Testify Courant - September 16, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video "What I find horrifying, even more than death..." (click the title to watch):

Merrie Leiderman
This is exactly what led to me start weight training at age 46. I work in the field of vascular surgery, and see every day how sick and frail the general population is becoming, even at a relatively young age. I'm now 54 and compete in powerlifting. Sally nailed it!

Phil
Indeed she did, and that's awesome, Merrie!


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Want to get 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

"What I find horrifying, even more than death..."
Don't want to be weak, frail, and dependent on others for basic needs when you get older? Sally nails it in this video, and Phil explains further. Click here to watch.

 

Should I Train When I'm Sick?
When you've got a cold, should you train? What about the flu? What about when your insides want to be on your outsides? We break it down. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Rack Pull vs Block Pull: What's the Difference, and Which One Should YOU Do?
Rack pulls vs block pulls - what's the difference, and which one should you do? Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Tempo Squat: What, How, and Why
What are tempo squats, how do you perform them, and why might you perform them? We answer these questions and also provide a few examples, such as the Denver squat and Chicago squat. 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.

Kickstart Your Strength!

  • Are you interested in getting stronger? Book your "Kickstart Your Strength!" session for Friday, October 4th.

  • Talk with a coach about your fitness goals, see what getting stronger looks like at Testify, and learn to deadlift simply and safely.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify Fall Classic

  • October 26, 2024

  • The annual Testify Fall Classic 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.

Barbell Blizzard! A Winter Wonderland of Weights

  • December 14, 2024

  • Barbell Blizzard 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 2024.07.15.

Option 2
Bike/row:
12 min TT

Score = distance

Compare to 2024.06.24.

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 2024.05.27.

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 2024.05.27.


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

The Testify Republic - August 5, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 4 Tactics to Triage Your Bench Press FAST | Get a BIGGER Bench (click the title to watch):

Alex
A quick question, how can you make sure you will place your elbows slightly in front of the bar at the bottom? Do you bend the bar?

Phil
Here are two cues that often work well:
1. Elbows forward
2. Lead with the elbows

However, if you're coaching yourself, it's important to video yourself to evaluate whether or not you're executing the cue properly. What the lift feels like and what's actually happening are often two different things, so remember to record yourself and then compare it to what's discussed in this video.


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Want to get 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

4 Tactics to Triage Your Bench Press FAST | Get a BIGGER Bench
We address four major technical aspects to focus on and evaluate when trying to improve your bench press. Click here to watch.

 

Your Most Important Piece of Training Gear - Part 1 (Lifting Gear Series)
What is your most important piece of gear, and why? This is the 6th article in our "Lifting Gear" series and is Part 1 of a mini-series as well. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Halting Deadlift for a BIGGER, Stronger Deadlift!
Want to improve your deadlift? The halting deadlift can help. We explain what a halting deadlift is, how to do it, and why you might want to utilize the halting deadlift in your training. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Deadlift: You're Doing This Wrong - Part 3
Your breathing is destroying your deadlift, and you probably don't even know it. In the 3rd article in our series on fixing the deadlift, Phil covers how to breathe correctly in the deadlift. 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.

Deadapalooza! The Annual Testify Deadlift Festival

  • August 23, 2024

  • Deadapalooza is a strength meet wherein the only contested lift is - you guessed it - the deadlift. There will be one bar (possibly multiple bars if numbers dictate), and the meet will be conducted in a "rising bar" format, so the weight on the bar only goes up! It's a ton of fun, so come on out!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Minneapolis, MN: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • August 31, 2024

  • 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.

Starting Strength Self-Sufficient Lifter Camp

  • September 28, 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 2024.06.03.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

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

Compare to 2024.05.13.

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 2024.04.15.

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 2024.04.15.


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

Testify Today - May 13, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video How to (EASILY) Put on Tight & Stiff Knee Sleeves (TWO TIPS) (click the title to watch):

Matt Ronan
Just used the tip of the lifting sleeves inside a Stoic sleeve. Worked perfectly! I was starting to think I might need to size up but this works great. Thanks Phil!

Phil
Excellent – I’m glad it worked well for you!


