Testify Tribune - November 4, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Lifting Straps | What You're Doing WRONG (and other common mistakes) (click the title to watch):

Craig Martin
Thanks for this video! I was doing everything wrong (apparently I'm an idiot ). I was ao frustrated with my grip, which effected my ability to make progress on the DL, that i stopped deadlifting for extended period

Phil
You're welcome, and I'm glad this was helpful for you - happy deadlifting!


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

1 HUGE Mistake Self-Taught Deadlifters Make
If you're committing this deadlift error, then you're making your deadlifts horribly inefficient, and you're significantly limiting the amount of weight on the bar. Let’s fix it. Click here to watch.

 

What You Should NEVER Do When Deadlifting!
Are you making this mistake when deadlifting? Well . . . don't. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How Long Should I REST? | Starting Strength Linear Progression
How long should I rest when working through the Starting Strength Linear Progression? How long should I rest between warm-up sets? Between work sets? Phil explains. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Squat: Don't Be a Moron
A lot of good advice in life can be summed up with the phrase, ‘Don’t be a moron,’ and this particular squat error is certainly no exception…” 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 always 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 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.” 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 2024.09.02.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2024.08.12.

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 2024.07.15.

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

Compare to 2024.07.15.


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

Testify Herald - September 30, 2024

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 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!

The Testify Inquirer - July 29, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Cleans vs Power Cleans vs Hang Cleans - What's the Difference?! (click the title to watch):

A C
At last! A clear explanation of this totally nonsensical terminology!

Phil
Glad you found it useful, and thanks for the kind words. Hopefully, now the terminology is a bit more sensical :-)


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

7 Things Successful Lifters Do Before Pressing HEAVY (plus BONUS tip)
What should you take care of before a heavy press (AKA overhead press)? We cover 7 simple and effective tips - plus 1 bonus tip - when preparing to press heavy. Click here to watch.

 

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? We address it all here in this brief article. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: FIX Your Press | Correct Your TERRIBLE Elbows to Press More!
Are your hideous elbows ruining your press? In this video - our fourth in the series of Saturday Shorts on fixing the press - we quickly discuss and demonstrate how to solve this problem. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Deadlift: You're Doing This Wrong - Part 2
Your wrists are messing up your deadlift, and you don't even know it. In the 2nd article in our series on correcting the deadlift, Phil covers how to achieve the correct wrist positioning. 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.

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.

Minneapolis, MN: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • August 31, 2024

  • 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.

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.


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 2024.05.27.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2024.05.06.

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 2024.04.08.

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 2024.04.08.


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

Testify Newsday - July 1, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Best Way to Put On a Lifting Belt! (and a secret weapon!) (click the title to watch):

Diego Castillo
Have you guys ever pulled a shoulder muscle putting on a weight belt just with your bare hands?

Phil
I have not, and I haven’t heard of any of our members doing that, but that’s a bummer. Most of us use the squat rack to put on the belt as it’s a very easy and effective approach.

Diego Castillo
@TestifySC with a heavy 4-inch belt and externally rotating out to get a tight fit I have at times pulled my shoulder. something gets pulled and I'm left with a dead arm. I'll definitely start using your screwdriver method to put on my belt. It really works.


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

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

 

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

 

Blast from the Past: FIX Your Press | Eliminate WEAK Wrists to Press More!
Are bad wrists ruining your press? In this video - our second in the series of Saturday Shorts on fixing the press - Phil quickly discusses and demonstrates how to solve this problem. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Squat: You "Kneed" to Do This
Are your awful knees ruining your squat? In this short article, we address 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 Thursday, 07/04/24, in observance of Independence Day.

Reminder: On the afternoon of Friday, 07/12/24, our training hours will run from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. as we are hosting the annual IronFest competition that day. The morning hours remain the same as usual.

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.

Minneapolis, MN: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • August 31, 2024

  • 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.

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.


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 2024.04.29.

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 2024.04.08.

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 2024.03.11.

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 2024.03.11.


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!