Testify Community Voice - February 26, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Build a Lifting Platform in 3 Minutes! (click the title to watch):

Your IT Bro
can you please elaborate on the valley vs mountain rule? Im about to do this for my home gym. Thank you!

Phil
Sure thing. Pretty much every sheet of 4 x 8 OSB you purchase (or any plywood, for that matter) will have a slight bow or bend to it. In other words, if you lay it flat on the floor, either the middle will be up off the floor a bit (making a "mountain") or the ends will be up off the floor a bit (making a "valley").

You could also picture this if you imagine pouring water onto the board. If the imaginary water would run away from the middle and spill off the edges, you've got the crown up (which is what you want), so it's a "mountain." If water would run toward the middle of the board and start to gather there in a pool, you've got the crown down, so it's a "valley," and in this case, you'd want to flip the board over so that you have a mountain.

Does that help?

Your IT Bro
yes that helped a lot! I understand now. I appreciate you responding, i want it to do it properly to make it last.

Phil
Glad to help, and I hope your platform turns out great!


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

STOP Using Your Back Like THIS (How to Squat Correctly)
Are you making this mistake with your back when getting ready to squat? Here’s how to identify the problem as well as how to fix it. Click here to watch.

 

How to Build a Home Gym - Part 1: Equipment
What equipment do you need for your home gym? We cover what you need as well as what to avoid. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Load & Unload the Barbell for the Deadlift (in less than 3 minutes!)
Loading and unloading the barbell for your deadlifts can be a pain, so in less than 3 minutes, here are 4 different ways to make this process easier. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: These Aren't the Rests You're Looking For - Part Deux
Are you taking too long between squat reps? Don't do that. In Part Deux of this series, Phil explains why it's a problem and how to solve it. Click here to read.


NEW TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style and comfort this winter? 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

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 Leprechaun Lift-off

  • March 16, 2024

  • Want to join us for the annual Testify Leprechaun Lift-off? Of course you do! This is a weightlifting meet, so the contested lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 6, 2024

  • 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.

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.


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 2023.12.25.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2023.12.04.

Option 3
5-10 rounds:
50 ft yoke carry
50 ft yoke push
100 ft sandbag carry and S.O.B. (sandbag-over-bar)

Perform 1 round every 2-3 minutes.

Compare to 2023.11.06.

Option 4
Row/Tire 10 min ladder:
2 cal row
2 tire flips
4 cal row
4 tire flips
6 cal row
6 tire flips

Climb the ladder as high as possible in 10 minutes.

Compare to 2023.11.06.