Testify Optimist - February 9, 2026

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 8 Unavoidable Truths About Seniors and Lifting Weights… (click the title to watch):

P Holzman
There are YouTube experts out there today saying people over 50 shouldn't do full squats, deadlift, bench press or overhead press... I am 72 and do those things and weight lifting has improved my joint and flexibility problems accumulated by a long career sitting at a desk.

Phil
Thanks very much for that testimony!

KathyMinTexas
Agree! There are also medical experts who say the same thing. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and the medical team wanted me to take a medication (that causes significant side effects) and walk more. There are studies that say otherwise--they've proven that lifting weight, heavy weight (squats, deadlifts, presses, etc) increases bone density and obviously build strength & balance. I may have to take medication, but I'm trying the weight lifting first!

P Holzman
@kathymintexas1556I'm a retired Pathologist,. We were taught in Med School that you should never squat below 90 degrees. I do, that has been completely debunked.

Many of the things I learned in my professional training have proven to be wrong over the years.

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

How Many Lifters Are Actually Using the Wrong Grip on Bench Press and Press?
Are you using the right grip on the bench press and press? Many lifters aren’t—and it’s costing them strength and consistency. We give you the grip that sets you up for stronger, more effective lifts. Click here to watch.

 

Stop Using Your Back Like This (How to Squat Correctly)
Are you making this mistake with your back when getting ready to squat? Phil covers how to identify the problem as well as how to fix it. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Do CrossFitters Make the Best Deadlifters?!
What are CrossFitters good at when it comes to the deadlift, and how can this help you improve your deadlift? Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Deadlift Setup Mistake That Makes Lifters Look Ridiculous
Are you that guy (or girl) who looks like he's dry-heaving when setting up to pull? Cut it out. Phil helps you fix this problem. Click here to read.

TESTIFY TRUCKER CAPS ARE AVAILABLE!

Represent your favorite gym with this trucker cap in several color options - perfect for outdoors or a training session.

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 Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 11, 2026

  • 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 Goes Fishing! (ahem, fish-frying)

  • February 20, 2026

  • Friday night fish fry at Saint Vincent de Paul (click here for map)

  • Meet at 6:30 p.m. for fun, fish, beer, and to get your name put in the hat for drawings!

  • Click here for more details and to sign up so we’ve got a headcount.

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 2026.01.05.

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 2025.11.17.

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 2025.10.20.

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 2025.10.20.

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.

Inside Testify - November 24, 2025

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video When Deadlifting Heavy, Don't Stand Up & Try This Instead (click the title to watch):

Andrew Hernandez
Every time I've ever tried the deadlift it resulted in back pain. This video helped me. But the shots of old ladies doing it like pros hurt me.

Phil
I'm glad to hear this helped! And yes indeed, we do have a lot of strong women!

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

What No One Told You About Squatting (3 Minute Guide)
Struggling with your squat? In this quick 3-minute guide, you’ll learn the simple cues and setup steps most lifters never hear. No fluff, no mobility routines—just the essentials that make the squat finally click. Click here to watch.

 

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. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: What is a Snatch (AKA Squat Snatch or Full Snatch)? | Olympic Weightlifting Technique
What is a snatch? How is it different from a power snatch or hang snatch? What is a squat snatch? What is a full snatch? Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: 5 WORST Breathing & Bracing Mistakes Lifters Don't Know They Are Making
Phil helps you identify and fix several common mistakes regarding breathing and bracing (i.e., the Valsalva maneuver) when lifting. 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

Congratulations to everyone who competed at Benching Bonanza this past Friday, and thank you so much to everyone who helped out! Judges, loaders, spotters, those who helped set up and tear down - you all were great, and we couldn't have wonderful events like this without you!

Reminder: Below are the hours for Thanksgiving week (you can also find these on our Location & Hours page). Any days not listed retain their normal hours.

Wednesday, 11/26/25: Regular hours
Thursday, 11/27/25: Closed
Friday, 11/28/25: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (no afternoon/evening hours)
Saturday, 11/29/25: Regular hours

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 Christmas Classic

  • December 13, 2025

  • The Christmas Classic 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.

