The Testify Inquirer - May 5, 2025

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 9 Brutal Truths About Lifting Weights That Seniors LEARN Too Late (click the title to watch):

My Cat Mouse
6:14 I've been thinking about this; this is such an important point. Imagine what it means to get yourself another 5 to 10 years of independence.

Phil
Absolutely – it’s hugely important.

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

Do This Once & Instantly Improve Your Squat Form
Want to improve your squat technique right away? This particular tactic might seem counterintuitive to some. Click here to watch.

 

You've Been Unloading Your Barbell Wrong This Whole Time (plus bonus tip)
How do you unload your bar after deadlifting, cleaning, rowing, etc. in a fast and easy manner? Phil explains and demonstrates and also provides a bonus tip. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Breathe and Brace Correctly When Lifting Heavy | Valsalva Maneuver
Breathing, Valsalva, getting tight, bearing down, bracing?! Learn how & when to breathe and get tight for each individual lift. It's not complicated, but new and experienced lifters get this wrong frequently, so let's fix it. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Simple and Cheap DIY Chalk Stand
Learn how to quickly make a simple and cheap chalk stand so you don't have to bend all the way down to reach that silly chalk bucket you've been using. Click here to read.

TESTIFY 3/4 SLEEVE SHIRTS ARE UP!

Baseball season is here, so represent your favorite team - well, gym - in style!

PLUS - you get four different options to choose from!

Click here to head to the Testify Store.

WHAT'S COMING UP

Below are a few of our upcoming events, and you can find out what else is on the calendar by heading to our events page at www.testifysc.com/events.

Testify Barbell MAYhem - Teams Edition!

  • May 23, 2025

  • Grab a partner and take on the barbell at Testify Barbell MAYhem – Teams Edition! One lifter snatches. The other cleans & jerks. One epic night of strength, teamwork, and mayhem.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify IronFest VII

  • June 20, 2025

  • 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.

Deadapalooza! The Annual Testify Deadlift Festival

  • August 15, 2025

  • 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.

THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
“Prowler Base”
1. Load up a manageable weight.
2. Sprint 40m at 85% intensity.
3. Rest until breathing and heart rate slow down. (45 sec – 2 min)
4. Repeat 5-15 times.

Courtesy of “Death by Prowler” (on Starting Strength).

Compare to 2025.04.14.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2025.02.10.

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

Compare to 2025.01.13.

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 2024.01.13.

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

Whenever you want even more Testify in your life, here are some free resources:

  • Book a free intro and strategy session with us HERE.

  • Pick up a free copy of Testify’s Squat Guide: 12 Tips to Improve Your Squat Now HERE.

  • Get our free weekly email - containing useful videos, articles, and training tips - HERE.

  • Follow Testify on Instagram HERE.

  • Subscribe to Testify’s YouTube channel HERE.

The Testify Register - April 21, 2025

/ 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):

Biknjak
Wow. Thanks! I've watched approximately a bazillion videos on deadlifting cues and this is a great one. I've noticed that even though it seems totally counterintuitive, that LIGHTLY touching shins to the bar, and trying hard to keep my back more horizontal (hips higher) and over/ahead of the bar seems to result in the lift moving easier and shorter upwards. Instinct tells me to drop my knees and get more "under the bar", but that shoves my knees forward and the "wedge" becomes a "squat". Others have cued to bend the bar around your legs, but that has resulted in bloody/bruised shins and an actually more difficult pull. Now I simultaneously "kiss" shins to the bar as I flatten lower back/lift chest and cue myself with "legs!!" (i.e. push the floor down). As unnatural as it seems, the lift actually feels like it pops up faster and travels shorter if I am hovering out fairly horizontally at the beginning of the pull. Anyway, still trying to perfect it all, but your video helps!

Phil
I’m glad to hear that this video helped you, and thank you for the kind words! You are dead on that even though it can seem counterintuitive, setting up in this manner is definitely more efficient, and we see it all the time with people who come in to get coaching on their deadlifts with us.

