Testify Gazette - September 23, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video "What I find horrifying, even more than death..." (click the title to watch):

JBravoRebel
I've shared this very, very important message, via this video, with others. Thank you.

Phil
That’s great to hear, and thank you as well.

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

Shorter Workouts! | More Gains in Less Time
You want to get strong, but you don't have all day to spend in the gym. What do you do? Click here to watch.

 

The ONE Thing Fitness Magazines WON'T Tell You About the Squat
There is ONE thing that fitness magazines and other "experts" will never tell you to do when squatting, and it's the one thing that will make your squat better. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Starting Strength Squat/Low Bar Squat | Fix Your AWFUL BACK!
Is your awful back wreaking havoc on your squat? In this video - our first in a series of Saturday Shorts on fixing the squat - we quickly discuss and demonstrate how to solve this problem. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Pin Squat: What, How, and Why
What are pin 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.

Kickstart Your Strength!

  • Are you interested in getting stronger? Book your "Kickstart Your Strength!" session for Friday, October 4th.

  • Talk with a coach about your fitness goals, see what getting stronger looks like at Testify, and learn to deadlift simply and safely.

  • 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
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 2024.07.22.

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 2024.07.01.

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

Compare to 2024.06.03.

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 2024.06.03.

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

Testify Journal - August 26, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

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

EatMeatandLiftWeights
What I find horrifying, even more than death, is to end up weak, frail and dependent on others for basic needs when I am older. I am a 61 yo woman and love lifting heavy, I will never give it up, it's a game changer.

Phil
That's fantastic that you love lifting heavy, and absolutely - it's a game changer.

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

Shoes, Wraps, Belts, and more...STOP Making These MISTAKES With Your Lifting Gear - Part 2
You're making some mistakes with your lifting gear, and you don't even know it. In Part 2 of this series, we cover 7 more errors (and how to fix them) that lifters make with their equipment. Click here to watch.

 

What is a Hang Power Snatch? | Olympic Weightlifting Technique
What is a hang power snatch? How is it different from a snatch, power snatch, or hang snatch? Phil covers it all here in this brief article. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: FIX Your Press in less than TWO MINUTES! | Get Your Focal Point Right
Is your focal point - or lack thereof - destroying your press? In this video - our sixth 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 6
Stop yanking or jerking the bar off the floor. It's not efficient, and it won't help you when it gets heavy. In the 6th article in our series on fixing the deadlift, Phil helps you identify and fix 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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 2024.06.24.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2024.06.03.

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 2024.05.06.

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 2024.05.06.

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

Testify Star-Advertiser - August 12, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Get a Better Clean Rack Position | Olympic Weightlifting (click the title to watch):

A A
I was holding the bar with my wrists and now, they hurt really bad when bent, even during push ups. I whish i knew this 1 month early.

Phil
Sorry to hear about the wrist pain - I hope this proves very useful to you going forward!

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

STOP Making These MISTAKES With Your Lifting Gear | Part 1: Errors #1-7
You're making some mistakes with your lifting gear, and you don't even know it. In Part 1 of this series, we cover 7 errors (and how to fix them) that lifters make with their equipment. Click here to watch.

 

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

 

Blast from the Past: FIX Your Press | Correct Your AWFUL Grip to Press More!
Is your awful grip ruining your press? In this video - our 5th 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 Deadlift: You're Doing This Wrong - Part 4
Lack of knee extension and raising your chest too soon on the deadlift are related errors, and in the 4th article in our series on fixing the deadlift, we cover how to correct these issues and add pounds to your pull. 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
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 2024.06.10.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2024.05.20.

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 2024.04.22.

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 2024.04.22.

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

Testify Post - June 3, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video How to Install a Barbell Gun Rack on a Concrete Block Wall (click the title to watch):

JackM
Why do you have to hang the bar on the outside rotation part instead of the central bar where our hands grapple?