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

How to (EASILY) Put on Tight & Stiff Knee Sleeves (TWO TIPS)
What's the easiest way to put on knee sleeves - especially sleeves that are tight and stiff as with brands like SBD, Stoic, and Pioneer? Click here to watch.

 

EASY Way to Open Your Barbell Packaging | How to Unbox Your New Barbell
Stop prying staples open or twisting your barbell packaging. We've opened a lot of barbells, and this method is - by far - the quickest and easiest way to open your new barbell packaging. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Can't do a Chin-up or Pull-up? Do This!
Why can't I do a chin-up or pull-up, and what's the first step I should take toward the goal of getting my first chin-up or pull-up? Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Get the Most Out of Your Warm-up
Don't waste your warm-up! Phil explains how NOT to miss out on the valuable opportunity provided by your warm-up. Click here to read.


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 Barbell MAYhem 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.

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
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 2024.03.11.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

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

Compare to 2024.02.19.

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 2024.01.22.

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 2024.01.22.


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 This Week - February 5, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The TRUTH About Lifting (What No One Tells You!) (click the title to watch):

BravoRebel1776
I am in my 60s, and been at it for 2+ years solid. The strength training is not only life-changing, and life-enhancing, it is literally life-saving.

Phil
Agreed, and way to keep at it!


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

(3 MISTAKES) When Pressing with Your HIPS
There are 3 mistakes you might be making with your hips when you press - let's fix all 3 in under 3 minutes. Click here to watch.

 

Are You Setting Your Back WRONG in the Deadlift?
It's easy to set the back incorrectly by confusing shoulder retraction with back extension. Let's fix this issue fast. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Close Grip Bench Press for Maximum Strength!
Want a bigger bench press? Of course you do. Phil helps you learn how to correctly perform the close grip bench press. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Squat Tip: Hips Back AND Chest Down
We give you two simple and effective tips to improve your squat. Click here to read.


NEW TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style and comfort this winter? 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

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.

Free Intro to Deadlift Session

  • February 10, 2024

  • Are you interested in getting stronger? Book your free "Intro to Deadlift" session and learn to deadlift, meet some of our coaches, and see the gym! All ages and abilities are welcome.

  • Click here to book your session.

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.

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 2023.12.04.

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 2023.11.13.

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 2023.10.16.

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 2023.10.16.

Inside Testify - January 22, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Fast and Easy Barbell Math Tricks to Save You from Misloading the Barbell! (click the title to watch):

Michael Flanagan
I was given a weight set now the only way I can tell if the barbell and how much it weighs is I get on the scale right the way down then I use the barbell with my weight is that the best way to tell how much it weighs there's no numbers on it

Phil
Man, I can’t tell if this is very funny (if you’re joking :-)), or if it’s very unfortunate.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

No Deadlift Jack? THREE Tips for Loading Your Deadlift SUPER Easy
Struggling to load your deadlift? Deadlift jacks can be pricey, so here are three tips to make loading your deadlift super easy without any special equipment. Click here to watch.

 

The BEST Squat Accessory Ever?!
How can one simple object fix your knee position, your hip position, AND your back angle? Phil explains. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Improve Your Deadlift by FIXING This Problem!
Does the bar move forward or swing away from you when you deadlift? Add pounds to your deadlift by solving this problem. We give you a few tips to fix this issue. 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, and what shoes should you NOT get? Click here to read.


NEW TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style and comfort this winter? 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

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.

Women's Strength Class

  • 6-week class, starts on February 6th

  • Are you interested in learning to lift correctly, getting stronger, and making great friends in the process? If so, come join Starting Strength Coach Barb Mueller and get started on your journey of strength!

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

  • NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Open to all women who want to get strong!

  • Click here to register.

Free Intro to Squat Session

  • February 17, 2024

  • Are you interested in getting stronger? Book your free "Intro to Squat" session and learn to squat, meet some of our coaches, and see the gym! All ages and abilities are welcome.

  • Click here to book your session.

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 2023.11.20.

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

Record distance for each round.

Compare to 2023.10.30.

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 2023.10.02.

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 2023.10.02.