As far as hip height, the three key factors are 1) bar over midfoot, 2) balance on your midfoot, and 3) shins touching the bar. If those three things are satisfied, then their hips will be in the correct (i.e., most efficient and effective) position for the deadlift based on mechanics and their individual anthropometry, and usually – as you noted – that is a “higher hips” position than they want to use at first.

Biknjak
@TestifySC Thank you. I think some of my trouble has been with concentrating TOO much on engaging lats and "bending the bar around your legs", which seems to result in dropping my hips too much and puts my shins too far forward, thus making a difficult pull even more difficult. Anyway, thank you for taking the time for your advice!

Phil
You’re very welcome, and although it is true that the lats are responsible for keeping the bar tight to the shins, we don’t usually recommend focusing on the lats. Instead, if you notice the barbell swinging away, a simple cue of “pin it to the shins“ will usually rectify the problem.

Biknjak
@TestifySC Thanks!👍

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

When Deadlifting Heavy, Don't Stand Up & Try This Instead
Are you trying to stand up when you deadlift? This seems counterintuitive, but trying to stand up is ruining your deadlift. Phil explains and demonstrates. Click here to watch.

 

If the Bar is Moving, You Shouldn't Be Doing This
”We humans like to complicate things. Complication is cool. Complication is interesting. Complication is sexy. Complication is also - very often - stupid…” Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Simple DIY Wall Mounted Weight Plate Storage | Home Gym Storage
Need a better system for plate storage in your home gym? We did too, so in this video, we walk you through how to easily and relatively quickly construct a wall-mounted plate storage system. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Motivation is for Suckers
Don't rely on motivation to keep your training on track. Motivation is a fickle thing. Click here to read.

TESTIFY 3/4 SLEEVE SHIRTS ARE UP!

Baseball season is here, so represent your favorite team - well, gym - in style!

PLUS - you get four different options to choose from!

Click here to head to the Testify Store.

WHAT'S COMING UP

Below are a few of our upcoming events, and you can find out what else is on the calendar by heading to our events page at www.testifysc.com/events.

Testify IronFest VII

  • June 20, 2025

  • 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.

Deadapalooza! The Annual Testify Deadlift Festival

  • August 15, 2025

  • 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.

Benching Bonanza! The Annual Testify Bench Press Jubilee

  • November 21, 2025

  • Benching Bonanza is a strength meet wherein the only contested lift is - not surprisingly - the bench press. There will be one bar, and the meet will be conducted in a "rising bar" format, so the weight on the bar only goes up! It’s a great time for all involved, and we hope to see you there!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
“Prowler Base+1”
1. Load up a manageable weight.
2. Sprint 40m at 85% intensity.
3. Rest 30 sec.
4. Repeat 5-15 times.

Courtesy of “Death by Prowler” (on Starting Strength).

Compare to 2025.03.03.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2025.01.27.

Option 3
8 rounds:
Outdoors:
4 tire flips
50 yd sled push (25 yd down-back)
Rest 1 minute

Indoors:
4 tire flips
100 ft sled push (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 minute

Compare to 2024.12.30.

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 2024.12.30.

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 Newsday - April 07, 2025

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

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

Robert Smentkowski
You are so right about squats. I’ve been doing them for about 2 1/2 years and getting up from a chair is effortless. More importantly, I solo hunt in the high mountains for days at a time carrying about 40 pounds. I still ski black diamond runs. It’s because of excellent trainers like you that seniors like me don’t get senior discounts at 65 – free skiing doesn’t start till about 80 at most big resorts.

Phil
First of all, that's wonderful that you started squatting about 2 1/2 years ago, and second, that's fantastic that you solo hunt in the mountains and still ski black diamonds!

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

9 Brutal Truths About Lifting Weights That Seniors LEARN Too Late
What are some crucial truths about lifting weights that older folks often learn too late? Phil explains. Click here to watch.

