Testify Chronicle - June 5, 2023
/THIS WEEK'S QUESTION
From our video "Go Home, Get Weak, and DIE" | Why Your Doctor is WRONG about Lifting Weights (click the title to watch):
Peter
I'm confused. Various of the lifters seemed to be lifting in a wrong way. I realise that suggests that my 'take' on this must be wrong. I'm not seeing 'bend the knees' lifting?
Phil
Reasonable question Peter, and what you're probably referring to is a very conscious decision to not only bend at the knees (so the knees do indeed bend of course), but also bend the hips, i.e., bend over as one lifts. In the squat, this makes for a stronger movement (as opposed to trying to keep the back angle vertical), and it's also easier to achieve depth. In the deadlift, this makes it possible to make sure that the knees are not an obstacle for the bar's path (when the knees get in the way of the bar, it makes for a very difficult, inefficient, and weak deadlift).
Note, however, that although the back goes through a host of angles - from vertical at the top of the movement to relatively horizontal at the bottom of the movement - we still want a straight back. And indeed, this is exactly how the back gets stronger. The muscles of the back (and the entire trunk) are responsible for keeping the back flat and rigid - like a steel beam - throughout the entire movement. And so one begins at a very manageable weight at which one can maintain the correct positioning and movement, the body adapts to that weight by getting stronger, and then we increase the weight slightly, and the process begins again.
Here's a solid explanation in this video we put out a few weeks back:
The ONE Thing Fitness Magazines WON'T Tell You About the Squat
https://youtu.be/qWb-onZhxvw
I hope this helps!
ARTICLES & VIDEOS
Go Home, Get Weak, and DIE: Why Your Doctor is WRONG about Lifting Weights
You've heard it before: "Why are you doing this?" "You don't need to be lifting those heavy weights." And they're all wrong. So wrong. Click here to watch.
EASY Fix for a Slanted Lifting Platform (Cheap & Fast!)
Got a barbell that rolls due to your slanted lifting platform? A solution might be easier than you think. Click here to watch.
DIY Lifting Platform - Easy and Fast!
We help you quickly and easily build a lifting platform that is durable and protects your equipment and floor. Click here to read.
Blast from the Past: How to Start Lifting | Personal Gear
What personal gear do you need to start lifting weights? In the second video of the "How to Start Lifting" series, we cover the personal equipment that you'll need as well as a few things to avoid (spoiler: don't get Chuck Taylors!). Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: Tips and Tricks for the New Lifter
We cover a few tips and tricks to help the new lifter. Click here to read.
NEW TESTIFY GEAR!
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
Update! Parking will be restricted for roughly a week yet due to the curing process (as well as painting lines).
Reminder: We will be closed for training on Saturday, June 17, 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 17, 2023
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 V
July 8, 2023
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 21, 2023
The Testify Fall Classic is back for 2023, 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
“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 2023.04.03.
Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes
Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = lowest distance.
Compare to 2023.03.13.
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 2023.02.13.
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 2023.02.13.