The Testify Union - September 2, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video LIFTING SHOES: The Complete Guide to the Best and WORST Shoes! (Lifting Gear Series) (click the title to watch):

Andrew Tanczyk
Oh, so wearing shoes with air in the soles might not work out too well? 😂 😂

Phil
Agreed :-)


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

Starting Strength Coach Reveals the WORST Thing To Do with Your Squat
What's the worst mistake that you're making with your squat? Here’s what it probably is and how to fix it. Click here to watch.

 

Would You Rather . . . ?
If you're not sure whether or not you should strength train, there's only one question you need to ask yourself. Phil explains what it is and why it's an especially important question for your parents and grandparents. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Power Snatch vs Split Snatch vs Squat Snatch: Which One is BEST?
There are 3 different landing positions for the snatch, and each has its own advantages. Barb, Phil, and Becky explain and demonstrate these 3 different lifts. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Spotting the Bench Press: Don't Make These Mistakes!
When someone messes up on the bench press, it's often the spotter. Phil takes a look at some common mistakes people make when spotting the bench press and also explains how to do it correctly. 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: We will be closed for training on Monday, 09/02/24, in observance of Labor Day.

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

  • 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.

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 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 2024.07.01.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

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

Compare to 2024.06.10.

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 2024.05.13.

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 2024.05.13.


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

Testify Daily News - May 27, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 8 Tips to Breathe & Brace CORRECTLY When Lifting Heavy (Also: #1 Mistake!) (click the title to watch):

Factory Stage
Omg the epiglottis trick clicked for me. Out of all the fitness influencers in the powerlifting space and strongman space this video helped me best with this subject.

Phil
Thanks, and I'm glad it helped!


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

6 Things Successful Lifters Do Before Deadlifting HEAVY
What should you take care of before a heavy deadlift? We cover 6 simple and effective tips when preparing to pull heavy. Click here to watch.

 

The BEST Warm-up for Barbell Training (Plus an EASY Math Trick to Help!)
Phil covers how to efficiently and simply structure your warm-ups for barbell training AND gives you an easy math trick to help. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Improve All of Your Lifts with ONE Cue!
Improve all of your lifts with only one cue?! We'll show you how in less than 3 minutes. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Squat: You're Going to Do This Wrong
Is your awful back wreaking havoc on your squat? We cover what you're doing wrong and how to fix it. 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

Reminder: In observance of Memorial Day (Monday, 05/27/24), we will be open for training from 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. that day, but we will be closed that afternoon and evening.

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 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.

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.


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 2024.03.25.

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 2024.03.04.

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 2024.02.05.

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 2024.02.05.


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

Testify Republic - July 3, 2023

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION
From our video Bench Pressing Alone (safely!) and How to Unrack a Heavy Bench Press (click the title to watch):

Jay H
Why Soccer socks

Phil
If I recall correctly, I think I was deadlifting before I shot that video, and long socks are nice for protecting shins on deadlifts, snatches, and cleans.

Jay H
make sense


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

Is This Error KILLING Your Deadlift?! | How to Increase Your Deadlift
Is your deadlift setup destroying the possibility of pulling preposterously ponderous poundage? Phil pontificates. Click here to watch.

Quick Tip to Improve Your Bench Press | FAST FIX!
Phil covers a quick and easy breathing tip to help you improve your bench press. Click here to watch.

Great Tire Workouts for Conditioning!
We cover a few options for incorporating tire work into your conditioning. Click here to read.

Blast from the Past: How to Start Lifting: Learn to Bench Press
Phil helps you learn how to bench press and also discusses how to go about your first bench press workout (6th video in the "How to Start Lifting" series). Click here to watch.

Blast from the Past: Squatting Deeper - Don't Make These 2 Mistakes!
There are two common mistakes that often show up when lifters try to squat deeper. Phil covers these errors as well as a few cues to help lifters correct them. Click here to read.


NEW TESTIFY GEAR!
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

Reminder: We will be closed for training on Tuesday, 07/04/23, in observance of Independence Day, and we will be closed for training on Saturday, 07/08/23, as we are hosting the annual IronFest competition.

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 V

  • July 8, 2023

  • 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.

  • Registration is closed, but you can click here for more information.

Starting Strength Self-Sufficient Lifter Camp

  • September 23, 2023

  • 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 Fall Classic

  • October 21, 2023

  • The Testify Fall Classic is back for 2023, 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 2023.05.01.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2023.04.10.

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

Compare to 2023.03.13.

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 2023.03.13.

Testify Inquirer - June 26, 2023

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION
From our video Make Your Own Lifting Straps! (Easy, Quick, and Cheap!) (click the title to watch):

@mohammedshoebahmed3543
Can that tape withstand the weight?

Phil
No worries - the tape doesn't support any weight. It simply holds the ends of the straps together and makes them easier to handle and put on. The tape is not technically necessary, but again, it's easier with the ends taped together. If you check out our video "How to Use Lifting Straps" (https://youtu.be/ch38nNKkSdw), you'll see that the taped end sticks out at the end and isn't supporting anything.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

Stretching is DANGEROUS?! | Why You Should NOT do Mobility Work
Should you stretch before you lift or not? Also, stop calling it "mobility work." Click here to watch.

How to Load a Barbell for Deadlifts the EASY Way!
Phil gives you a few tips and tricks to make loading the barbell for your deadlifts easier and faster. Click here to watch.

One Cue to Rule Them All: Fix Every Single One of Your Lifts
Can one simple type of cue help you improve all of your lifts? Click here to find out.

Blast from the Past: How to Start Lifting: Learn to Press
Phil and Barb teach you how to press and explain how to do your first press workout (5th video in the "How to Start Lifting" series). Click here to watch.

Blast from the Past: Bench Press Cue: Pull Your Fists Back!
Phil covers a useful cue to help with correct shoulder positioning in the bench press. Click here to read.


NEW TESTIFY GEAR!
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

Reminder: We will be closed for training on Tuesday, 07/04/23, in observance of Independence Day.

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 V

  • July 8, 2023

  • 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 25, 2023

  • 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.

Starting Strength Self-Sufficient Lifter Camp

  • September 23, 2023

  • 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 2023.04.24.

Option 2
Bike/row:
5 min on
4 min off
4 min on
3 min off
3 min on
2 min off
2 min on
1 min off
1 min on

Record distance for each interval and add for total distance.

Compare to 2023.04.03.

Option 3
Outdoors:
5-10 rounds:
50 yd sled push (25 yd down-back)
50 yd farmer carry (25 yd down-back)
Rest 1 min

Indoors:
5-10 rounds:
100 ft sled push (50 ft down-back)
100 ft farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 min

Compare to 2023.03.06.

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 2023.03.06.

Week 2022.03.21

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 2022.01.17.

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

Record distance for each round.

Compare to 2021.12.27.

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 2021.11.29.

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 2021.11.29.