The Testify Chronicle - April 22, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Hook Grip: HOW to Use It and WHY it Works (click the title to watch):

Buono Legnani's Palette
What is stronger? The hook grip of the switch grip? Which grip have been used to set world records in the deadlift?

Phil
They are both very strong, but you will typically see more switch grip than hook grip. Switch grip is more comfortable, and if you have smaller hands or chubbier hands, then hook grip might not be possible.


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Stop spinning your wheels and start getting stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches. Click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

This Bench Press Fix is a Game-Changer
Are you making this mistake on your bench press? Let’s fix it simply and quickly. Click here to watch.

 

The Mistake That is KILLING Your Deadlift! | How to Set Your Back: Part 4
Is your hideously rounded back wreaking havoc on your deadlift? Let’s fix it fast in Part 4 of this series. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Motivation is for Suckers. Punch the Clock.
Relying on motivation to keep your training on track? Don't. Motivation is a fickle thing. Habit is where it's at. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: You WILL Get Weaker . . . So Why Bother?
If you're going to just get weaker eventually, anyway, does training even matter? It does indeed - even more so because of that fact. Phil explains. Click here to read.


NEW TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style? Get yourself a Testify hoodie - in practically any color! Get yours today and represent your favorite gym.

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Reminder: The gym will have modified training hours on Friday, 04/26/24, and Saturday, 04/27/24, as we are hosting the Starting Strength Coaches Conference that weekend.

  • Friday hours: 5:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (no afternoon hours)

  • Saturday hours: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

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.

Starting Strength Self-Sufficient Lifter Camp

  • May 18, 2024

  • Spend the day learning the Squat, Press, and Deadlift and how to self-evaluate your lifts while training in your garage or commercial gym without a coach.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify Strongman Summer Showdown

  • June 22, 2024

  • Show up to lift, throw, carry, push, and pull big things, but most importantly, show up to have a great time with your fellow competitors and perhaps try something new!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify IronFest VI

  • July 12, 2024

  • IronFest is a team-based strength meet wherein the contested lifts will be the squat, press, bench press, and deadlift. Competitors will form teams of 2 lifters/team and perform all 4 lifts; each lifter will perform one upper body lift and one lower body lift, and 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”
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 2024.02.19.

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 2024.01.29.

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 2024.01.01.

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 2024.01.24.


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

The Testify Tribune - April 15, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Deadlift - How to Use Your Lats (click the title to watch):

G Doggy
I like the pool noodle cue. I’m gonna try it. Great tip!

Phil
Thanks, and I’m glad you liked it!


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Want to get stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches? We have a few openings, so if you’re interested, click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

This Mistake is DESTROYING Your Press | 5 Simple Tips to Fix It FAST
Are you making this mistake when you press? Let’s fix it quickly with these 5 simple tips. Click here to watch.

 

Wrist Wraps: THREE Mistakes Every Lifter Should STOP Making
Are you making these 3 common errors with your wrist wraps? Phil helps you fix them quickly. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: The WORST Lifting Shoe? Why You Should NEVER Lift in Chuck Taylors!
Your lifting shoes should support your training, not hinder it. With this in mind, we take a look at the classic Converse Chuck Taylor and see how it holds up as a lifting shoe candidate. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Don't be a Noob: Loading the Bar
Don't be a noob, and don't break your foot! Phil covers why we load plates on the bar the way we do. Click here to read.


NEW TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style? Get yourself a Testify hoodie - in practically any color! Get yours today and represent your favorite gym.

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Reminder: The gym will have modified training hours on Friday, 04/26/24, and Saturday, 04/27/24, as we are hosting the Starting Strength Coaches Conference that weekend.

  • Friday hours: 5:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (no afternoon hours)

  • Saturday hours: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

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 Barbell MAYhem

  • May 11, 2024

  • Come on out and join us for the annual Testify Barbell MAYhem! This is a weightlifting meet, so the contested lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk.

  • Click here for more information.

Starting Strength Self-Sufficient Lifter Camp

  • May 18, 2024

  • Spend the day learning the Squat, Press, and Deadlift and how to self-evaluate your lifts while training in your garage or commercial gym without a coach.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify IronFest VI

  • July 12, 2024

  • IronFest is a team-based strength meet wherein the contested lifts will be the squat, press, bench press, and deadlift. Competitors will form teams of 2 lifters/team and perform all 4 lifts; each lifter will perform one upper body lift and one lower body lift, and 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 2024.02.12.

