Testify Today - April 8, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Knees Problem | If You Don't Change This, Your Deadlift Will NEVER Grow (click the title to watch):

TacticalLumberjack
K, so I’ve been lifting around my knees my whole lifting life (5+years) and now I know why I struggle with deadlifts.

Phil
I hope this helps out!

TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Want to get stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches? We have a few openings, so if you’re interested, click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

The Knees Problem | If You Don't Change This, Your Deadlift Will NEVER Grow
There are 2 deadlift mistakes you're making with your knees. Let's fix both of them with one simple concept. Click here to watch.

 

How to Deadlift: Set Your Back the RIGHT Way - Part 3
Having trouble getting your back flat and tight when you deadlift? In Part 3 of this series, Phil walks you through how to solve this problem. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: First Weightlifting or Powerlifting Meet? MOST Important Advice Ever!
What is the most important tip ever for your first weightlifting, powerlifting, or strengthlifting meet? Check it out. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Snatch & Clean: Stay Over the Bar!
Are you incorrectly pulling around your knees when snatching or cleaning? Let’s fix this. Click here to read.

NEW 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

The annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge was a great success this weekend, and we are immensely thankful to everyone who helped out! Loaders, judges, table officials, those who helped setup and tear down - we could not have hosted this meet without you all!

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 Barbell MAYhem

  • May 11, 2024

  • Come on out and join us for the annual Testify Barbell MAYhem! This is a weightlifting meet, so the contested lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk.

  • Click here 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
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 2024.02.05.

Option 2
Bike/row:
3 rounds of:
8 x 20 sec on/40 sec off
Rest 3 min between rounds

Score = lowest distance

Compare to 2024.01.15.

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 2023.12.18.

Option 4
10 x 50 ft yoke carry
Each carry is 25 feet down and 25 feet back and is for time. Rest 1 minute between carries.

Compare to 2023.12.18.

The Testify Mirror - March 11, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 10 Simple Tips to Improve Your Weight Lifting (click the title to watch):

knife
I'm at 3 and quarter plates on deadlift and got the bar slipping out of my hands, I use chalk and hook grip, do you have any tips? maybe just strap?

Phil
The mixed grip might be the way to go, but I'd recommend perhaps reviewing the hook grip (we've got a few videos on it) - for starters, make sure that you're middle finger goes over your thumb. The index finger will as well, but the middle finger really has to have purchase on the thumb.

In lieu of that, I'd recommend a mixed grip (AKA alternate grip - one hand prone and one hand supine), and if you don't want to do that, then yep, go with straps. That deadlift has got to keep going up! :-)

knife
@TestifySC ill check em out, thanks

Phil
You're welcome, and here's one of them:
The Hook Grip: HOW to Use It and WHY it Works
https://youtu.be/t9tbc74YqLY

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

10 Simple Tips to Improve Your Weight Lifting
Phil breaks down a quick yet comprehensive list of 10 things you need to know, do, or have when training. Click here to watch.

 

How to Deadlift: Set Your Back the RIGHT Way - Part 1
Do you have a tough time setting your back in flat, rigid extension when you deadlift? In Part 1 of this series, we help you solve this problem. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: The Best Barbell Collars? (They're Not What You Think)
You've got a lot of options for barbell collars out there, but how about one that's simple, cheap, effective, and easy to use? Look no further. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Warm-up for Lifting Weights: Stop Using Percentages!
Percentages and warm-up charts/apps are the diapers of the lifting world - pretty useful in the beginning, but in the long run, life is a lot better, simpler, and cleaner if we outgrow them. How to do this? Click here to read.

NEW 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: We will be closed for training on Saturday, 03/16/24, as we are hosting the annual Testify Leprechaun Lift-off weightlifting meet.

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 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.

Testify Barbell MAYhem

  • May 11, 2024

  • Come on out and join us for the annual Testify Barbell MAYhem! This is a weightlifting meet, so the contested lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk.

  • Click here 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
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 2024.01.08.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2023.12.18.

Option 3
1. Work up to a heavy single on the axle clean-and-press (i.e., ground to overhead).
2. 5 x 100 ft Zercher carry (50 ft down-back). Add weight each round. Rest as needed.

Compare to 2023.11.20.

Option 4
Outdoors:
5 rounds:
15 cal row
50 yd sled push, 100#/50#

Indoors:
5 rounds:
15 cal row
100 ft sled push, 250#/125#

Push sled slow for recovery. Score is slowest row.

