The Testify Press - July 21, 2025
/THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video 9 Common Lifting Tactics That Can Ruin Your Squat (click the title to watch):
EdTom82
I had been doing squats in squishy trail runners. The other day I did my squats in logger boots and it felt awesome.
Phil
I believe it. When I taught high school math and physics, I also taught a weight lifting class, and the policy we had for the class was that if you didn’t want to get actual lifting shoes (which most purchased within the first two weeks of class), you could instead wear work boots or men’s dress shoes.
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ARTICLES & VIDEOS
9 Common Lifting Tactics That Can Ruin Your Squat
Think you're squatting correctly? You might be using these common tactics that are actually sabotaging your squat. We break down 9 mistakes that could be holding you back - and cover how to fix them. Click here to watch.
Why Waiting Until Monday Is for Quitters
When should you start training? Specifically, what day of the week should you start on? And what's the worst possible thing to do? Click here to read.
Blast from the Past: How to Deadlift | Fix Your Back for a STRONGER Pull! (Part 2)
Do you have a tough time setting your back when you deadlift? In Part 2 of this Saturday Shorts series, Phil walks you through how to solve this problem. Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: 4 Gym Tips No One’s Talking About
Phil covers some useful tips and tricks for new and experienced lifters. Click here to read.
SLEEVES ARE OVERRATED - GRAB A TESTIFY TANK!
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
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 15, 2025
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
October 4, 2025
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.
Benching Bonanza! The Annual Testify Bench Press Jubilee
November 21, 2025
Benching Bonanza is a strength meet wherein the only contested lift is - not surprisingly - 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’s a great time for all involved, and we hope to see you there!
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 2025.06.16.
Option 2
Bike/row:
5 min on
4 min off
4 min on
3 min off
3 min on
2 min off
2 min on
1 min off
1 min on
Record distance for each interval and add for total distance.
Compare to 2025.04.28.
Option 3
5-10 rounds of:
30 sec ME tire flips
30 sec rest
Compare to 2025.03.31.
Option 4
Sandbag-over-bars
Set yoke at #33 for women or #35 for men.
1. 1 minute AMRAP
2. 5 rounds of 2 reps every 2 minutes (speed!)
3. 1 minute AMRAP
Weights
Female under 40 years
140 lbs and under: 75 lbs
140.1 lbs – 185 lbs: 100 lbs
185.1 lbs and over: 150 lbs
Female 40 years and over
140 lbs and under: 50 lbs
185 lbs and under: 75 lbs
185.1 lbs and over: 100 lbs
Male under 40 years
185 lbs and under: 150 lbs
185.1 lbs – 235 lbs: 200 lbs
235.1 lbs and over: 250 lbs
Male 40 years and over
185 lbs and under: 100 lbs
185.1 lbs – 235 lbs: 150 lbs
235.1 lbs and over: 200 lbs
Compare to 2025.03.31.
As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!
Whenever you want even more Testify in your life, here are some free resources:
Book a free intro and strategy session with us HERE.
Pick up a free copy of Testify’s Squat Guide: 12 Tips to Improve Your Squat Now HERE.
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Follow Testify on Instagram HERE.
Subscribe to Testify’s YouTube channel HERE.