 

The Press, The Matrix, and You
If you struggle to use your hips effectively when pressing, you’re not alone. We give you a cue to fix this problem . . . with a little help from The Matrix. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: STOP Making This Deadlift Mistake With Your Legs!
Are you accidentally "kicking the bar" away from you with your shins when deadlifting? Phil helps you fix that problem in less than 3 minutes. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Bar Position and the Squat: The #1 MISTAKE You're Making
We cover the #1 mistake lifters make regarding the bar's position on the back as well as how to correct it. Click here to read.

TESTIFY 3/4 SLEEVE SHIRTS ARE UP!

Baseball season is here, so represent your favorite team - well, gym - in style!

PLUS - you get four different options to choose from!

Click here to head to the Testify Store.

WHAT'S COMING UP

Reminder: We will be closed for training on Saturday, 04/12/25, 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 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 for more information.

Testify IronFest VII

  • June 20, 2025

  • 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.

Deadapalooza! The Annual Testify Deadlift Festival

  • August 15, 2025

  • 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.

THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
Sled Pyramid – 4, 5, or 6 tiers
Go up and down a 4, 5, or 6 tier “sled pyramid” – rest as needed. The distance for each round is 80 m indoors (a down-back on the 40m course) or 200 ft outdoors (2 down-backs on the 50 ft course). Rest as needed.

For example, Bob does the following (4 tiers):
Round 1: Empty sled
Round 2: 25#
Round 3: 50#
Round 4: 75#
Round 5: 50#
Round 6: 25#
Round 7: Empty sled

Compare to 2025.02.03.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2025.01.13.

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 2024.12.16.

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 2024.12.16.

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.

Testify Courant - February 10, 2025

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video A Simple Daily Habit May Explain Your Struggling Deadlift (click the title to watch):

MadBrax
Where do you shop for your socks? I'm being serious.

Phil
Ha! I don't get that question all that often. They're soccer socks, and I've gotten a few pairs locally at Scheels and the rest of them on Amazon:

TCK Soccer Socks
https://amzn.to/3SlKCwu

Very convenient for deadlifts, snatches, and cleans.

TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Interested in getting stronger working one-on-one remotely with us? Click here to book your free strategy session.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start Today.

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

A Simple Daily Habit May Explain Your Struggling Deadlift
If you're making this common deadlift mistake, a simple daily habit might be the key to solving your problem. Click here to watch.

 

"Go Home, Get Weak, and Die" | Why Your Doctor is Wrong about Lifting Weights
You've heard it before: "Why are you doing this? You don't need to be lifting those heavy weights." And they're all wrong. So wrong. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Correct Grip for Snatch, Clean, and Jerk | Olympic Weightlifting Technique
Gripping the bar for the Olympic lifts shouldn't be complicated, but there are a few simple things you must do to ensure you're getting the most out of your lifts. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Fix Your Press - Part 2: Your Hideous Wrists
Phil discusses how to correct the positioning of your wrists when you press. 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
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 2024.12.09.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2024.11.18.

Option 3
1. Work up to a heavy single on the axle clean-and-press (i.e., ground to overhead).
2. 5 x 100 ft Zercher carry (50 ft down-back). Add weight each round. Rest as needed.

Compare to 2024.10.21.

Option 4
Outdoors:
5 rounds:
15 cal row
50 yd sled push, 100#/50#

Indoors:
5 rounds:
15 cal row
100 ft sled push, 250#/125#

Push sled slow for recovery. Score is slowest row.

Compare to 2024.10.21.

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 Union - January 27, 2025

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video How NOT to Spot the Bench Press (and how to correctly spot!) (click the title to watch):

T S
Today someone did a bicep curl when I was doing bench press,. Now I can tell everybody I did 75 kg and it felt like 20 kg 😂😂😂 but I won't tell them that someone else was basically lifting the weight😂😂😂

Phil
Ha! Yep, it’s always a bummer when the spotter forgets that lifting is not supposed to be a team sport.

