The Testify Star - May 18, 2026
/THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video Over 50 and Want to Get Strong? Start Here. (click the title to watch):
Vikram Paranjape
9:56 right before Phil begins the rep, there’s a jerky downward movement. Well, it’s smooth, but it’s fast.
What is that? Setting the back? Retracting the shoulder blades?
Phil
Retracting the shoulder blades. If that was a heavy weight instead of an empty barbell, it wouldn’t be nearly so quick.
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ARTICLES & VIDEOS
This Stupid Trick Made His Deadlift So Much Easier
Sometimes small changes make huge differences. Phil covers 4 simple tricks, concepts, and tactics that will make your deadlift session more efficient. Click here to watch.
How to Do the Starting Strength Squat (How to Squat in 60 Seconds)
Learn to squat in 1 minute! We cover the basics of the Starting Strength Squat (AKA low bar squat or simply the squat) in a straightforward manner. Click here to read.
Blast from the Past: Go Home, Get Weak, and DIE: Why Your Doctor is WRONG about Lifting Weights
You've heard it before: "Why are you doing this?" "You don't need to be lifting those heavy weights." And they're all wrong. So wrong. Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: How to Unrack the Press: Use Your Legs!
Don't derail your press from the start with a weak unracking process - use your legs. Click here to read.
SLEEVES ARE OVERRATED - GRAB A TESTIFY TANK!
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Get yours today and represent your favorite gym!
Click here to head to the Testify Store.
WHAT'S COMING UP
Reminder: In observance of Memorial Day (Monday, 05/25/26), we will be open for training from 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. that day, but we will be closed that afternoon and evening.
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
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 2026.04.13.
Option 2
5 rounds:
10 cal bike
1 min rest
4 sandbag-over-bars
1 min rest
Set the yoke crossmember at 35/33, and the weight is 150#/75#.
Compare to 2026.02.23.
Option 3
Outdoors:
5-10 rounds:
50 yd sled push (25 yd down-back)
50 yd farmer carry (25 yd down-back)
Rest 1 min
Indoors:
5-10 rounds:
100 yd sled push (50 ft down-back)
100 yd farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 min
Compare to 2026.01.26.
Option 4
Row 10 x 100m
Rest 1 min between sprints. Your score is your slowest time.
Compare to 2026.01.26.
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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