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

Record distance for each round.

Compare to 2024.01.22.

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 2023.12.25.

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 2023.12.25.

Testify Today - April 8, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Knees Problem | If You Don't Change This, Your Deadlift Will NEVER Grow (click the title to watch):

TacticalLumberjack
K, so I’ve been lifting around my knees my whole lifting life (5+years) and now I know why I struggle with deadlifts.

Phil
I hope this helps out!


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Want to get stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches? We have a few openings, so if you’re interested, click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

The Knees Problem | If You Don't Change This, Your Deadlift Will NEVER Grow
There are 2 deadlift mistakes you're making with your knees. Let's fix both of them with one simple concept. Click here to watch.

 

How to Deadlift: Set Your Back the RIGHT Way - Part 3
Having trouble getting your back flat and tight when you deadlift? In Part 3 of this series, Phil walks you through how to solve this problem. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: First Weightlifting or Powerlifting Meet? MOST Important Advice Ever!
What is the most important tip ever for your first weightlifting, powerlifting, or strengthlifting meet? Check it out. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Snatch & Clean: Stay Over the Bar!
Are you incorrectly pulling around your knees when snatching or cleaning? Let’s fix this. Click here to read.


NEW TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style? Get yourself a Testify hoodie - in practically any color! Get yours today and represent your favorite gym.

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

The annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge was a great success this weekend, and we are immensely thankful to everyone who helped out! Loaders, judges, table officials, those who helped setup and tear down - we could not have hosted this meet without you all!

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 Barbell MAYhem

  • May 11, 2024

  • Come on out and join us for the annual Testify Barbell MAYhem! This is a weightlifting meet, so the contested lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk.

  • Click here for more information.

Starting Strength Self-Sufficient Lifter Camp

  • May 18, 2024

  • Spend the day learning the Squat, Press, and Deadlift and how to self-evaluate your lifts while training in your garage or commercial gym without a coach.

  • 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 2024.02.05.

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 2024.01.15.

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 2023.12.18.

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 2023.12.18.

Testify Optimist - April 1, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video How to Load & Unload the Barbell for the Deadlift (in less than 3 minutes!) (click the title to watch):

Kyriacos Kesta
Man...the trick with the small plate blew mind.. why didn't I think of that before? I've always been fighting with the bar in between warm up sets to load all these plates.. thanks for the video!

Phil
You’re welcome! And yep, it’s definitely a game changer – I still remember the first time I saw someone do that. And you don’t have to buy anything or make anything.


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Want to get stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches? We have a few openings, so if you’re interested, click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

How to Squat with BAD KNEES | Knee Pain? Follow these 9 Tips
Do you have knee pain when squatting? Phil provides 9 tips to help you squat with less pain. Click here to watch.

 

How to Squat: The Setup | STOP Doing This!
Are you getting setup as well as you should be when you squat? In this short article, we cover a common error during the setup process. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: The Rules of Olympic Weightlifting - How to Avoid Red Lights!
Did your lift even count? Know the rules for olympic lifting so that your lifts count on the competition platform! We cover a few basic rules so that you can avoid red lights at the meet. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Deadlift: Follow the Bar
Do you struggle to set the bar back down easily, accurately, and quickly when deadlifting? Here’s a cue to help solve this problem. Click here to read.


NEW TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style? Get yourself a Testify hoodie - in practically any color! Get yours today and represent your favorite gym.

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Reminder: We will be closed for training on Saturday, 04/06/24, as we are hosting the annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge.

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 6, 2024

  • 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 Barbell MAYhem

  • May 11, 2024

  • Come on out and join us for the annual Testify Barbell MAYhem! This is a weightlifting meet, so the contested lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk.

  • Click here for more information.

Starting Strength Self-Sufficient Lifter Camp

  • May 18, 2024

  • Spend the day learning the Squat, Press, and Deadlift and how to self-evaluate your lifts while training in your garage or commercial gym without a coach.

  • 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 2024.01.29.

Option 2
Bike/row:
12 min TT

Score = distance

Compare to 2024.01.08.

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

Compare to 2023.12.11.

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 2023.12.11.