  • Our annual Testify Christmas party starts immediately afterward!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 11, 2026

  • 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:
10-20 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 2025.10.20.

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

Record distance for each round.

Compare to 2025.09.01.

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 2025.08.04.

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 2025.08.04.

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 Commentator - October 27, 2025

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video When Deadlifting Heavy, Don't Stand Up & Try This Instead (click the title to watch):

Raimundo
I tried this last sunday and really fixed my technique, before I was DL 160kg with some actual pain because of the posture that made the lift quite inneficient, after some reps with this tips I did 180kg so really happy with it. Thanks for this, will look to achieve 200kg!!

Phil
You’re very welcome, and congratulations!

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

This 1 Minute Routine Makes Your Deadlift Instantly Stronger
One minute. One habit. A huge difference in how your deadlift feels and performs. Try this before your next pull—you’ll feel it immediately. Click here to watch.

 

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

 

Blast from the Past: 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 about a minute. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: 3 Ways You're Ruining Your Squat
Quit making these mistakes when squatting. We cover 3 common squat errors as well as how to fix them. 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.

Free Intro to Squat Session

  • November 1, 2025

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

  • As a bonus, you can train for FREE the entire following week as our guest!

  • Click here to book your session.

Benching Bonanza! The Annual Testify Bench Press Jubilee

  • November 21, 2025

  • Benching Bonanza is a strength meet wherein the only contested lift is - not surprisingly - 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’s a great time for all involved, and we hope to see you there!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify Christmas Classic

  • December 13, 2025

  • The Christmas Classic 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
“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 2025.09.22.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

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

Compare to 2025.08.04.

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 2025.07.07.

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 2025.07.07.

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.

The Testify Leader - October 20, 2025

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video You’re Probably Bench Pressing Wrong, and It’s Ruining Your Lifting (click the title to watch):

Alex
Take a big breath at the top into your chest or belly? Some say the latter, some, even professional powerlifters say the former. So confusing😮‍💨

Phil
Yes, the fitness community often likes to make this more confusing that it needs to be. You’ve been breathing your whole life, so don’t worry about whether it’s into your chest or your belly (since technically it’s into your lungs :-)).

Simply take a breath, then hold it and clamp down on every single muscle in your midsection/trunk as if you expected to get punched. If you’re bracing like that, you’re doing it correctly.

It’s worth noting that you hold your breath using a closed glottis and not by holding your breath against your lips. In other words, you hold your breath in the back of your throat, not up against your lips.

You can do this with your mouth open or closed, but if you’re not sure exactly how to do it, try saying the word “hick“ and holding the “ck“ sound at the end.

Here’s a video a while back that covers this a bit more:
How to Breathe and Brace Correctly When Lifting Heavy | Valsalva Maneuver
https://youtu.be/XhM3fli3A_s

Alex
@TestifySCThanks ❤

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

You’re Probably Bench Pressing Wrong, and It’s Ruining Your Lifting
Most lifters are benching wrong in at least three of these ways. Watch all 7 mistakes — and stop wrecking your lifts before your next session. Click here to watch.

 

The Most Common Bench Press Mistake You Don’t Even Realize You’re Making
Phil addresses and helps you fix a common bench press error in this short article. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: WRIST WRAPS: The Complete Guide and how NOT to Put Them On! (Lifting Gear Series)
We cover everything you'll ever want to know about wrist wraps, including how NOT to put them on. This is the 4th video in our "Lifting Gear" series. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Deadlift: Sock it to Me, Baby
Want an easy way to improve your deadlift? Phil really socks it to you with this tip. 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.

Kansas City, MO: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp

  • October 25, 2025

  • 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.

Benching Bonanza! The Annual Testify Bench Press Jubilee

  • November 21, 2025

  • Benching Bonanza is a strength meet wherein the only contested lift is - not surprisingly - 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’s a great time for all involved, and we hope to see you there!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify Christmas Classic

  • December 13, 2025

  • The Christmas Classic 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
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 2025.09.15.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2025.07.28.

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 2025.06.30.

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 2025.06.30.

