Testify Herald - September 30, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 3 Habits that Instantly Boost Your Deadlift (click the title to watch):

Art Barkley
Another excellent tutorial! Much appreciated. I tried your idea of “bowing to the floor and looking for my mid foot” and it really helped, particularly on the 4th and 5th reps. Thank you!

Phil
That's great to hear, and you're 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

3 Habits that Instantly Boost Your Deadlift
Phil covers 3 habits that will improve your deadlift and add weight to the bar immediately. Click here to watch.

 

What You Should NEVER Do When Pressing!
Is your bar path all sorts of terrible when you press? It's destroying your press. Here are 3 simple cues to help you fix it. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Power Jerk vs Squat Jerk vs Split Jerk: Which One is BEST?
There are 3 different types of jerk, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Phil and Becky explain and demonstrate the power jerk, squat jerk, and split jerk. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Box Squat: What, How, and Why
What are box squats, how do you perform them, and why might a lifter do them? Phil explains. 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.

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 2024.07.29.

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

Record distance for each round.

Compare to 2024.07.08.

Option 3
Outdoors:
5-10 rounds:
10 sledgehammer strikes (5R, 5L)
50 yd farmer carry (25 yd down-back)
Rest 1 minute

Indoors:
5-10 rounds:
10 sledgehammer strikes (5R, 5L)
100 ft farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 minute

Compare to 2024.06.10.

Option 4
5-8 rounds:
50 ft sled push
50 ft sled pull (hand over hand)
Row 1 minute
Rest 1 minute

This can also be done in a group of three where the sledder determines how long the other two people row and rest.

Compare to 2024.06.10.

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

The Testify Sun - June 10, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Barbell Basics | Anatomy of a Barbell | Barbell Buyer's Guide (click the title to watch):

Patrick Hutton
That's a great introduction to barbells. However you don't quite reach Mark Rippetoe's level. There are three things you need to do to reach his level.
1) Get his accent, as a Brit I can barely understand what he's saying, but it's great to listen to.
2) Somehow I think he could make a 24 minute talk on brown paper bags sound interesting.
3) At some point in the talk as a stern aside you need to advise against doing curls.

Phil
Thanks for the comment, and it's true - I can't hold a candle to Rip's presentation :-)

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

Power Clean vs Squat Clean vs Split Clean: Which Should YOU Do?
In weightlifting (AKA Olympic weightlifting), there are 3 different landing positions, and each has its unique advantages. We cover each version as well as why you might want to perform it. Click here to watch.

 

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

 

Blast from the Past: 3 Reasons to STOP Using Percentages (or apps) for Your Warm-ups!
Warm-up percentage charts and warm-up apps are the diapers of the lifting world. You're better than that. You're a big kid now - it's time to move on to pull-ups. Phil explains why life is better without percentages and apps and shows you how to construct your own warm-ups quickly and easily. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Hook Grip - Some Clarifications
When should I use a hook grip, why does it work so well, and how can I stop being a wimp about the discomfort? 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 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
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 2024.04.08.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

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

Compare to 2024.03.18.

Option 3
Outdoors:
5-10 rounds:
10 sledgehammer strikes (5R, 5L)
50 yd farmer carry (25 yd down-back)
Rest 1 minute

Indoors:
5-10 rounds:
10 sledgehammer strikes (5R, 5L)
100 ft farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 minute

Compare to 2024.02.19.

Option 4
5-8 rounds:
50 ft sled push
50 ft sled pull (hand over hand)
Row 1 minute
Rest 1 minute

This can also be done in a group of three where the sledder determines how long the other two people row and rest.

Compare to 2024.02.19.

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

Testify Freelancer - February 19, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Build a Lifting Platform (and the easiest way to cut stall mats!) (click the title to watch):

Paulo David
Why do you use two pieces of horse stall mats? Instead of a long single piece

Phil
Solid question. The standard horse stall mat dimensions are 4‘ x 6‘. You can get them in 8 foot lengths (i.e., the length of the platform), but you have to special order them, and they’re rather pricey. You can get your standard 4’ x 6’ mat at a Tractor Supply store or something similar.

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

What "Internet Fitness" and "Trainers" Get WRONG About Lifting Weights
What should you focus on when lifting weights? What should you think about? The mainstream fitness industry gets this wrong all the time. Click here to watch.

 

WHERE Should I Put the Bar for the Squat?
How do you find the best position for the barbell when squatting? We show you how in this short article. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Fast & Easy Barbell Math Tricks to Save You from Misloading the Barbell!
Thought you set a PR only to discover the weight was wrong? Here are 2 quick and easy methods to see right away if you've misloaded the bar. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: These Aren't the Rests You're Looking For - Part 1
Are you spending a lot of time between reps in the deadlift? Knock it off - it's a problem. Phil explains why as well as 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.

