Testify Newsday - May 4, 2026
/THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video 6 Hard Truths About Lifting Belts Most Lifters LEARN Too Late (click the title to watch):
Luke
Thank you very much from the UK.
A great video with some really good advice. I have recently become aware of and subscribed to your channel and have found some of your older videos on deadlifting really helpful. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on belt position for different lifts, high belt for deadlifts, lower for squats etc.
Thanks again
Phil
Thanks for the comment, Luke, and I'm glad the deadlift videos have been useful for you.
This will take some time and experimentation, but some lifters do wear the belt in a slightly different position for various lifts (or wear them at a slightly different tension/hole selection). An example of this would be the possibility of a higher belt position for deadlift than the squat. I wear mine in the same position for both lifts, but you may want to play with that a bit.
My advice would be to make subtle adjustments.
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ARTICLES & VIDEOS
6 Hard Truths About Lifting Belts Most Lifters LEARN Too Late
A lifting belt is one of the most misused pieces of gear in the gym. In this video, Phil breaks down six common mistakes and the simple corrections that go with them. Click here to watch.
12 Pieces of Lifting Gear to THROW AWAY (and What to Replace Them With) - Part 1
What pieces of weight lifting equipment would gym owner and Starting Strength Coach Phil Meggers throw away and what would he replace them with? This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Click here to read.
Blast from the Past: How to INSTANTLY Squat More Weight!
Want to add pounds to your squat right away? Make sure you're utilizing the stretch reflex - the "bounce" - correctly. We show you how real quick-like. Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: Bar Math: Are You Using the S.A.D. Method? Stop It Now.
Quit using subtraction and division to load weight onto your barbell! Share this with a friend who struggles with bar math, and if it's you, we can help. Click here to read.
SLEEVES ARE OVERRATED - GRAB A TESTIFY TANK!
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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 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 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 2026.03.30.
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 2026.02.09.
Option 3
1. Work up to a heavy single on the axle clean-and-press (i.e., ground to overhead).
2. 5 x 100 ft Zercher carry (50 ft down-back). Add weight each round. Rest as needed.
Compare to 2026.01.12.
Option 4
Outdoors:
5 rounds:
15 cal row
50 yd sled push, 100#/50#
Indoors:
5 rounds:
15 cal row
100 ft sled push, 250#/125#
Push sled slow for recovery. Score is slowest row.
Compare to 2026.01.12.
As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!
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