The Testify News - October 19, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video You’re Making This Part of Your Deadlift Way Too Hard (click the title to watch):

Luke Peterson
How do you get correctly positioned and tight with straps? I find that the time spent at the bottom getting the straps in position leaves me unable to feel like I'm in my natural locked down and tight position. Off the floor in that scenario always feels weird. I only use them for volume sets of RDLs so it's not super detrimental, everything works itself out by the second rep. With no straps everything is positioned and tight where it should be by the time I've grabbed, braced and set the lats.

Phil
Good question, Luke, and with practice, setting up with straps should take 10 to 15 seconds tops.

We’ve done several videos on this topic, and you might find them useful to help with this process. Here are two:

How to Use Lifting Straps in 1 Minute!
https://youtu.be/k2PR3Z-F6mA

How to Use Lifting Straps
https://youtu.be/ch38nNKkSdw

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

You’re Making This Part of Your Deadlift Way Too Hard
The deadlift should be as efficient as possible. In Part 2 of this deadlift series, Phil covers two common errors that make one specific part of the deadlift harder than it needs to be and waste valuable effort. Click here to watch.

 

Part 3: Your Squat Called. It Wants You to Stop Doing This.
In part 3 of this series, we help you identify and quickly fix a common squat error. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Use Wrist Wraps for Lifting Weights (STOP Making these 3 Mistakes!)
How do you correctly use wrist wraps when training? Where to put them? How tight should they be? What's with the loop? Phil covers the basics as well as how to avoid 3 common errors. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The BEST Squat Accessory Ever?!
How can one simple object fix your knee position, your hip position, AND your back angle? We explain what a TUBOW is as well as how and why to use it. 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

Congratulations to everyone who competed at Push Pull Pandemonium this past Friday, and thank you so much to everyone who helped out! Judges, loaders, spotters, those who helped set up and tear down - you all were great, and we couldn't have wonderful events like this without you!

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.

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.

Testify Christmas Classic

  • December 12, 2026

  • The Christmas Classic is a team strength meet wherein the contested lifts will be the squat, press, bench press, and deadlift. Competitors will form teams of 2-4 lifters/team and perform all 4 lifts; each lifter will receive 3 attempts for each lift.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

The Annual Testify Christmas Party!

  • December 12, 2026

  • Join us for the Testify Christmas Potluck Party immediately following the end of the Christmas Classic as we celebrate another great year together!

  • Click here for more details as well as what to bring.

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 2026.09.14.

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 2026.07.27.

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 2026.06.29.

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 2026.06.29.

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 Today - October 12, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video You’re Making Your Deadlift Harder Than It Needs to Be (click the title to watch):

Benjamin Porter
Are you recommending to reset after each rep?

Phil
If the bar is set down over the middle of the foot, then the process is:

- Shins (bend the knee slightly to bring the shins into contact with the bar)

- Chest (squeeze the chest up to set the back flat and rigid)

- Pull (drag the bar up the shins)

So, in the sense of not letting go of the bar, no, the deadlift is not reset each time.

In the sense of these not being “touch and go“ reps, there is an aspect of resetting the start position each time.

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

You’re Making Your Deadlift Harder Than It Needs to Be
The deadlift is simple, but lifters sometimes find ways to make it much harder than it needs to be. In the first video of this deadlift series, Phil covers two common mistakes that can make your deadlift unnecessarily difficult. Click here to watch.

 

Part 2: Your Squat Called. It Wants You to Stop Doing This.
In part 2 of this series, Phil helps you identify and quickly fix a common squat error. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Front Squat: Improve Your Front Rack Position by Doing This!
If your front squat rack position is terrible, and your cleans and front squats are causing you pain and discomfort, try this. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Lifting Shoes: What and Why
What features should you be looking for in a lifting shoe, why do these features help your lifting, and what shoes should you avoid? 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.

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.

Testify Christmas Classic

  • December 12, 2026

  • The Christmas Classic is a team strength meet wherein the contested lifts will be the squat, press, bench press, and deadlift. Competitors will form teams of 2-4 lifters/team and perform all 4 lifts; each lifter will receive 3 attempts for each lift.

  • 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 2026.09.07.

