Testify Journal - August 31, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

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

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

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

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

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.

  • 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 Republic - August 10, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video What Strength Coaches Know About Squat Safeties That Most Lifters Don't (click the title to watch):

robert reynolds
I cut some PVC pipe to put over the pins of my ancient Body Smith rack in the garage. The PVC helps protect the knurling. I I use an old Joe Weider bar I bought 30 years ago for rack pulls. I've only loaded it to 350 pounds (I'm 72), but amazingly the old bar hasn't bent yet. Thanks for the video Coach Phil. Cheers!

Phil
That’s a solid idea with the PVC pipe, and that’s fantastic that that bar is still going strong!

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

What Strength Coaches Know About Squat Safeties That Most Lifters Don't
Confused about squat safeties and which type is best? In this video, Phil breaks down the different types of squat and bench safeties, how to set them up correctly, and ranks them from worst to best. Click here to watch.

 

7 Things Successful Lifters Do Before Pressing HEAVY (plus BONUS tip)
What should you take care of before a heavy press (AKA overhead press)? Here are 7 simple and effective tips - plus 1 bonus tip - for preparing to press heavy. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: People Believed this Lie about Squatting for YEARS
Want the history of the worst squat technique ever to be suggested by a coach? Watch and learn. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: FIVE Squat Mistakes You're Making with Your KNEES...
Phil helps you identify and fix five common mistakes lifters commonly make with their knees when squatting. 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
“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 2026.07.06.

Option 2
5 rounds:
10 cal bike
1 min rest
4 sandbag-over-bars
1 min rest

Set the yoke crossmember at 35/33, and the weight is 150#/75#.

Compare to 2026.05.18.

Option 3
5-10 rounds:
50 ft yoke carry
50 ft yoke push
100 ft sandbag carry and S.O.B. (sandbag-over-bar)

Perform 1 round every 2-3 minutes.

Compare to 2026.04.20.

Option 4
Row/Tire 10 min ladder:
2 cal row
2 tire flips
4 cal row
4 tire flips
6 cal row
6 tire flips
…
Climb the ladder as high as possible in 10 minutes.

Compare to 2026.04.20.

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 Inquirer - August 3, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Brutal Truth About Squatting No One Wants to Hear (click the title to watch):

Scott D
Once I embraced this way of squatting my squatting exploded and I now look forward to squatting.

Forcing my lobg-femured-self to "be tall, head up" led to years of frustrating squatting.

Phil
I believe it, Scott, and I’m glad to hear 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

The Brutal Truth About Squatting No One Wants to Hear
Phil explores one of the most important truths about squatting – and how embracing it can completely change your progress. Click here to watch.

 

99% of Lifters Don't Know Which JERK to Perform: POWER vs SQUAT vs SPLIT
In weightlifting (AKA Olympic weightlifting), there are 3 different types of jerk, and each has its unique advantages. We cover each version as well as why you might want to perform it. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: You Should Be Unloading Your Barbell Like This | EASY and FAST (plus BONUS tip)
How do you unload your bar after deadlifting, cleaning, rowing, etc. in a fast and easy manner? Phil explains and demonstrates and also provides a bonus tip. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Bench Press with Short Legs or Back Pain?
Do your feet barely reach the ground when you bench press? We give an easy solution for those who have shorter legs, and this solution often helps those who bench with back pain as well. 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
“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 2026.06.29.

Option 2
Bike/Row for 9 rounds:
1 min on
1 min off

Record distance for each round.

Compare to 2026.05.11.

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 2026.04.13.

Option 4
5-8 rounds:
50 ft sled push
50 ft sled pull (hand over hand)
Row 1 minute
Rest 1 minute

This can also be done in a group of three where the sledder determines how long the other two people row and rest.

Compare to 2026.04.13.

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 Ledger - July 27, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

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

Zimmy Zim
You kept saying "push the floor away" and it wasn't until you said push with your legs did I understand. I kept envisioning how can my arms push the floor away as I'm trying to stand up.

Phil
I'm glad it clicked!

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

Blindsided with a Bad Press? Use This One Trick To Press Stronger
If your press feels awkward, off, or weaker than usual, learn the quick adjustment that often helps lifters get back on track, improve bar path, and press more effectively. Click here to watch.

 

3 Tactics to Triage Your Deadlift FAST (plus a bonus tactic) | Get a Bigger Deadlift NOW
Phil covers three major technical aspects (plus a bonus) of your deadlift to focus on and evaluate when trying to improve your deadlift. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Don't Want to Train? Do THIS Instead.
What should you do when you don't want to train? Phil discusses a viable second option. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Use This Grip for a BIGGER Deadlift! (Tension Grip)
What is a tension grip, and why should you use it for pulling movements like the deadlift, row, and clean? This is the second article in our series on the correct grip for each lift. 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
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 2026.06.22.

Option 2
Bike/row:
3 rounds of:
8 x 20 sec on/40 sec off
Rest 3 min between rounds

Score = lowest distance

Compare to 2026.05.04.

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

Compare to 2026.04.06.

Option 4
1. 5 yoke carries @ 30 yd (15 yd downback) – work up to heaviest carry
2. 5 rounds of 5 reps on the axle “clean and press away” – work up to heavy set of 5

Compare to 2026.04.06.

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.