Testify Independent - March 25, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video DIY Dip Belt (AKA Chinning Belt) - Easy and Cheap! (click the title to watch):

Taric TheGemKnight
Saw this Russian today at the local park with a contraption instead of a belt and he apparently used something similar to this. Not the easiest find, but literal gold this video, cheers!

Phil
Glad it helped!


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Want to get stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches? We have a few openings, so if you’re interested, click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

STOP Doing This!! Your Shoulders are DESTROYING Your Bench Press
Using your shoulders incorrectly in the bench press? Let's fix it quickly to add pounds to your bench. Click here to watch.

 

How to Deadlift: Set Your Back the RIGHT Way - Part 2
Do you have a tough time setting your back when you deadlift? In Part 2 of this series, Phil walks you through how to solve this problem. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Improve Your Press by FIXING This Problem!
Pushing the hips forward or incorrectly throwing the shoulders back when pressing? With Becky's help, Phil covers an easy way to check for the correct movement. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Improve Your Squat in ONE Easy Step!
Want to improve your squat with one simple and easy tactic? You might not like it, but it's darn effective. Click here to read.


NEW TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style? Get yourself a Testify hoodie - in practically any color! Get yours today and represent your favorite gym.

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Reminder: We will be closed for training on Saturday, 04/06/24, as we are hosting the annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge.

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 6, 2024

  • 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 Barbell MAYhem

  • May 11, 2024

  • Come on out and join us for the annual Testify Barbell MAYhem! This is a weightlifting meet, so the contested lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk.

  • Click here for more information.

Starting Strength Self-Sufficient Lifter Camp

  • May 18, 2024

  • Spend the day learning the Squat, Press, and Deadlift and how to self-evaluate your lifts while training in your garage or commercial gym without a coach.

  • 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 2024.01.22.

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

Score = least distance covered in any 30 second interval

Compare to 2024.01.01.

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 2023.12.04.

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

Compare to 2023.12.04.

Testify Sounder - March 18, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Simple DIY Wall Mounted Weight Plate Storage | Home Gym Storage (click the title to watch):

Nick
I just put up a DIY weight tree. I spaced the pegs equally. I was not happy with the result, because the plate diameter differences made it all look unevenly spaced if that makes sense. I like what you did here where you measured your spacing based on keeping the plates an equal distance apart. That's a much better look. I'll have to modify mine.

Phil
If we were going to do ours again, the one thing we would do different is to do all of the spacing with the board on the floor, and we would thus attach all of the flanges and pipes with the board on the floor and then attach the board to the wall. The way we did it worked just fine, but in retrospect, the order in which we did that made it more difficult to attach the flanges and the pipes since the board was already vertical.


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Want to get stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches? We have a few openings, so if you’re interested, click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

10 Signs That Your Press Is About to BLOW UP
Want to improve your press? In this short video, Phil provides 10 tips you can start implementing today. Click here to watch.

 

How to Press: The Setup | STOP Doing This!
Are you getting setup as well as you should be when you press? In this short article, we cover a common error that occurs during the setup process. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Want a Bigger Deadlift? Learn to Deficit Deadlift.
Learn to deficit deadlift as Phil and Mike explain and demonstrate how to perform the lift as well as discuss why you might want to do deficit deadlifts in your training. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The LPP Rule: Fewer Barbell Loading Mistakes
Want to make fewer barbell loading mistakes when training? Use the LPP Rule. Click here to read.


NEW TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style? Get yourself a Testify hoodie - in practically any color! Get yours today and represent your favorite gym.

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

The annual Testify Leprechaun Lift-off was a great event this weekend, and we are extremely thankful to everyone involved! Loaders, referees, table officials, those who helped setup and tear down - thank you so much!

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 6, 2024

  • 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 Barbell MAYhem

  • May 11, 2024

  • Come on out and join us for the annual Testify Barbell MAYhem! This is a weightlifting meet, so the contested lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk.

  • Click here for more information.

Starting Strength Self-Sufficient Lifter Camp

  • May 18, 2024

  • Spend the day learning the Squat, Press, and Deadlift and how to self-evaluate your lifts while training in your garage or commercial gym without a coach.

  • 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 2024.01.15.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

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

Compare to 2023.12.25.

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 2023.11.27.

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 2023.11.27.