Testify Herald - February 24, 2025
/THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video The Bench Press: You're Doing This Wrong. (click the title to watch):
Dennis J
Are you supposed to force scapular retraction or just let the rear shoulders relaxed down?
Phil
The first option - you'll need to actively retract the shoulders (definitely not relaxed).
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ARTICLES & VIDEOS
Why Squatting has become Impossible (6 reasons)
Is the squat impossible for you, or does it seem impossible to make progress on your squat? Here are 6 reasons why as well as how to address them. Click here to watch.
Stretching is Dangerous?! (Why You Should Not do Mobility Work)
Should you stretch before you lift or not? Also, stop calling it "mobility work." Phil explains. Click here to read.
Blast from the Past: Barbell Basics | Anatomy of a Barbell | Barbell Buyer's Guide
Phil covers the basics of an Olympic barbell - sleeves, collars, shaft, knurling, diameter, score marks, etc. He also talks about what to look for - and NOT look for - when purchasing a barbell. Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: It Doesn't Get Easier - But Everything Else Does
Phil revisits a past conversation and talks about why training doesn't get easier, but everything else does. 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
“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 2024.12.23.
Option 2
Bike/row:
8 x 30 sec on/2:00 off
Score = least distance covered in any 30 second interval
Compare to 2024.12.02.
Option 3
Outdoors:
5-10 rounds:
50 yd sled push (25 yd down-back)
50 yd farmer carry (25 yd down-back)
Rest 1 min
Indoors:
5-10 rounds:
100 yd sled push (50 ft down-back)
100 yd farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 min
Compare to 2024.11.04.
Option 4
Row 10 x 100m
Rest 1 min between sprints. Your score is your slowest time.
Compare to 2024.11.04.
As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!
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