Testify Optimist - February 9, 2026
/THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video 8 Unavoidable Truths About Seniors and Lifting Weights… (click the title to watch):
P Holzman
There are YouTube experts out there today saying people over 50 shouldn't do full squats, deadlift, bench press or overhead press... I am 72 and do those things and weight lifting has improved my joint and flexibility problems accumulated by a long career sitting at a desk.
Phil
Thanks very much for that testimony!
KathyMinTexas
Agree! There are also medical experts who say the same thing. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and the medical team wanted me to take a medication (that causes significant side effects) and walk more. There are studies that say otherwise--they've proven that lifting weight, heavy weight (squats, deadlifts, presses, etc) increases bone density and obviously build strength & balance. I may have to take medication, but I'm trying the weight lifting first!
P Holzman
@kathymintexas1556I'm a retired Pathologist,. We were taught in Med School that you should never squat below 90 degrees. I do, that has been completely debunked.
Many of the things I learned in my professional training have proven to be wrong over the years.
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ARTICLES & VIDEOS
How Many Lifters Are Actually Using the Wrong Grip on Bench Press and Press?
Are you using the right grip on the bench press and press? Many lifters aren’t—and it’s costing them strength and consistency. We give you the grip that sets you up for stronger, more effective lifts. Click here to watch.
Stop Using Your Back Like This (How to Squat Correctly)
Are you making this mistake with your back when getting ready to squat? Phil covers how to identify the problem as well as how to fix it. Click here to read.
Blast from the Past: Do CrossFitters Make the Best Deadlifters?!
What are CrossFitters good at when it comes to the deadlift, and how can this help you improve your deadlift? Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: The Deadlift Setup Mistake That Makes Lifters Look Ridiculous
Are you that guy (or girl) who looks like he's dry-heaving when setting up to pull? Cut it out. Phil helps you fix this problem. Click here to read.
TESTIFY TRUCKER CAPS ARE AVAILABLE!
Represent your favorite gym with this trucker cap in several color options - perfect for outdoors or a training session.
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.
Testify Strengthlifting Challenge
April 11, 2026
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.
Testify Goes Fishing! (ahem, fish-frying)
February 20, 2026
Friday night fish fry at Saint Vincent de Paul (click here for map)
Meet at 6:30 p.m. for fun, fish, beer, and to get your name put in the hat for drawings!
Click here for more details and to sign up so we’ve got a headcount.
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 2026.01.05.
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 2025.11.17.
Option 3
Outdoors:
5-10 rounds:
10 sledgehammer strikes (5R, 5L)
50 yd farmer carry (25 yd down-back)
Rest 1 minute
Indoors:
5-10 rounds:
10 sledgehammer strikes (5R, 5L)
100 ft farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 minute
Compare to 2025.10.20.
Option 4
10 x 50 ft yoke carry
Each carry is 25 feet down and 25 feet back and is for time. Rest 1 minute between carries.
Compare to 2025.10.20.
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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