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.

Testify Register - July 20, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Many people don't know the secret of this grip on your deadlift. (click the title to watch):

Mr. Plow
I watched the whole video and I just realized that Sheron is a much tougher person than I am, so off I go to try the hook grip…

😂

Phil
Sharon is indeed very tough!

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

Many people don't know the secret of this grip on your deadlift.
Many lifters never think twice about how they grip the bar, but a small change in your grip can have a big impact on your pull. In this video, Phil explains one simple grip concept (and a few misconceptions that go with it) that can improve your deadlift immediately. Click here to watch.

 

8 Things Successful Lifters Do Before Squatting HEAVY (plus 2 BONUS tips)
What should you take care of before a heavy squat? We cover 8 simple and effective tips - plus 2 bonus tips - when preparing to squat heavy. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Quick Tip to Improve Your Bench Press | FAST FIX!
Phil covers a quick and easy breathing tip to help you improve your bench press. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Enter the TUBOW
We cover how to use the TUBOW (the Terribly Useful Block Of Wood) in the squat to help fix your knees' forward position, your knees' lateral position, and even your hip position and back angle. 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 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 2026.06.15.

Option 2
Bike/row:
12 min TT

Score = distance

Compare to 2026.04.27.

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 ft sled push (50 ft down-back)
100 ft farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 min

Compare to 2026.03.30.

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

Women: 97# per handle (80# of plates)
Men: 137# per handle (120# of plates)
(Note: Each handle weighs 17#.)

Compare to 2026.03.30.

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 Morning News - July 13, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Real Reason You Fail Your Squat Linear Progression – Until You Do This (click the title to watch):

NebraskaMeat
“There so you can exist” had me cracking up 😂

Phil
I used to be in that weight bracket, so I have a solid understanding of 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 Real Reason You Fail Your Squat Linear Progression – Until You Do This
Has your squat stalled? Do you keep running into the same wall over and over? Phil covers a few simple programming changes that can help you get unstuck and keep making progress. Click here to watch.

 

99% of Lifters Don't Know Which SNATCH to Perform: POWER vs SQUAT vs SPLIT
In weightlifting (AKA Olympic weightlifting), there are 3 different landing positions for the snatch, 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: Is This Error KILLING Your Deadlift?! | How to Increase Your Deadlift
Is your deadlift setup destroying the possibility of pulling preposterously ponderous poundage? Phil pontificates. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Deadlift Fix: 4 Cues for a Stronger, Smoother Pull
Stop yanking or jerking the bar off the floor. It's not efficient, and it won't help you when it gets heavy. Try out these 4 cues for a stronger and smoother pull. 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

Thanks to everyone who came out and competed at this past weekend’s IronFest VIII - we had a great turnout, and it was a blast! Also, a big thank you goes to those who helped out!

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 2026.06.08.

Option 2
Bike/row:
8 x 30 sec on/2:00 off

Score = least distance covered in any 30 second interval

Compare to 2026.04.20.

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

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

Compare to 2026.03.23.

Option 4
Sandbag-over-bars
Set yoke at #33 for women or #35 for men.
1. 1 minute AMRAP
2. 5 rounds of 2 reps every 2 minutes (speed!)
3. 1 minute AMRAP

Weights
Female under 40 years
140 lbs and under: 75 lbs
140.1 lbs – 185 lbs: 100 lbs
185.1 lbs and over: 150 lbs

Female 40 years and over
140 lbs and under: 50 lbs
185 lbs and under: 75 lbs
185.1 lbs and over: 100 lbs

Male under 40 years
185 lbs and under: 150 lbs
185.1 lbs – 235 lbs: 200 lbs
235.1 lbs and over: 250 lbs

Male 40 years and over
185 lbs and under: 100 lbs
185.1 lbs – 235 lbs: 150 lbs
235.1 lbs and over: 200 lbs

Compare to 2026.03.23.

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.