Testify Optimist - February 9, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 8 Unavoidable Truths About Seniors and Lifting Weights… (click the title to watch):

P Holzman
There are YouTube experts out there today saying people over 50 shouldn't do full squats, deadlift, bench press or overhead press... I am 72 and do those things and weight lifting has improved my joint and flexibility problems accumulated by a long career sitting at a desk.

Phil
Thanks very much for that testimony!

KathyMinTexas
Agree! There are also medical experts who say the same thing. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and the medical team wanted me to take a medication (that causes significant side effects) and walk more. There are studies that say otherwise--they've proven that lifting weight, heavy weight (squats, deadlifts, presses, etc) increases bone density and obviously build strength & balance. I may have to take medication, but I'm trying the weight lifting first!

P Holzman
@kathymintexas1556I'm a retired Pathologist,. We were taught in Med School that you should never squat below 90 degrees. I do, that has been completely debunked.

Many of the things I learned in my professional training have proven to be wrong over the years.

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

How Many Lifters Are Actually Using the Wrong Grip on Bench Press and Press?
Are you using the right grip on the bench press and press? Many lifters aren’t—and it’s costing them strength and consistency. We give you the grip that sets you up for stronger, more effective lifts. Click here to watch.

 

Stop Using Your Back Like This (How to Squat Correctly)
Are you making this mistake with your back when getting ready to squat? Phil covers how to identify the problem as well as how to fix it. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Do CrossFitters Make the Best Deadlifters?!
What are CrossFitters good at when it comes to the deadlift, and how can this help you improve your deadlift? Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Deadlift Setup Mistake That Makes Lifters Look Ridiculous
Are you that guy (or girl) who looks like he's dry-heaving when setting up to pull? Cut it out. Phil helps you fix this problem. Click here to read.

TESTIFY TRUCKER CAPS ARE AVAILABLE!

Represent your favorite gym with this trucker cap in several color options - perfect for outdoors or a training session.

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.

Testify Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 11, 2026

  • The annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge is back, and we invite you to be a part of it! This is a strengthlifting meet, which means the contested lifts will be the squat, press, and deadlift.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify Goes Fishing! (ahem, fish-frying)

  • February 20, 2026

  • Friday night fish fry at Saint Vincent de Paul (click here for map)

  • Meet at 6:30 p.m. for fun, fish, beer, and to get your name put in the hat for drawings!

  • Click here for more details and to sign up so we’ve got a headcount.

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 2026.01.05.

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 2025.11.17.

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 2025.10.20.

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 2025.10.20.

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.

Testify Independent - February 2, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 8 Unavoidable Truths About Seniors and Lifting Weights… (click the title to watch):

Mat Mackenzie
This stuff should be in public service films. People need to know this - for themselves, and for a more independent society in general.

Phil
Thanks, Mat!

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 Unavoidable Truths About Seniors and Lifting Weights…
Bad advice wastes time and holds people back. We cover eight unavoidable truths about seniors and lifting weights so you don’t fall for the same myths twice. Click here to watch.

 

3 Pieces of Gym Gear That Separate Beginners from Serious Lifters
If your gym bag only has shoes and earbuds, you’re probably just exercising. Exercise is certainly better than nothing - but if you actually train, then you show up with a few specific tools that quietly separate progress from plateaus. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Never Make This Belt Mistake Again! | Fast Fix
If you use a belt when lifting - and you should - you're going to make this mistake eventually. Learn to prevent it in a few short minutes. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Stop Destroying Your Squat - Do This Instead
Stop raising your chest early in the squat - it makes for a weaker squat. If you struggle to drive your hips up, Phil provides a simple fix. Click here to read.

TESTIFY TRUCKER CAPS ARE AVAILABLE!

Represent your favorite gym with this trucker cap in several color options - perfect for outdoors or a training session.

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.

Testify Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 11, 2026

  • The annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge is back, and we invite you to be a part of it! This is a strengthlifting meet, which means the contested lifts will be the squat, press, and deadlift.

  • 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 2025.12.29.

Option 2
Bike/row:
12 min TT

Score = distance

Compare to 2025.11.10.

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

Compare to 2025.10.13.

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 2025.10.13.

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.

Testify Sounder - January 26, 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):

Greg Blundell
This explanation is great, thank you, can easily see from 4:00 that those steps lock in the start position without any room for getting it wrong, fantastic!

Phil
Thanks very much - I'm glad you found it useful!

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 Most Lifters Never Learn About Weight Lifting Plates (15 facts)
Confused about weight lifting plates, kilgrams vs pounds, metal plates vs bumpers, numbers in vs numbers out, etc.? Phil covers it all and clears up the confusion. Click here to watch.

 

When Your Press Feels Off, Try This One Small Cue Instead
When your press feels off, and you're having issues with your bar path, try this one small cue and get your press back on track fast. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Weak Bench Press? QUICK FIX
Are you making this mistake with your shoulders when you bench? We help you diagnose the problem, learn why it's bad, and fix it fast. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Stop Fighting Your Knee Sleeves. There's a Better Way. (shhh…it’s a secret)
Stop struggling to get your knee sleeves on! Phil teaches you this super secret method - it's simple and easy. Click here to read.