Phil
If you go back near the beginning of this video (roughly 0:18 - 0:33), I explain that since this gunrack doesn't have plastic protection over the "hooks," you want the hooks in contact with the sleeves of the bar and not the shaft of the bar so you don't mar and dull the knurling over time. Metal-on-metal contact over time will damage the knurling of your bar. I'd recommend watching our other gunrack installation video where we installed one that does have plastic protection: How to Install a Barbell Gun Rack
https://youtu.be/SJ1ZM-fq4W0

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

3 Tactics to Triage Your Squat FAST | Get a Bigger and Better Squat TODAY
In this 2-Minute Tactic video, we quickly cover 3 major technical aspects of your squat to focus on and evaluate when trying to improve your squat. Click here to watch.

 

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

 

Blast from the Past: Conditioning Options: Rucking and Hiking vs Sled and Prowler Workouts
It's easy to get bogged down by all the conditioning options out there. Should I push the sled/prowler? Should I ruck? Should I hike? Let's keep it simple. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Bench Press: You're Forgetting to Do This - Part 2
Forgetting to set your grip correctly when you bench or just not sure how? Phil explains. 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: 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 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 2024.04.01.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2024.03.11.

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

Compare to 2024.02.12.

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 2024.02.12.

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

The Testify Herald - May 6, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 12 Pieces of Lifting Gear to THROW AWAY (and What to Replace Them With) (click the title to watch):

Jonathan Martin
Interesting. I had never thought about the moisture wicking shirt being slick but it makes sense.

Phil
Yep, they're terrible. That said, I think the A7 "bench shirts" and other shirts like that are moisture wicking, but they have a special grip section on the upper back for squat and bench purposes, and that section has a lot of grip, so if you're willing to shell out the cash, there are exceptions to the "cotton only" principle.

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

12 Pieces of Lifting Gear to THROW AWAY (and What to Replace Them With)
What pieces of weight lifting equipment would Phil throw away and what would he replace them with? Click here to watch.

 

WORST Deadlift Ever?! How to Set Your Back: Part 5
In part 5 of the "How to Set Your Back for the Deadlift" series, we cover a useful drill to fix a rounded back. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Correct Setup for Squat & Press: STOP Making This Mistake!
You don't need to walk a mile back from the rack to squat or press. Keep your setup simple and concise. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Get Thee to a . . . Gym?!
To get stronger, what is the most important thing? Hint - it's not your technique, programming, nutrition, or equipment. 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: We will be closed for training on Saturday, 05/11/24, as we are hosting the annual Testify Barbell MAYhem 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.

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.

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.

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 2024.03.04.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2024.02.12.

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 2024.01.15.

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 2024.01.15.

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

The Testify Chronicle - April 22, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Hook Grip: HOW to Use It and WHY it Works (click the title to watch):

Buono Legnani's Palette
What is stronger? The hook grip of the switch grip? Which grip have been used to set world records in the deadlift?

Phil
They are both very strong, but you will typically see more switch grip than hook grip. Switch grip is more comfortable, and if you have smaller hands or chubbier hands, then hook grip might not be possible.

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

This Bench Press Fix is a Game-Changer
Are you making this mistake on your bench press? Let’s fix it simply and quickly. Click here to watch.

 

The Mistake That is KILLING Your Deadlift! | How to Set Your Back: Part 4
Is your hideously rounded back wreaking havoc on your deadlift? Let’s fix it fast in Part 4 of this series. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Motivation is for Suckers. Punch the Clock.
Relying on motivation to keep your training on track? Don't. Motivation is a fickle thing. Habit is where it's at. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: You WILL Get Weaker . . . So Why Bother?
If you're going to just get weaker eventually, anyway, does training even matter? It does indeed - even more so because of that fact. Phil explains. 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: The gym will have modified training hours on Friday, 04/26/24, and Saturday, 04/27/24, as we are hosting the Starting Strength Coaches Conference that weekend.

  • Friday hours: 5:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (no afternoon hours)

  • Saturday hours: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

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

  • 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.

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.

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 2024.02.19.

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 2024.01.29.

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 2024.01.01.

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 2024.01.01.

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