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.

Testify Today - October 7, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video LIFTING BELTS: The Complete Guide and What NOT to Get! (Lifting Gear Series) (click the title to watch):

Alex M
that screwdriver tip is genius!

Phil
Thanks – glad you liked it!

TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Want to get stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches? Click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

The Bench Press DISASTER You Had No Idea You Were Causing
Got a weak bench press? You might be missing out on a vital aspect of the lift that's commonly forgotten. Click here to watch.

 

The Mistake That is RUINING Your Lifts! | Never Do This Again
Every lifter makes the mistake of a misload now and then, and it can really ruin your day. We give you a few quick tips to prevent it. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Starting Strength Squat/Low Bar Squat | Fix Your KNEES!
Are your awful knees ruining your squat? In this video - our 2nd in a series of Saturday Shorts on fixing the squat - Phil quickly discusses and demonstrates how to solve this problem. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Use Lifting Straps
Save your thumbs and your delicate, little baby hands as Phil shows you how to use your lifting straps. No hook grip, no mixed grip, and you'll look super cool. 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.

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.

Benching Bonanza! The Annual Testify Bench Press Jubilee

  • November 22, 2024

  • Benching Bonanza is a strength meet wherein the only contested lift is - you guessed it - 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'll be a ton of fun, so come on out!

  • 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.

IN OTHER NEWS . . .
There will be a small price increase for members who have grandfathered membership rates. Please be on the lookout for an email with the details (only members with grandfathered rates will receive an email from me).  If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at barb.mueller@testifysc.com. 

Thank you for your understanding and commitment to getting stronger with us at Testify Strength & Conditioning!

Barb Mueller
barb.mueller@testifysc.com

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 2024.08.05.

Option 2
5 rounds:
10 cal bike
1 min rest
4 sandbag-over-bars
1 min rest

Set the yoke crossmember at 35/33, and the weight is 150#/75#.

Compare to 2024.07.15.

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 2024.06.17.

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 2024.06.17.

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

Testify Tribune - June 17, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video What is a Hang Power Clean? | Olympic Weightlifting Technique (click the title to watch):

adncorotube
Do we hit the bar with the hip on this lift?

Phil
No, in a clean, the bar will brush/contact the thighs. The touch point is roughly the middle of the thigh, but this will vary a little bit based on anthropometry. The snatch is the lift wherein the bar will contact the hips.

adncorotube
Thanks a lot for the explanation.

Phil
You're very welcome.

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

8 Things Successful Lifters Do Before Benching HEAVY (plus BONUS tip)
What should you take care of before a heavy bench press? We cover 8 simple and effective tips - plus 1 bonus tip - when preparing to bench press heavy. Click here to watch.

 

What is a Hang Clean? | Olympic Weightlifting Technique
What is a hang clean? How is it different from a power clean, hang power clean, or clean? We cover it all here in this brief article. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: FIX Your Press | How to Correctly Use the Hips to Press More!
Are you using your hips incorrectly in the press? Is the timing of your throw off? Let's fix it. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Squat: Are You Making This Mistake?
Is your overextended back ruining your squat? In this article, Phil quickly discusses and demonstrates how to solve this problem. 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 Saturday, June 22, as we are hosting the annual Testify Strongman Summer Showdown that 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 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.

Deadapalooza! The Annual Testify Deadlift Festival

  • August 23, 2024

  • Deadapalooza is a strength meet wherein the only contested lift is - you guessed it - the deadlift. There will be one bar (possibly multiple bars if numbers dictate), and the meet will be conducted in a "rising bar" format, so the weight on the bar only goes up! It's a ton of fun, so come on out!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

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

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

Compare to 2024.04.15.

Option 2
Bike/row:
8 x 30 sec on/2:00 off

Score = least distance covered in any 30 second interval

Compare to 2024.03.25.

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 2024.02.26.

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 2024.02.26.

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

Testify Community Voice - February 26, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Build a Lifting Platform in 3 Minutes! (click the title to watch):

Your IT Bro
can you please elaborate on the valley vs mountain rule? Im about to do this for my home gym. Thank you!

Phil
Sure thing. Pretty much every sheet of 4 x 8 OSB you purchase (or any plywood, for that matter) will have a slight bow or bend to it. In other words, if you lay it flat on the floor, either the middle will be up off the floor a bit (making a "mountain") or the ends will be up off the floor a bit (making a "valley").

You could also picture this if you imagine pouring water onto the board. If the imaginary water would run away from the middle and spill off the edges, you've got the crown up (which is what you want), so it's a "mountain." If water would run toward the middle of the board and start to gather there in a pool, you've got the crown down, so it's a "valley," and in this case, you'd want to flip the board over so that you have a mountain.

Does that help?

Your IT Bro
yes that helped a lot! I understand now. I appreciate you responding, i want it to do it properly to make it last.

Phil
Glad to help, and I hope your platform turns out great!

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

STOP Using Your Back Like THIS (How to Squat Correctly)
Are you making this mistake with your back when getting ready to squat? Here’s how to identify the problem as well as how to fix it. Click here to watch.