Option 2
Bike/row:
12 min TT

Score = distance

Compare to 2026.07.20.

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

Compare to 2026.06.22.

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 2026.06.22.

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 Herald - October 5, 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):

BTC1
When lowering the bar I'm afraid it will hit the tops of my knee caps, so I try and move the bar away when lowering.

Phil
That's a common issue and poses a problem since we'd like to set the bar down right over the middle of the foot. The approach we teach is to reach back with your hips and "bow to the floor" (i.e., bend over) as you set the bar down.

You might find this video useful:
The Knees Problem | If You Don't Change This, Your Deadlift Will NEVER Grow
https://youtu.be/bo1A2Y8wpq8

BTC1
@TestifySC thanks, that exactly addresses my concern!

Phil
Glad to hear it, and 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

You’re Ignoring the Most Useful Piece of Equipment in the Gym
There’s one incredibly useful piece of equipment that most lifters completely overlook. In this video, we explain why it matters, the two biggest reasons to use it, and five simple tips for getting the most out of it. Click here to watch.

 

Your Squat Called. It Wants You to Stop Doing This.
Phil helps you identify and quickly fix a common squat error. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: What's the Difference: Snatch vs Hang Snatch vs Power Snatch | FAST & EASY
Snatch, hang snatch, power snatch, hang power snatch . . . all in less than 3 minutes! What are the differences between these lifts, and how can we easily remember each one? Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Squat Heavy ALONE! | How to Fail a Squat Safely
Everybody needs to squat, but if you train alone, you need to be able to fail a squat safely. What to do? It's simple - we cover exactly how to go about it. 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.

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.

Testify Christmas Classic

  • December 12, 2026

  • The Christmas Classic is a team strength meet wherein the contested lifts will be the squat, press, bench press, and deadlift. Competitors will form teams of 2-4 lifters/team and perform all 4 lifts; each lifter will receive 3 attempts for each lift.

  • 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 2026.08.31.

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

Score = least distance covered in any 30 second interval

Compare to 2026.07.13.

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 2026.06.15.

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 2026.06.15.

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.

Testify Gazette - September 28, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video If You Only Watch One Squat Video, Make It This (click the title to watch):

xyzct
Can anyone comment on the knees caving in during a couple of the lifts at the beginning of the video. Does that count as form breakdown, or is that a tolerable amount? Don't get me wrong - that gal's 3-plate squat at the beginning is freakin' awesome - more than I can squat! I just want to understand proper form better, and what allowable tolerances for deviation are.

Phil
Solid question, and I hope my response below will prove useful.

It would be better to keep the knees apart and in line with the toes, but those three squats you saw were 1-rep attempts during competitions, so at challenging, near-max or max weights, this is not uncommon, didn’t cause pain, and was acceptable.

xyzct
@TestifySC, ah, that makes total sense that there were moments of form breaking down, now that I know those are true competition 1RMs. Thank you for clarifying.

Phil
You're very 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

If You Only Watch One Squat Video, Make It This
Want a better squat? Start here. These seven tips cover the details that can make your squat stronger, more consistent, and easier to execute – including two tips that may not be what you expect. Click here to watch.

 

4 ERRORS Beginners Make that Experienced Lifters NEVER Do | Part 3 - The Deadlift
Beginner lifters make these 4 mistakes in the squat, press, deadlift, and bench press. Phil explains and covers how to successfully fix them. Today's article covers the deadlift. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Get Your FIRST Chin-up or Pull-up | 6 Ways to Success!
Want to get your first chin-up or pull-up. We cover 6 ways to help you get it done. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The FWYS Principle: If You Don't Change This, Your Press Will ALWAYS Suffer
A common problem in the press is achieving the correct start position for each rep - specifically for every rep AFTER your first rep. Let’s fix this. 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
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 2026.08.24.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

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

Compare to 2026.07.06.

Option 3
Outdoors:
10 rounds:
25 yd yoke carry
Rest 1 minute

Indoors:
10 rounds:
30 yd yoke carry (15 yd down-back)
Rest 1 minute

Compare to 2026.06.08.

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 2026.06.08.

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 Courant - September 21, 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):

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

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

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.

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