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 Daily Townsman - August 4, 2025

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video When Deadlifting Heavy, Don't Stand Up & Try This Instead (click the title to watch):

Rune L
thinking of the deadlift as a push exercise with the legs instead of a pull exercise is the best cue I ever heard

Phil
I’m glad you found it useful! Another useful thing to remember is that all pulling exercises (deadlifts, snatches, cleans, rows, etc.) are simply classified as such because the bar is hanging in the hands as opposed to sitting on top of the hands (for example, as in a bench press).

A more humorous way to remember it is that if you let go of the bar and the bar goes away from you, it’s a pulling exercise. If, on the other hand, you let go of the bar, and the bar falls toward you and smashes you, it’s a pushing exercise.

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

Deadlift Pro Tips (The "Don't Stand Up" Trick)
Are you sabotaging your deadlift without even realizing it? In this video, Phil breaks down 7 common mistakes that can wreck your progress and stall your strength gains. Fix these now—and lift smarter and stronger. Click here to watch.

 

2 Squat Mistakes Every New Lifter Makes
You're trying to squat correctly, but this happens. Here's what to do about it. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: This Dude's Deadlift was a TOTAL DISASTER! | Fixing Your Back for the Deadlift: Part 3
Having trouble getting your back flat and tight when you deadlift? In Part 3 of this Saturday Shorts series, we walk you through how to solve this problem. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Rower: Love It, Hate It, Do It Anyway
The rower (or "erg") is a great conditioning tool. Phil covers a few options for utilizing the rower for effective conditioning. Click here to read.

SLEEVES ARE OVERRATED - GRAB A TESTIFY TANK!

Sun's out, guns out, and we've got men's and women’s tank tops in multiple colors.

Get yours today and represent your favorite gym!

Click here to head to the Testify Store.

WHAT'S COMING UP

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 15, 2025

  • 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

  • October 4, 2025

  • 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.

Benching Bonanza! The Annual Testify Bench Press Jubilee

  • November 21, 2025

  • Benching Bonanza is a strength meet wherein the only contested lift is - not surprisingly - 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’s a great time for all involved, and we hope to see you there!

  • 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 2025.06.30.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

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

Compare to 2025.05.12.

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 2025.04.14.

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 2025.04.14.

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.

The Testify Patriot - July 28, 2025

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 9 Brutal Truths About Lifting Weights That Seniors LEARN Too Late (click the title to watch):

FatFreddys Cat
Excellent vid! Very straight forward without fluff. At 61 I've recently started back up with it and feeling much better already.

Looking forward to continuing. Thanks much for your efforts in making this available. d:^)

Phil
You’re very welcome, and thanks for the kind words! Congratulations on starting back up, and I’m glad that you’re already feeling better!

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

8 Signs Your Press is WAY Above Average
These 8 signs separate average lifters from serious pressers. Do you make the cut? If not, let's fix your press fast. Click here to watch.

 

2 “Small” Changes That Unlock Big Squat Gains
Want to squat more weight? Of course you do. Phil explains how to do just that. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Squat: The Setup | STOP Doing This!
Is your lousy setup destroying your squat? In 2 minutes, we cover a common error during the setup process and help you fix it. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: DIY Lifting Platform - Easy and Fast!
Phil helps you quickly and easily build a lifting platform that is durable and protects your equipment and floor. Click here to read.

SLEEVES ARE OVERRATED - GRAB A TESTIFY TANK!

Sun's out, guns out, and we've got men's and women’s tank tops in multiple colors.

Get yours today and represent your favorite gym!

Click here to head to the Testify Store.

WHAT'S COMING UP

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 15, 2025

  • 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

  • October 4, 2025

  • 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.

Benching Bonanza! The Annual Testify Bench Press Jubilee

  • November 21, 2025

  • Benching Bonanza is a strength meet wherein the only contested lift is - not surprisingly - 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’s a great time for all involved, and we hope to see you there!

  • 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 2025.06.23.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2025.05.05.

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 2025.04.07.

Option 4
1. 5 yoke carries @ 30 yd (15 yd downback) – work up to heaviest carry
2. 5 rounds of 5 reps on the axle “clean and press away” – work up to heavy set of 5

Compare to 2025.04.07.

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