Compare to 2023.11.20.

Testify This Week - February 5, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The TRUTH About Lifting (What No One Tells You!) (click the title to watch):

BravoRebel1776
I am in my 60s, and been at it for 2+ years solid. The strength training is not only life-changing, and life-enhancing, it is literally life-saving.

Phil
Agreed, and way to keep at it!

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

(3 MISTAKES) When Pressing with Your HIPS
There are 3 mistakes you might be making with your hips when you press - let's fix all 3 in under 3 minutes. Click here to watch.

 

Are You Setting Your Back WRONG in the Deadlift?
It's easy to set the back incorrectly by confusing shoulder retraction with back extension. Let's fix this issue fast. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Close Grip Bench Press for Maximum Strength!
Want a bigger bench press? Of course you do. Phil helps you learn how to correctly perform the close grip bench press. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Squat Tip: Hips Back AND Chest Down
We give you two simple and effective tips to improve your squat. 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.

Free Intro to Deadlift Session

  • February 10, 2024

  • 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 session.

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
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 2023.12.04.

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 2023.11.13.

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 2023.10.16.

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 2023.10.16.

The Testify Booster - January 8, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Starting Strength Squat Looks HORRIFYING, Here's Why (click the title to watch):

Jeremy Peterson
You nailed it. People miss the progression- the grandparents didn’t start with 225 or 135-they started with an appropriate weight, an empty bar, or even body weight. Also in addition to the strength benefits you explained so well, the “leaned over” starting strength squat takes pressure off the knees and can eliminate knee pain a lot of adults experience in a more vertical squat. Love all your videos. Keep up the great work.

Phil
Yep, you are spot on, and thanks!

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

Starting Strength Squat Looks HORRIFYING, Here's Why
We posted a video a few weeks back, and some people were very concerned by one aspect of the squats they saw. What was it? Click here to watch.

 

STOP Making This Deadlift Mistake With Your Legs!
Are you accidentally "kicking the bar" away with your shins when deadlifting? We help you identify and fix this problem quickly. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: You're Doing It Wrong! Cleans vs Hang Cleans vs Power Cleans!
Cleans, hang cleans, power cleans, hang power cleans . . . all in under 3 min! What are the differences between these lifts, and how can we easily remember each one? Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Antonio and the Deadlift
Phil covers how to correctly perform - and hold - the Valsalva maneuver when deadlifting. 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.

Free Intro to Deadlift Session

  • January 13, 2024

  • 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 session.

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
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 2023.11.06.

Option 2
Bike/row:
12 min TT

Score = distance

Compare to 2023.10.16.

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

Compare to 2023.09.18.

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 2023.09.18.

Testify Leader - December 4, 2023

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Weightlifting vs Powerlifting vs Strengthlifting - What's the Difference?! (click the title to watch):

kaz5150619
There’s a strengthlifting fed in India where its incline bench hack squat and the 'two handed curl' ( barbell curl from the floor)

Phil
That's an entertaining combination - I'd watch it at least once :-)

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

This Simple Tactic FIXED His Squat & Deadlift in ONE Rep
Want a cue that can work wonders for your squat and deadlift? It can even work for your press, bench, snatch, and clean. Check it out. Click here to watch.

 

The 12 Squat Tips of Christmas
Let’s be festive, shall we? To borrow from “The 12 Days of Christmas,” Phil presents "The 12 Squat Tips of Christmas." May your squatting be merry and bright . . . but not light. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Stop Destroying Your Squat - Stay Leaned Over!
Stop raising your chest early in the squat - it's making for a weaker squat. If you try to drive your hips up in you squat but struggle with the concept, watch this video for a helpful fix.

 

Blast from the Past: Deadlift Fix: 4 Cues for a Stronger, Smoother Pull
Stop yanking or jerking the bar off the floor. It's not efficient, and it won't help you when it gets heavy. Try out these 4 cues for a stronger and smoother pull. 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

The annual Testify Christmas Classic as well as our annual Christmas party were both great events this weekend, and we are immensely thankful to everyone involved! Loaders, referees, table officials, those who helped setup and tear down, everyone who showed up to the party (and brought great food!) - thank you so much!

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.

Testify Barbell MAYhem

  • May 11, 2024

  • Come on out and join us for the annual Testify Barbell MAYhem! This is a weightlifting meet, so the contested lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk.

  • Click here 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 2023.10.02.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2023.09.11.

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

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

Compare to 2023.08.14.

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

Compare to 2023.08.14.

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.