The Testify Star - March 2, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Gym Gear Nobody Talks About... But Everyone Needs. (click the title to watch):

MrJake719
Hello! I’ve been to a couple of your camps, and the last one you commented that I pushed the cues a little too far. That was great feedback. The one I’m trying to correct is pushing my Kees out too far on squat. Do you have a solo lifter cue to keep knees right above toes? Thanks!

Phil
Hey there, Jake - good to hear from you! If you're shoving the knees apart too far (i.e., knees tracking outside your toes), you can cue "knees forward" or even "knees in" (that's a bit of an overcue, but it can be useful).

Also, you might try watching the video we did a while back on the TUBOW and using that to help the problem:
TUBOW: The Portable Squat Coach
https://youtu.be/_wEF-YDesaw

MrJake719
@T@TestifySCI’ll try it, thank you. Take care!

Phil
You're welcome, and you as well!

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 Gym Gear Nobody Talks About... But Everyone Needs.
Anyone can show up and lift. Training, however, requires intention - and a few specific items almost no one talks about. We break down the overlooked gym gear that makes the difference between exercising and actually getting stronger. Click here to watch.

 

Stop Using Your Arms to Deadlift
Don't make this mistake with your arms when you deadlift. Phil covers how to identify the problem as well as how to fix it. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Never Make This Squat Mistake Again! | Fast Fix
This squat mistake either makes you look ignorant or it makes you look like you're compensating for something. Either way, it's not a good look. Let’s fix it. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Why Your Press is Weak: Fix Your Unrack and Grip with this Simple Mnemonic Device
Struggling with the press? Phil gives you a simple mnemonic device to help you fix your unrack and your grip - it'll pay big dividends. Click here to read.

TESTIFY CAMPFIRE MUGS ARE AVAILABLE!

For lifters who train hard . . . and like a little campfire-style to go along with their training sessions. Durable, no-frills, and proudly wearing the Testify logo. From campsite to squat rack, this mug's for you.

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 Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 11, 2026

  • The annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge is back, and we invite you to be a part of it! This is a strengthlifting meet, which means the contested lifts will be the squat, press, and deadlift.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify Barbell MAYhem - The Clean & Press Classic

  • May 1, 2026

  • The annual Barbell MAYhem is back, and this year's event is a Friday night clean-and-press!

  • This is a single-lift weightlifting meet wherein competitors will perform the clean-and-press. Each lifter will receive 3 attempts, and the heaviest successful lift will determine their score.

  • There will be prizes - for feats both serious and outlandish - throughout the night!

  • 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 2026.01.26.

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 2025.12.08.

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

Compare to 2025.11.10.

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 2025.11.10.

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 Community Voice - January 5, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Press, Corrected. 7 Errors Most Lifters Never Notice (click the title to watch):

Harry A.
That tip to lean into the bar to get the right grip is💰...super helpful!

Happy New Year, everybody! 🎉

Phil
Thanks, Harry - I'm glad you found it helpful, and happy new year to you as well!

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 Press, Corrected. 7 Errors Most Lifters Never Notice
If your press feels inconsistent or harder than it should, this might be why. Phil walks through 7 common errors and the simple corrections that make the lift stronger and more repeatable. Apply this in your next session. Click here to watch.

 

Why Do So Many Lifters Press with Their Hips Wrong?
There are 3 mistakes you might be making with your hips when you press - we help you fix all 3 in record time. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: What is a Hang Power Snatch? | Olympic Weightlifting Technique
What is a hang power snatch? How is it different from a snatch, power snatch, or hang snatch? We cover it all here in about a minute. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The most confusing notation in lifting, explained.
Lifting notation can be a bit confusing for both new and experienced lifters. Does "3 x 5" mean 3 sets of 5 reps or vice versa? What about 135 x 5 x 3? What about 3 x 5 x 135? Phil provides one simple rule that clears everything up so you know what you actually should be doing in your programming. Click here to read.

TESTIFY TRUCKER CAPS ARE AVAILABLE!

Represent your favorite gym with this trucker cap in several color options - perfect for outdoors or a training session.

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 11, 2026

  • 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
“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 2025.12.01.

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 2025.10.13.

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

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

Compare to 2025.09.15.

Option 4
5 rounds:
4 tire flips
8 sledgehammer strikes
6 pull-ups
10 push-ups

Pull-ups and push-ups can be modified – talk to the coaches for options.

Compare to 2025.09.15.

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 This Week - December 8, 2025

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video What Strength Coaches Know About Barbell Rings That Most Lifters Don't (click the title to watch):

Chris
Thanks.next question.what are the colors on the collars for

Phil
You’re very welcome.

Blue is the international color for 20 kg, yellow is the international color for 15 kg, and green is the international color for 10 kg, so we put blue, yellow, and green tape on our 20 kg, 15 kg, and 10 kg (respectively) barbells.

Some manufacturers will also color code their endcaps in a similar manner.

We put red tape on our dedicated Olympic weightlifting bars to indicate that those should not ever sit in a rack so that the knurling never gets marred (i.e., creating smooth spots from exposed metal on the j-hooks of the rack) out by where people take their snatch grip.

