The Testify Republic - January 6, 2025

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 8 Reasons for Older Adults to Get Stronger in 2025! (and the BEST way to do it!) (click the title to watch):

Harry A.
Such an important video! When the CDC released their report on falls stating "Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older," I was even more motivated to keep lifting. Now if only I lived in Nebraska 🤣

Phil
Thanks Harry! You know, Omaha is such a popular vacation destination :-)


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 Reasons for Older Adults to Get Stronger in 2025 (and the best way to do it!)
Here are 8 fantastic reasons to get stronger in the new year. Phil explains why older adults want to get stronger as well as the best way to do it. Click here to watch.

 

Most Common Deadlift Error? (it's not what you think...)
“…is most commonly seen in newer lifters, but even experienced lifters have been known to make this mistake. The mistake is simply that of…” Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: FIX Your Bench Press in Under 1 Minute! (Establish the Correct Focal Point)
Is your focal point - or lack thereof - destroying your bench press? In this video - our first in a series of Saturday Shorts on fixing the bench - Phil quickly discusses and demonstrates how to solve this problem. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Chalk: Don't Be a Fool
“…however, we’re really here today to talk about the second type of chalk abuser…” Click here to read.


TESTIFY BEANIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Represent your favorite gym - even when it's cold outside!

And, it gets better - you can choose your beanie from EIGHT different colors!

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 12, 2025

  • 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.” 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 2024.11.04.

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 2024.10.14.

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 2024.09.16.

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 2024.09.16.


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 Chronicle - November 25, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Mistake that is RUINING Your Deadlift (FAST FIX) (click the title to watch):

TacticalLumberjack
Whelp, I’ve definitely been doing that.

Phil
It’s an easy and very common mistake to make, and I hope this helps!


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

The Mistake that is Ruining Your Deadlift (fast fix)
This deadlift mistake is easy to make and it makes the deadlift harder than it should be, but it's also a quick fix. Click here to watch.

 

The Truth About Lifting (What No One Tells You!)
Phil briefly covers why lifting weights is pretty stupid and - more importantly - why it isn't. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Starting Strength Squat/Low Bar Squat | Fix Your HIPS and KNEES!
Is the timing of your hips and knees ruining your squat? In this video - our sixth in a series of Saturday Shorts on fixing the squat - Phil and Becky quickly discuss and demonstrate how to solve this problem. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Timing and Bounce on the Jerk
Phil discusses the timing for getting a forceful bounce out of the bottom of the jerk. He also gives a cue to help get that bounce. Click here to read.


TESTIFY BALL CAPS ARE AVAILABLE!

Represent your favorite gym and keep the sun out of your eyes in style with this cap.

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Congratulations to everyone who competed at Benching Bonanza 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!

Reminder: Below are the hours for Thanksgiving week (you can also find these on our Location & Hours page). Any days not listed retain their normal hours.

Wednesday, 11/27/24: Regular hours
Thursday, 11/28/24: Closed
Friday, 11/29/24: 5:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (no afternoon/evening hours)
Saturday, 11/30/24: Regular hours

Below is the information for the upcoming Barbell Blizzard, and you can always find out what else is on the calendar by heading to our events page at www.testifysc.com/events.

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 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 2024.09.23.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

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

Compare to 2024.09.02.

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 2024.08.05.

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 2024.08.05.


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

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.