The Testify Star-Advertiser - January 13, 2025
/THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video Top 8 Squat Myths (click the title to watch):
Chad MacPherson
In your opinion is there a single shoe for squats, dead’s, presses, and cleans? Looking for any help from people with more experience than me. Thanks, and have a great rest of your day. Oh, you also have a new sub!!
Phil
Chad, I currently wear the Nike Romaleo 2, and I've worn these for years (since 2016 or 2017, I believe). They're great for all lifts - squat, deadlift, press, snatch, clean, etc., and the only thing I've had repaired on them was the velcro (it had simply worn out and wasn't closing as effectively last year).
However, the model 2 went out of production a while back, and Nike is currently on the 4th edition (which is generally considered a better shoe than the 3rd edition anyway). We have a number of lifters with the 4 (including my wife, who also trained in the 2 for many years), and it's a great shoe as well. If I had to buy a new pair of shoes tomorrow to replace mine, I'd go with the Nike Romaleo 4: https://amzn.to/3LAYn8d
With that said, here are a couple other solid options:
VS Athletics: https://amzn.to/3LGoYB6
(This is my back-up pair as we have an extra pair of these at the gym. They only come in black, but I liked training in them)
Inov-8 Fastlift 360: https://amzn.to/3xIoXGZ
Adidas Adipower 3: https://amzn.to/3WbFVJk
(Adidas are often considered to run a bit narrow, so we have lifters who like these, but they're not a good option for me.)
Do-Win: https://www.roguefitness.com/dowin-weightlifting-shoes-black-white
This is very similar to the VS Athletics shoe (I'm reasonably sure they contract with the same company to manufacture the sole).
Hope this is useful!
Chad MacPherson
@TestifySC
Thank you for taking time to answer my question. Appreciate you, and all of the options you gave me.
Phil
You’re very welcome!
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ARTICLES & VIDEOS
Top 8 Squat Myths
More people than ever are learning that the squat is important for getting stronger. However, as popularity increases, so do the number of myths surrounding this movement. Phil puts this nonsense to bed. Click here to watch.
Pulling Blocks: What, Why, and DIY vs. Commercial (Which Should YOU Use?)
What are pulling blocks, why are they useful, what are some options, and should you buy them or make them yourself? Click here to read.
Blast from the Past: Use This Grip for a BIGGER Bench Press and Press!
What is a compression grip, and why should you use it for the bench press and the press? Phil explains in the first video in our series on the correct grip for each lift. Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: The 9th Circle of Deadlift Hell: The Drifting Barbell
“…a bar that swings away from you betrays that relationship and makes for a much harder deadlift, so if you’re struggling to escape this 9th circle of deadlift hell, try out one of…” Click here to read.
TESTIFY BEANIES ARE AVAILABLE!
Represent your favorite gym - even when it's cold outside!
And, it gets better - you can choose your beanie from EIGHT different colors!
Click here to head to the Testify Store.
WHAT'S COMING UP
Below is one of our upcoming events, and you can find out what else is on the calendar by heading to our events page at www.testifysc.com/events.
Testify Strengthlifting Challenge
April 12, 2025
The annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge is back, and we invite you to be a part of it! This is a strengthlifting meet, which means the contested lifts will be the squat, press, and deadlift.
Click here to register or for more information.
THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING
Option 1
Sled
Outdoors:
10 rounds of:
Push sled 100 ft
Pull sled 100 ft (hand over hand)
Indoors:
20 rounds of:
Push sled 50 ft
Pull sled 50 ft (hand over hand)
Compare to 2024.11.11.
Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes
Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = lowest distance.
Compare to 2024.10.21.
Option 3
5-10 rounds of:
30 sec ME tire flips
30 sec rest
Compare to 2024.09.23.
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 2024.09.23.
As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!
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