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 Strength Coaches Know About Barbell Rings That Most Lifters Don't
Confused about barbell rings and what they actually mean? In this video, Phil breaks down the different types of barbells and how ring markings affect your grip, setup, and lifts. Click here to watch.

 

Why You Must NOT Use Your Shoulders in the Deadlift
There are two mistakes lifters commonly make with their shoulders when deadlifting . . . are you making one of them? Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: What is a Power Snatch? | Olympic Weightlifting Technique
What is a power snatch? How is it different from a hang snatch, hang power snatch, or snatch? Phil covers it all here in about a minute. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Things You Should NEVER Do
We cover a few things related to your training that you should never do . . . with some humor. 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: Testify members! Don't forget - the annual Testify Christmas Party is on Saturday, December 13, and it will begin immediately following the end of the Christmas Classic. We'll be running this year's party in potluck fashion, so bring a dish to pass and something to drink, wear something outlandishly Christmasy, and let the festivities begin!

We're guessing a start time of around 5:00 p.m., but if you're not participating in the Christmas Classic, your best bet is probably to show up earlier than that, cheer on your fellow lifters at the Christmas Classic, and then we'll segue right into the party (tableware provided by Testify).

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 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.

  • Our annual Testify Christmas party starts immediately afterward!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 11, 2026

  • 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
“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 2025.11.03.

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 2025.09.15.

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 2025.08.18.

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 2025.08.18.

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 Standard - October 13, 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):

Winston Smith
Awesome advice. Thanks. That cleared up some issues I've had. Definitely dropped my hips to get the chest up in the setup, and also tried get my torso vertical way too early in the pull. I'd given up on deadlifts, but this makes me want to try again.

Phil
Those are both very common issues, and I'm glad you want to give it another shot!

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

Don't Perform a SINGLE Squat at the Gym Until You Watch This
This mistake hides in plain sight—and it might be holding your squat back more than you think. Phil covers this foundational squat issue with 4 important tips. Click here to watch.

 

2 Clues to SPOT Your Terrible Deadlift EARLY!
Is your deadlift drifting away from you? We help you learn to notice the problem before it happens as well as how to fix it. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: What is a Power Clean? | Olympic Weightlifting Technique
What is a power clean? How is it different from a hang clean, hang power clean, or clean? We cover it all here in about a minute. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Everything You Need to Know About Lifting Belts . . . QUICK!
Phil covers the 4 Ws of lifting belts: width of belts, when to use one, where to wear your belt, and what to do once it's on. 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 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 2025.09.08.

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 2025.07.21.

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

Compare to 2025.06.23.

Option 4
For time:
500m row
5 x 80m sled push (200 ft if indoors)
500m row

Rest 1 minute after the first row and after each sled push.

Compare to 2025.06.23.

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.

Testify Citizen - September 15, 2025

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video DIY Lifting Straps in 3 Minutes - Stop Wasting Money (click the title to watch):

Lee Tucker
been shopping and made 4 sets of dead lift straps for £2.49

Phil
Nice work!

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

DIY Lifting Straps in 3 Minutes - Stop Wasting Money
Don't want to waste your hard-earned cash on lifting straps? In this quick DIY guide, Phil shows you how to make your own heavy-duty lifting straps in less than 3 minutes using cheap, simple materials. Strong, durable, and budget-friendly — perfect for deadlifts, rack pulls, rows, and any heavy pull where your grip needs backup. Save money and lift more. Click here to watch.

 

What His Poor, Sad Bench Press Was Missing
Far too many lifters don't use their legs effectively when they bench press. Do you? Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: 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 watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Squatting Deeper - Don't Make These 2 Mistakes!
Are you trying to hit the correct depth in your squat but making one of these mistakes? Phil covers a few cues to help lifters squat deeper. 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
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 2025.08.11.

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 2025.06.23.

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

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

Compare to 2025.05.26.

Option 4
5 rounds:
4 tire flips
8 sledgehammer strikes
6 pull-ups
10 push-ups

Pull-ups and push-ups can be modified – talk to the coaches for options.

Compare to 2025.05.26.

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 Press - July 21, 2025

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 9 Common Lifting Tactics That Can Ruin Your Squat (click the title to watch):

EdTom82
I had been doing squats in squishy trail runners. The other day I did my squats in logger boots and it felt awesome.

Phil
I believe it. When I taught high school math and physics, I also taught a weight lifting class, and the policy we had for the class was that if you didn’t want to get actual lifting shoes (which most purchased within the first two weeks of class), you could instead wear work boots or men’s dress shoes.

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 Common Lifting Tactics That Can Ruin Your Squat
Think you're squatting correctly? You might be using these common tactics that are actually sabotaging your squat. We break down 9 mistakes that could be holding you back - and cover how to fix them. Click here to watch.

 

Why Waiting Until Monday Is for Quitters
When should you start training? Specifically, what day of the week should you start on? And what's the worst possible thing to do? Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Deadlift | Fix Your Back for a STRONGER Pull! (Part 2)
Do you have a tough time setting your back when you deadlift? In Part 2 of this Saturday Shorts series, Phil walks you through how to solve this problem. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: 4 Gym Tips No One’s Talking About
Phil covers some useful tips and tricks for new and experienced lifters. 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
“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 2025.06.16.

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 2025.04.28.

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

Compare to 2025.03.31.

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 2025.03.31.

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

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