The Testify Star - August 11, 2025
/THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video Stop Benching With Your Shoulders & Try This Instead (click the title to watch):
robert reynolds
Great info coach. For years I laid on the bench all comfy like I was going to take a nap. Then wondered why my bench didn't improve. I'm definitely going to try the lock out with your elbows cue. I'm still lifting and learning at 71. God is good. Thanks for all you do.
Phil
Thanks very much, Robert, and I hope this helps out!
Wayne Noll
Training at 71! Awesome! Gives us “kids” ( I’m 64) something to shoot for, lol. I wish I could get my coworkers to lift, so many guys in their 40s and 50s who tell me that they’re too old.
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ARTICLES & VIDEOS
Stop Benching With Your Shoulders & Try This Instead
Tired of shoulder problems or stalled bench progress? We break down two common shoulder-related mistakes and show you how to improve your bench quickly and simply. Click here to watch.
I Didn't Notice This Mistake Until It Was Too Late
How do you make sure your upcoming lift is successful? There's one mistake people make before even starting the lift, and here's how to avoid it. Phil accidentally demonstrates. Click here to read.
Blast from the Past: 2 Wrist Wrap Mistakes EVERY Lifter Should Stop Making
Are you making these two common errors with your wrist wraps? Let's fix them. Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: How to Safely Bench Press Alone!
If you need to bench press alone, you need to do it safely, and it's very simple. Phil breaks it down. 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.
Kansas City, MO: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp
October 25, 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.
THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING
Option 1
Sled
Outdoors:
10-20 x 25 yds EMOM at a weight of your choice
Every minute, push the sled 25 yards, i.e., if pushing the sled takes 20 seconds, then you have 40 seconds to rest. Perform 10-20 rounds.
Indoors:
10-20 x 100 ft EMOM at a weight of your choice
Every minute, push the sled 100 feet, i.e., if pushing the sled takes 20 seconds, then you have 40 seconds to rest. Perform 10-20 rounds.
Compare to 2025.07.07.
Option 2
Bike/row:
8 x 30 sec on/2:00 off
Score = least distance covered in any 30 second interval
Compare to 2025.05.19.
Option 3
8 rounds:
Outdoors:
4 tire flips
50 yd sled push (25 yd down-back)
Rest 1 minute
Indoors:
4 tire flips
100 ft sled push (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 minute
Compare to 2025.04.21.
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 2025.04.21.
As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!
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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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