 

How to Build a Home Gym - Part 1: Equipment
What equipment do you need for your home gym? We cover what you need as well as what to avoid. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Load & Unload the Barbell for the Deadlift (in less than 3 minutes!)
Loading and unloading the barbell for your deadlifts can be a pain, so in less than 3 minutes, here are 4 different ways to make this process easier. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: These Aren't the Rests You're Looking For - Part Deux
Are you taking too long between squat reps? Don't do that. In Part Deux of this series, Phil explains why it's a problem and how to solve it. Click here to read.

NEW TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style and comfort this winter? 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

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 Leprechaun Lift-off

  • March 16, 2024

  • Want to join us for the annual Testify Leprechaun Lift-off? Of course you do! This is a weightlifting meet, so the contested lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 6, 2024

  • 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.

Starting Strength Self-Sufficient Lifter Camp

  • May 18, 2024

  • Spend the day learning the Squat, Press, and Deadlift and how to self-evaluate your lifts while training in your garage or commercial gym without a coach.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

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 2023.12.25.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2023.12.04.

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 2023.11.06.

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 2023.11.06.

Testify Post-Dispatch - November 6, 2023

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video RUGBY PLAYER ANNIHILATES 330 LB x 5 PIN SQUAT!! (click the title to watch):

English with Joe
Why does he rest on the support?

Phil
This is a pin squat; it’s a variation of a regular squat wherein the lifter pauses for a set amount of time - usually 1-2 seconds - before driving the weight back up again. Ideally, the lifter should not relax with the weight on the pins (the pins take only a small amount of the load).

This type of squat removes most (or all) of the stretch reflex and this makes for a harder (i.e., more disadvantaged) squat.

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

Do These FOUR Things When Starting Strength Gets Hard
What should you do when Starting Strength gets hard? Here are 4 steps to follow (plus 3 bonus tips). Click here to watch.

 

Why do I Keep FAILING?!
Are you missing reps? Let's address one potential problem, and it's one that's easy to fix. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Fix Your Deadlift (solve this common error!)
Is your lower back rounding when you deadlift? Phil discusses this error as well as why it's a problem and gives several ways to fix the issue. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Unrack the Press: Use Your Legs!
Don't derail your press from the start with a weak unracking process - use your legs. Phil explains. Click here to read.

NEW TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style and comfort this fall? 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

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.

Benching Bonanza! The Annual Testify Bench Press Jubilee

  • November 17, 2023

  • Benching Bonanza is a strength meet wherein the only contested lift is - you guessed it - 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'll be a ton of fun, so come on out!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify Christmas Classic

  • December 2, 2023

  • The annual Testify Christmas Classic is back, and you're invited! This is a weightlifting meet, so the contested lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

IN OTHER NEWS . . .

This year, Testify Strength & Conditioning will be participating in Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child event as a way to support our community and beyond!  

Would you like to join us in sending a shoebox filled with gifts and personal items to a child in need this Christmas?  Your shoebox will be an expression of God’s love to a child in need around the world.  Any shoebox will do, fill it with toys, personal care items, school supplies and accessories.  You can choose to make your box specific to a boy or girl ages 2-14 years old. Fill out the envelope (located on the table outside the gym office) and add $10/box for shipping and attach it to your box.  

Check out the table outside the gym office for all the details and how to pack a box.  Our goal is to deliver 20 boxes to a local church drop-off site to be processed and sent out to the children.   Shoeboxes need to be returned to Testify no later than November 13th. 

 If you have any questions please contact Barb at barb.mueller@testifysc.com.

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 2023.09.04.

Option 2
5 rounds:
10 cal bike
1 min rest
4 sandbag-over-bars
1 min rest

Set the yoke crossmember at 35/33, and the weight is 150#/75#.

Compare to 2023.08.14.

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 2023.07.17.

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 2023.07.17.

Testify Review - July 17, 2023

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

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

Sjors Provoost
I always find myself precisely positioning the bench relative to the power rack and my position on the bench in order to ensure I don't waste a huge amount of energy on the unrack process. But this might be easier...

Phil
I hope it proves useful for you. People who bench on their own will typically line up a little bit closer to the hooks than does someone who gets a handoff from a spotter, but of course, the problem/trade-off is that if you line up too close, you put yourself in a precarious position of potentially benching up into the underside of the hooks, which is a real bad situation in which to find yourself.

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

The Sad Story of the Worst Squat Technique Ever
Want the history of the worst squat technique ever to be suggested by a coach? Watch and learn. Click here to watch.

 

Bench Press SECRET Every Lifter Should LEARN
What's the worst mistake on the bench press? It's not what you think. Click here to watch.

 

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.

 

Blast from the Past: Why Your Grandma Needs to Lift
Why do we focus so much on strength, and how does a high school math & physics teacher end up coaching people with barbells? Phil discusses the importance of strength and why it's life-changing. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Snatch: Landing Positions
Phil covers the three different landing positions for the snatch as well as the advantages that go with each position. Click here to read.

NEW TESTIFY GEAR!
Baseball season is here, and so is Testify’s new 3/4 raglan shirt - 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 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.

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 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 2023.05.15.

Option 2
Bike/row:
8 x 30 sec on/2:00 off

Score = least distance covered in any 30 second interval

Compare to 2023.04.24.

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 2023.03.27.

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 2023.03.27.