The Testify Herald - March 9, 2026
/THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video Most Squat Advice Ignores These Three Conceptual Errors (click the title to watch):
Максим Баборыкин
So basically, the thought is "squat with your back"? Right?
Phil
In the sense that a squat is a hips, knees, and back exercise, that could be a reasonable description.
The muscles surrounding the hips and knees are responsible for generating the force during the lift, and the muscles in the trunk/back are responsible for creating rigidity and thus transferring that force directly to the barbell.
In short, some muscles get stronger because they create movement in the squat, and some muscles get stronger because they prevent movement in the squat (i.e., the muscles of the trunk/back get stronger because they are responsible for creating rigidity).
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ARTICLES & VIDEOS
Most Squat Advice Ignores These Three Conceptual Errors
You can’t fix what you don’t understand. We cover three conceptual errors that show up frequently, why they're wrong, and how to easily correct them. Click here to watch.
LIFT MORE WEIGHT: 10 Simple & Quick Training Tips (Starting Strength Coach Explains)
Phil breaks down a quick yet comprehensive list of 10 things you need to know, do, or have when training. Click here to read.
Blast from the Past: The TRUTH About Lifting (What No One Tells You!)
Phil briefly covers why lifting weights is pretty stupid and - more importantly - why it isn't. Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: Barbell Rings - What Are These Things For?!
We cover the difference between the weightlifting rings and the powerlifting rings and why it's important. Click here to read.
TESTIFY CAMPFIRE MUGS ARE AVAILABLE!
For lifters who train hard . . . and like a little campfire-style to go along with their training sessions. Durable, no-frills, and proudly wearing the Testify logo. From campsite to squat rack, this mug's for you.
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 Barbell MAYhem - The Clean & Press Classic
May 1, 2026
The annual Barbell MAYhem is back, and this year's event is a Friday night clean-and-press!
This is a single-lift weightlifting meet wherein competitors will perform the clean-and-press. Each lifter will receive 3 attempts, and the heaviest successful lift will determine their score.
There will be prizes - for feats both serious and outlandish - throughout the night!
Click here to register or for more information.
Testify IronFest VIII
July 10, 2026
IronFest is a team-based strength meet wherein the contested lifts will be the squat, press, bench press, and deadlift. Competitors will form teams of 2 lifters/team and perform all 4 lifts; each lifter will perform one upper body lift and one lower body lift, and each lifter will receive 3 attempts for each lift.
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 2026.02.02.
Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes
Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = lowest distance.
Compare to 2025.12.15.
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 2025.11.17.
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 2025.11.17.
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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