Bring Your Grandparent to Squat Saturday!

  • February 24, 2024

  • Is your grandma or grandpa interested in getting stronger? Bring your grandparent (or parent!) to the gym on February 24!

  • They'll learn how to squat, meet some of our coaches, and it's FREE!

  • If they join Testify, you and they EACH get a $75 discount for 1 month of membership.

  • 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
“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 2023.12.18.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

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

Compare to 2023.11.27.

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 2023.10.30.

Option 4
5-8 rounds:
50 ft sled push
50 ft sled pull (hand over hand)
Row 1 minute
Rest 1 minute

This can also be done in a group of three where the sledder determines how long the other two people row and rest.

Compare to 2023.10.30.

Testify Citizen - October 30, 2023

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video TINY GRANDMA SQUATS 205 LB! (click the title to watch):

Pops 355
Why leaned over????

Phil
Solid question – it’s a stronger position and makes better use of the musculature surrounding the hips and the knees. Trying to raise the chest too soon makes for a much more difficult squat.

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

Bench Press: He Should NOT Have Done This...
Phil addresses and helps you fix a common bench press error in this episode of our Two Minute Tactics. Click here to watch.

 

Lifting Straps | What You're Doing WRONG (common mistakes)
We cover several common mistakes that new lifters make with lifting straps (and how to fix them). Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Weightlifting vs Powerlifting vs Hybrid Barbells in 2 minutes!
What's with the different markings on barbells? Phil quickly and simply explains what they mean, what purpose they serve, and how to know which one to use. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Bar Math: Stop Doing This!
Quit using subtraction and division to load weight onto your bar! Share this with a friend who struggles with bar math, and if it's you, we can help. 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.

Free Intro to Deadlift Session

  • November 4, 2023

  • Are you interested in getting stronger? Book your free "Intro to Deadlift" session and learn to deadlift, meet some of our coaches, and see the gym! All ages and abilities are welcome.

  • Click here to book your free session.

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 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 2023.08.28.

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

Record distance for each round.

Compare to 2023.08.07.

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 2023.07.10.

Option 4
5-8 rounds:
50 ft sled push
50 ft sled pull (hand over hand)
Row 1 minute
Rest 1 minute

This can also be done in a group of three where the sledder determines how long the other two people row and rest.

Compare to 2023.07.10.

Testify Star-Advertiser - July 10, 2023

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video You Should Be Unloading Your Barbell Like This | EASY and FAST (plus BONUS tip) (click the title to watch):

Mr Ed
I used to train at Gold’s. Most of the members there perfected the method of simply walking away from loaded barbells.

Phil
Ah yes. Sadly, that is a very popular method at most commercial gyms. At Testify, if someone leaves their equipment out when they leave the gym, they owe the gym one dozen donuts…this is very heavily and very effectively peer-enforced :-)

Mr Ed
oh, I like that. Unfortunately since I built my garage gym that only my two teenage kids and I use, I’m afraid if I initiated that policy, my kids would leave plates on the bar anytime they wanted doughnuts that I would have to pay for anyway.

Phil
Ha! Valid point!

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

Don't Want to Train? Do THIS Instead.
What should you do when you don't want to train? Phil discusses a viable second option. Click here to watch.

You Should Be Unloading Your Barbell Like This | EASY and FAST (plus BONUS tip)
How do you unload your bar after deadlifting, cleaning, rowing, etc. in a fast and easy manner? Click here to watch.

When to Use Lifting Straps (and when NOT to!)
When should you use lifting straps in your training, and when should you not use them? Click here to read.

Blast from the Past: How to Start Lifting: Learn to Power Clean
In this episode of the "How to Start Lifting" series, Phil, Maddie, and Carolyn help you learn how to power clean. Click here to watch.

Blast from the Past: Weightlifting vs Powerlifting vs Strengthlifting
“What’s the deal with all of these lifting sports? I can’t keep them straight!” Phil covers the differences between the 3 barbell sports. 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

Thanks to everyone who came out and competed at this past weekend’s IronFest V! Also, a big thank you goes to those who helped out!

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
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 2023.05.08.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

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

Compare to 2023.04.17.

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 2023.03.20.

Option 4
5-8 rounds:
50 ft sled push
50 ft sled pull (hand over hand)
Row 1 minute
Rest 1 minute

This can also be done in a group of three where the sledder determines how long the other two people row and rest.

Compare to 2023.03.20.

Week 2023.03.20

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

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 2023.01.16.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

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

Compare to 2022.12.26.

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 2022.11.28.

Option 4
5-8 rounds:
50 ft sled push
50 ft sled pull (hand over hand)
Row 1 minute
Rest 1 minute

This can also be done in a group of three where the sledder determines how long the other two people row and rest.

Compare to 2022.11.28.