Testify Source - December 15, 2025
/THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video Understanding barbell rings is easy, actually (click the title to watch):
Laurynas Zubavičius
Now, why are the middle parts smooth?
Phil
In short, the smooth part is for the pulls – deadlifts, cleans, and snatches. You want to keep the bar as close to your body as possible, and simultaneously, you don’t want to carve up your shins.
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ARTICLES & VIDEOS
What Gear Actually Matters for Building Strength in the Gym? (14 items)
Not all gym gear is created equal. In this quick guide, Phil breaks down 14 pieces of equipment—from “nice to have” to “you absolutely need this”—so you can stop wasting money and start lifting stronger. Click here to watch.
TWO Signs You're Accidentally KILLING Your Deadlift... (Starting Strength Coach Explains)
Two deadlift mistakes: one simple cue to fix them both. We address two common deadlift errors and cover how to correct them with only one cue. Click here to read.
Blast from the Past: What is the BEST time of day to workout? (it's NOT what you think)
What time of day should you train? Morning or evening? Maybe lunchtime? Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: The Jerk: Landing Positions
Phil covers the three different landing positions for the jerk as well as the advantages that go with each position. 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
The Christmas Classic team event was a blast, and the annual Testify Christmas party afterward was a ton of fun as well! Additionally, you folks brought some amazing dishes. Thank you to everyone who was there!
Reminder: Below are the hours for the weeks of Christmas and New Year's (you can also find these on our Location & Hours page). Any days not listed retain their normal hours.
Christmas Week (2025)
Wednesday, 12/24/25: 5:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (closed in the evening)
Thursday, 12/25/25: Closed
Friday, 12/26/25: 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (closed in the morning)
New Year’s Week (2025-2026)
Wednesday, 12/31/25: 5:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (closed in the evening)
Thursday, 01/01/26: Closed
Friday, 01/02/26: 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (closed in the morning)
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 11, 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
Sled Pyramid – 4, 5, or 6 tiers
Go up and down a 4, 5, or 6 tier “sled pyramid” – rest as needed. 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 2025.11.10.
Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes
Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = lowest distance.
Compare to 2025.09.22.
Option 3
5-10 rounds of:
30 sec ME tire flips
30 sec rest
Compare to 2025.08.25.
Option 4
1. 5 yoke carries @ 30 yd (15 yd downback) – work up to heaviest carry
2. 5 rounds of 5 reps on the axle “clean and press away” – work up to heavy set of 5
Compare to 2025.08.25.
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.
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