Testify Newsday - July 1, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The Best Way to Put On a Lifting Belt! (and a secret weapon!) (click the title to watch):

Diego Castillo
Have you guys ever pulled a shoulder muscle putting on a weight belt just with your bare hands?

Phil
I have not, and I haven’t heard of any of our members doing that, but that’s a bummer. Most of us use the squat rack to put on the belt as it’s a very easy and effective approach.

Diego Castillo
@TestifySC with a heavy 4-inch belt and externally rotating out to get a tight fit I have at times pulled my shoulder. something gets pulled and I'm left with a dead arm. I'll definitely start using your screwdriver method to put on my belt. It really works.


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ARTICLES & VIDEOS

Power Snatch vs Squat Snatch vs Split Snatch: Which Should YOU Do?
In weightlifting (AKA Olympic weightlifting), there are 3 different landing positions for the snatch, and each has its unique advantages. We cover each version as well as why you might want to perform it. Click here to watch.

 

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

 

Blast from the Past: FIX Your Press | Eliminate WEAK Wrists to Press More!
Are bad wrists ruining your press? In this video - our second 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 Squat: You "Kneed" to Do This
Are your awful knees ruining your squat? In this short article, we address how to solve this problem. Click here to read.


“GET STRONGER - LIVE BETTER” SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE!

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Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Reminder: We will be closed for training on Thursday, 07/04/24, in observance of Independence Day.

Reminder: On the afternoon of Friday, 07/12/24, our training hours will run from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. as we are hosting the annual IronFest competition that day. The morning hours remain the same as usual.

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 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.

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 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 2024.04.29.

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 2024.04.08.

Option 3
1. Work up to a heavy single on the axle clean-and-press (i.e., ground to overhead).
2. 5 x 100 ft Zercher carry (50 ft down-back). Add weight each round. Rest as needed.

Compare to 2024.03.11.

Option 4
Outdoors:
5 rounds:
15 cal row
50 yd sled push, 100#/50#

Indoors:
5 rounds:
15 cal row
100 ft sled push, 250#/125#

Push sled slow for recovery. Score is slowest row.

Compare to 2024.03.11.


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