Round 7: Empty sled

Compare to 2026.07.13.

Option 2
Bike/row:
5 min on
4 min off
4 min on
3 min off
3 min on
2 min off
2 min on
1 min off
1 min on

Record distance for each interval and add for total distance.

Compare to 2026.05.25.

Option 3
Outdoors:
8 rounds:
4 tire flips
50 yd sled push (25 yd down-back)
Rest 1 minute

Indoors:
8 rounds:
4 tire flips
100 ft sled push (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 minute

Compare to 2026.04.27.

Option 4
5 rounds:
4 tire flips
8 sledgehammer strikes
6 pull-ups
10 push-ups

Pull-ups and push-ups can be modified – talk to the coaches for options.

Compare to 2026.04.27.


As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!

Whenever you want even more Testify in your life, here are some free resources:

  • Book a free intro and strategy session with us HERE.

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