TESTIFY TRUCKER CAPS ARE AVAILABLE!

Represent your favorite gym with this trucker cap in several color options - perfect for outdoors or a training session.

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.

Testify Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 11, 2026

  • The annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge is back, and we invite you to be a part of it! This is a strengthlifting meet, which means the contested lifts will be the squat, press, and deadlift.

  • 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 2025.12.22.

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

Score = least distance covered in any 30 second interval

Compare to 2025.11.03.

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 2025.10.06.

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

Compare to 2025.10.06.

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.

The Testify Mirror - January 19, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 4 Reasons Why Every Senior Should Squat & How to Do It (PLUS Bad Squat Advice & Myths to Ignore) (click the title to watch):

John Doiron
I started squatting (and deadlifting) 15 years ago at age 45. I am in the best shape of my life now, and it feels amazing.

Phil
Way to go, John!

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

Still Benching the Old Way? 6 Tips for Better Results
You don’t need a brand-new program—you might just need to bench better. These 6 changes clean up your setup, improve consistency, and help you get more out of the lift. Click here to watch.

 

What "Internet Fitness" and "Trainers" Get Wrong About Lifting Weights
What should you focus on when lifting weights? What should you think about? The mainstream fitness industry gets this wrong all the time. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: The Mistake That is Ruining Your Lifts! | Never Do This Again
Every lifter makes this mistake now and then. Phil helps you learn to prevent it in a few short minutes. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: 7 Ways You're Ruining Your Press: Part 2
Don't do this when pressing! In Part 2 of this series, Phil covers 3 more press errors as well as how to fix them. Click here to read.

TESTIFY TRUCKER CAPS ARE AVAILABLE!

Represent your favorite gym with this trucker cap in several color options - perfect for outdoors or a training session.

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.

Testify Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 11, 2026

  • The annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge is back, and we invite you to be a part of it! This is a strengthlifting meet, which means the contested lifts will be the squat, press, and deadlift.

  • 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 2025.12.15.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

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

Compare to 2025.10.27.

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 2025.09.29.

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 2025.09.29.

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 Mercury - January 12, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Press, Corrected. 7 Errors Most Lifters Never Notice (click the title to watch):

KH Mak
My family gym has no rack, so I have to power clean every set. More volume 💪

Phil
Way to do those power cleans!

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

This One Cue Will Change How You Squat Forever
If your squat feels inconsistent, inefficient, or harder than it should, you might be missing this. One cue can change the entire lift. Click here to watch.

 

Stop Using a Vertical Bar Path. The Correct Bench Press Technique
Are you bench pressing in a nice, straight, vertical line? Well . . . don't do that. Phil covers how and why to bench correctly. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: What You Should NEVER Do When Pressing!
Is your bar path all sorts of terrible when you press? It's destroying your press. We help you fix it with 3 simple cues. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: 7 Ways You're Ruining Your Press: Part 1
Quit making these press mistakes! In Part 1 of this series, Phil covers 4 common press errors as well as how to fix them. Click here to read.

TESTIFY TRUCKER CAPS ARE AVAILABLE!

Represent your favorite gym with this trucker cap in several color options - perfect for outdoors or a training session.

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.

Testify Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 11, 2026

  • The annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge is back, and we invite you to be a part of it! This is a strengthlifting meet, which means the contested lifts will be the squat, press, and deadlift.

  • 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 2025.12.08.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2025.10.20.

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 2025.09.22.

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 2025.09.22.

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 Community Voice - January 5, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Press, Corrected. 7 Errors Most Lifters Never Notice (click the title to watch):

Harry A.
That tip to lean into the bar to get the right grip is💰...super helpful!

Happy New Year, everybody! 🎉

Phil
Thanks, Harry - I'm glad you found it helpful, and happy new year to you as well!

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 Press, Corrected. 7 Errors Most Lifters Never Notice
If your press feels inconsistent or harder than it should, this might be why. Phil walks through 7 common errors and the simple corrections that make the lift stronger and more repeatable. Apply this in your next session. Click here to watch.

 

Why Do So Many Lifters Press with Their Hips Wrong?
There are 3 mistakes you might be making with your hips when you press - we help you fix all 3 in record time. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: What is a Hang Power Snatch? | Olympic Weightlifting Technique
What is a hang power snatch? How is it different from a snatch, power snatch, or hang snatch? We cover it all here in about a minute. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The most confusing notation in lifting, explained.
Lifting notation can be a bit confusing for both new and experienced lifters. Does "3 x 5" mean 3 sets of 5 reps or vice versa? What about 135 x 5 x 3? What about 3 x 5 x 135? Phil provides one simple rule that clears everything up so you know what you actually should be doing in your programming. Click here to read.

TESTIFY TRUCKER CAPS ARE AVAILABLE!

Represent your favorite gym with this trucker cap in several color options - perfect for outdoors or a training session.

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.

Testify Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 11, 2026

  • The annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge is back, and we invite you to be a part of it! This is a strengthlifting meet, which means the contested lifts will be the squat, press, and deadlift.

  • 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 2025.12.01.

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 2025.10.13.

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 2025.09.15.

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 2025.09.15.

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.