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

4 Reasons Why Every Senior Should Squat & How to Do It (Plus Bad Squat Advice & Myths to Ignore)
Phil covers 4 reasons older adults should be squatting as well as how to correctly do it. He also addresses 8 pieces of bad squat advice and myths to flat out ignore. Click here to watch.

 

This Mistake Will Ruin All Your Lifts...
“…at a disadvantage by not having one. With this in mind, let’s cover the two forms of this error…” Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Use This Grip for a Bigger Deadlift! (Tension Grip)
What is a tension grip, and why should you use it for pulling movements like the deadlift, row, and clean? Phil explains in the second video in our series on the correct grip for each lift. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Improve All of Your Lifts with This Cue?!
We cover how to improve every single one of your lifts with only one cue. 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
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 2024.11.25.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2024.11.04.

Option 3
5-10 rounds:
50 ft yoke carry
50 ft yoke push
100 ft sandbag carry and S.O.B. (sandbag-over-bar)

Perform 1 round every 2-3 minutes.

Compare to 2024.10.07.

Option 4
Row/Tire 10 min ladder:
2 cal row
2 tire flips
4 cal row
4 tire flips
6 cal row
6 tire flips
…
Climb the ladder as high as possible in 10 minutes.

Compare to 2024.10.07.

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 Star-Advertiser - January 13, 2025

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Top 8 Squat Myths (click the title to watch):

Chad MacPherson
In your opinion is there a single shoe for squats, dead’s, presses, and cleans? Looking for any help from people with more experience than me. Thanks, and have a great rest of your day. Oh, you also have a new sub!!

Phil
Chad, I currently wear the Nike Romaleo 2, and I've worn these for years (since 2016 or 2017, I believe). They're great for all lifts - squat, deadlift, press, snatch, clean, etc., and the only thing I've had repaired on them was the velcro (it had simply worn out and wasn't closing as effectively last year).

However, the model 2 went out of production a while back, and Nike is currently on the 4th edition (which is generally considered a better shoe than the 3rd edition anyway). We have a number of lifters with the 4 (including my wife, who also trained in the 2 for many years), and it's a great shoe as well. If I had to buy a new pair of shoes tomorrow to replace mine, I'd go with the Nike Romaleo 4: https://amzn.to/3LAYn8d

With that said, here are a couple other solid options:

VS Athletics: https://amzn.to/3LGoYB6
(This is my back-up pair as we have an extra pair of these at the gym. They only come in black, but I liked training in them)

Inov-8 Fastlift 360: https://amzn.to/3xIoXGZ

Adidas Adipower 3: https://amzn.to/3WbFVJk
(Adidas are often considered to run a bit narrow, so we have lifters who like these, but they're not a good option for me.)

Do-Win: https://www.roguefitness.com/dowin-weightlifting-shoes-black-white
This is very similar to the VS Athletics shoe (I'm reasonably sure they contract with the same company to manufacture the sole).

Hope this is useful!

Chad MacPherson
@TestifySC
Thank you for taking time to answer my question. Appreciate you, and all of the options you gave me.

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

Top 8 Squat Myths
More people than ever are learning that the squat is important for getting stronger. However, as popularity increases, so do the number of myths surrounding this movement. Phil puts this nonsense to bed. Click here to watch.

 

Pulling Blocks: What, Why, and DIY vs. Commercial (Which Should YOU Use?)
What are pulling blocks, why are they useful, what are some options, and should you buy them or make them yourself? Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Use This Grip for a BIGGER Bench Press and Press!
What is a compression grip, and why should you use it for the bench press and the press? Phil explains in the first video in our series on the correct grip for each lift. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The 9th Circle of Deadlift Hell: The Drifting Barbell
“…a bar that swings away from you betrays that relationship and makes for a much harder deadlift, so if you’re struggling to escape this 9th circle of deadlift hell, try out one of…” 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
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 2024.11.11.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2024.10.21.

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

Compare to 2024.09.23.

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 2024.09.23.

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.