Testify Freelancer - December 29, 2025

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video IMPROVE Your Daily Protein Intake with ONE Simple Method (click the title to watch):

4no1timewaits
Chocolate whey mixed with coffee and then chilled. It's good.

Phil
That does indeed sound delicious.


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

IMPROVE Your Daily Protein Intake with ONE Simple Method
A lot of protein advice sounds good but doesn’t survive real life. Phil covers one small change that actually works and consistently improves daily protein intake. Give it a shot and keep training. Click here to watch.

 

10 TIPS to Help You DOMINATE the Starting Strength Squat
We cover 10 rules to help you get a bigger, better squat . . . today. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: The ONE Thing Fitness Magazines WON'T Tell You About the Squat
There is ONE thing that fitness magazines and other "experts" will never tell you to do when squatting, and it's the one thing that will make your squat better. Phil breaks it down. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Knee Sleeves: What, Why, Where, and When!
We cover the basics of knee sleeves - what they are, why you use them, when to use them, and how to use them. Click here to read.


“GET STRONGER - LIVE BETTER” SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE!

Why do you train? Because getting stronger makes everything else easier. Get stronger. Live better. “Testify” to this message and represent your favorite gym with this shirt in several color options.

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

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

New Year’s Week (2025-2026)
Wednesday, 12/31/25: 5:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (closed in the evening)
Thursday, 01/01/26: Closed
Friday, 01/02/26: 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (closed in the morning)

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 11, 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:
10-20 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 2025.11.24.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2025.10.06.

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 2025.09.08.

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 2025.09.08.


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

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

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

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

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

  • Follow Testify on Instagram HERE.

  • Subscribe to Testify’s YouTube channel HERE.

Testify Source - December 15, 2025

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Understanding barbell rings is easy, actually (click the title to watch):

Laurynas Zubavičius
Now, why are the middle parts smooth?

Phil
In short, the smooth part is for the pulls – deadlifts, cleans, and snatches. You want to keep the bar as close to your body as possible, and simultaneously, you don’t want to carve up your shins.


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

What Gear Actually Matters for Building Strength in the Gym? (14 items)
Not all gym gear is created equal. In this quick guide, Phil breaks down 14 pieces of equipment—from “nice to have” to “you absolutely need this”—so you can stop wasting money and start lifting stronger. Click here to watch.

 

TWO Signs You're Accidentally KILLING Your Deadlift... (Starting Strength Coach Explains)
Two deadlift mistakes: one simple cue to fix them both. We address two common deadlift errors and cover how to correct them with only one cue. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: What is the BEST time of day to workout? (it's NOT what you think)
What time of day should you train? Morning or evening? Maybe lunchtime? Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Jerk: Landing Positions
Phil covers the three different landing positions for the jerk as well as the advantages that go with each position. 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

The Christmas Classic team event was a blast, and the annual Testify Christmas party afterward was a ton of fun as well! Additionally, you folks brought some amazing dishes. Thank you to everyone who was there!

Reminder: Below are the hours for the weeks of Christmas and New Year's (you can also find these on our Location & Hours page). Any days not listed retain their normal hours.

Christmas Week (2025)
Wednesday, 12/24/25: 5:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (closed in the evening)
Thursday, 12/25/25: Closed
Friday, 12/26/25: 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (closed in the morning)

New Year’s Week (2025-2026)
Wednesday, 12/31/25: 5:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (closed in the evening)
Thursday, 01/01/26: Closed
Friday, 01/02/26: 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (closed in the morning)

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 11, 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” – 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 2025.11.10.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2025.09.22.

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

Compare to 2025.08.25.

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 2025.08.25.


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

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

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

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

  • 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 Leader - October 20, 2025

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video You’re Probably Bench Pressing Wrong, and It’s Ruining Your Lifting (click the title to watch):

Alex
Take a big breath at the top into your chest or belly? Some say the latter, some, even professional powerlifters say the former. So confusing😮‍💨

Phil
Yes, the fitness community often likes to make this more confusing that it needs to be. You’ve been breathing your whole life, so don’t worry about whether it’s into your chest or your belly (since technically it’s into your lungs :-)).

Simply take a breath, then hold it and clamp down on every single muscle in your midsection/trunk as if you expected to get punched. If you’re bracing like that, you’re doing it correctly.

It’s worth noting that you hold your breath using a closed glottis and not by holding your breath against your lips. In other words, you hold your breath in the back of your throat, not up against your lips.

You can do this with your mouth open or closed, but if you’re not sure exactly how to do it, try saying the word “hick“ and holding the “ck“ sound at the end.

Here’s a video a while back that covers this a bit more:
How to Breathe and Brace Correctly When Lifting Heavy | Valsalva Maneuver
https://youtu.be/XhM3fli3A_s

Alex
@TestifySCThanks ❤


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

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

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start Today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

You’re Probably Bench Pressing Wrong, and It’s Ruining Your Lifting
Most lifters are benching wrong in at least three of these ways. Watch all 7 mistakes — and stop wrecking your lifts before your next session. Click here to watch.

 

The Most Common Bench Press Mistake You Don’t Even Realize You’re Making
Phil addresses and helps you fix a common bench press error in this short article. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: WRIST WRAPS: The Complete Guide and how NOT to Put Them On! (Lifting Gear Series)
We cover everything you'll ever want to know about wrist wraps, including how NOT to put them on. This is the 4th video in our "Lifting Gear" series. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Deadlift: Sock it to Me, Baby
Want an easy way to improve your deadlift? Phil really socks it to you with this tip. 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.

Kansas City, MO: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • October 25, 2025

  • 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.

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.

Testify Christmas Classic

  • December 13, 2025

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

  • Click here to register or for more information.


THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
Sled
Outdoors:
10-20 x 25 yds EMOM at a weight of your choice

Every minute, push the sled 25 yards, i.e., if pushing the sled takes 20 seconds, then you have 40 seconds to rest. Perform 10-20 rounds.

Indoors:
10-20 x 100 ft EMOM at a weight of your choice

Every minute, push the sled 100 feet, i.e., if pushing the sled takes 20 seconds, then you have 40 seconds to rest. Perform 10-20 rounds.

Compare to 2025.09.15.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2025.07.28.

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 2025.06.30.

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 2025.06.30.


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 Daily Observer - October 6, 2025

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Strength Training Strategy No One Taught Us (click the title to watch):

DrNeal
Training log and stopwatch

Phil
A stopwatch can absolutely be very useful – good call! We have a running “count up“ timer operating at Testify up on the wall for people to use to time their rest periods.


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

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

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start Today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

The Strength Training Strategy No One Taught Us
Everyone talks about sets and reps, but almost no one knows this. There’s a missing strategy behind real strength training — and it changes everything. Phil covers the overlooked approach that separates the strong from the stuck. Click here to watch.

 

Flawless Press Form…If You’re Filming a Blooper Reel
You might be ruining the start position of your press, and it's not why (or where) you think. Find out more and improve your press. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: KNEE SLEEVES: The Complete Guide and the BEST Way to Put Them On (Lifting Gear Series)
In the third video in our "Lifting Gear" series, Phil quickly covers everything you'll ever want to know about knee sleeves, including the super secret way to EASILY put them on. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Power Snatch vs Split Snatch vs Squat Snatch: Which One is Best?
We cover the three different landing positions for the snatch as well as the advantages that go with each position. 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.

Kansas City, MO: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • October 25, 2025

  • 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.

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.

Testify Christmas Classic

  • December 13, 2025

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

  • Click here to register or for more information.


THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
Sled 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 2025.09.01.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2025.07.14.

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 yd sled push (50 ft down-back)
100 yd farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 min

Compare to 2025.06.16.

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

Compare to 2025.06.16.


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 Examiner - September 22, 2025

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 99% of Lifters Don't Know These Training Tricks (click the title to watch):

fastbusiness
Great tips. I learned a few new things. One other suggestion; mention that there is no point in taking several steps back away from the rack when doing squats. Sometimes, when exhausted from a heavy set it is hard to take one step back to the rack, even more so when you're 4 or 5 ft. away from it.

Phil
That would have been an excellent addition. We’ve done a video or two on that in the past, and that would’ve been a good thing to add to this list.


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

99% of Lifters Don't Know These Training Tricks
Most lifters are leaving progress on the table without realizing it. Phil covers 12 overlooked training tactics, techniques, and tricks that can change the way you approach the bar. Watch this before your next session — your future PRs will thank you. Click here to watch.

 

You're (Probably) Destroying Your Squat . . . Before You Even Start.
Is your soft, sloppy unrack destroying your squat before you even start the first rep? Let's find out. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: LIFTING BELTS: The Complete Guide and What NOT to Get! (Lifting Gear Series)
We cover everything related to lifting belts - why, how, what, where, when, and what NOT to buy as well. This is the second video in our "Lifting Gear" series. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Warning: Tire Conditioning May Cause Unstoppable Swagger
Phil covers a few options for incorporating tire work into your conditioning. 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.

Friday Night Fun Night: Trivia Teams!

  • Join us for the first-ever Testify Friday Night Fun Night: Trivia Teams from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on Friday, September 26!

  • Grab your smartest friends (or the ones who make you laugh the most) and join us for a night of trivia, laughs, and good food!

  • Teams of 3-5 people will compete in a friendly trivia contest with fun prizes up for grabs. You do not need a team to sign up!

  • We need to know numbers for planning and food, so please click here to RSVP!

Minneapolis, MN: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • October 4, 2025

  • Spend the day learning the theory and practice of the low bar back squat and the deadlift.

  • Participants will spend lots of time on the platform receiving coaching and instruction on the squat and deadlift in a small group setting. We will also have a lecture and discussion on programming and cover how to identify and correct common technical problems.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Kansas City, MO: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • October 25, 2025

  • 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.

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. 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 2025.08.18.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2025.06.30.

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 2025.06.02.

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 2025.06.02.


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 Patriot - July 28, 2025

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

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

FatFreddys Cat
Excellent vid! Very straight forward without fluff. At 61 I've recently started back up with it and feeling much better already.

Looking forward to continuing. Thanks much for your efforts in making this available. d:^)

Phil
You’re very welcome, and thanks for the kind words! Congratulations on starting back up, and I’m glad that you’re already feeling better!


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 Signs Your Press is WAY Above Average
These 8 signs separate average lifters from serious pressers. Do you make the cut? If not, let's fix your press fast. Click here to watch.

 

2 “Small” Changes That Unlock Big Squat Gains
Want to squat more weight? Of course you do. Phil explains how to do just that. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Squat: The Setup | STOP Doing This!
Is your lousy setup destroying your squat? In 2 minutes, we cover a common error during the setup process and help you fix it. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: DIY Lifting Platform - Easy and Fast!
Phil helps you quickly and easily build a lifting platform that is durable and protects your equipment and floor. Click here to read.


SLEEVES ARE OVERRATED - GRAB A TESTIFY TANK!

Sun's out, guns out, and we've got men's and women’s tank tops in multiple colors.

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.

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.

Minneapolis, MN: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • October 4, 2025

  • 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.

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
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 2025.06.23.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2025.05.05.

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 2025.04.07.

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 2025.04.07.


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.