The Testify Sun - April 13, 2026
/THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video This Obsession is RUINING Your Deadlifts (click the title to watch):
John
Hi coach phil. Question. What did you mean by one of your videos saying "don't stand up" on one of your deadlift video?
Phil
Thanks for the question, John, and “don’t stand up“ is simply a way of cueing the same concept that I cover in the second half of this video.
When people think about standing up in the deadlift, they often try to raise their torso/back angle too soon. Thus, “don’t stand up“ is another way of reminding yourself to stay over the bar, push the floor, straighten the knees, etc.
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ARTICLES & VIDEOS
What Most Lifters Never Learn About Arms in the Press
Does your press feels stuck or inconsistent? Phil covers 8 common errors lifters commit involving their arms as well as how to fix them. Click here to watch.
The Knees Problem: If You Don't Change This, Your Deadlift Will NEVER Grow
There are 2 deadlift mistakes you're making with your knees. Fix both of them with one simple concept. Click here to read.
Blast from the Past: DISASTROUS Weight Lifting Accident | Don't Let This Happen!
It's easy to make mistakes in the weight room, but some are more disastrous than others. Phil explains and discusses how to avoid one particularly nasty error. Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: 2 Deadlifting Pieces of Equipment You NEED to Have!
Want a bigger deadlift? We cover two pieces of equipment that will immediately strengthen your deadlift. 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
The annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge was a great success this weekend, and we are immensely thankful to everyone who helped out! Loaders, judges, table officials, those who helped setup and tear down - we could not have hosted this meet without you all!
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 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.
Minneapolis, MN: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp
October 3, 2026
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 2026.03.09.
Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m
Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = slowest time.
Compare to 2026.01.19.
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 2025.12.22.
Option 4
5-8 rounds:
50 ft sled push
50 ft sled pull (hand over hand)
Row 1 minute
Rest 1 minute
This can also be done in a group of three where the sledder determines how long the other two people row and rest.
Compare to 2025.12.22.
As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!
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