The Testify Herald - May 25, 2026
/THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video The Real Reason You're Ruining Your Squat – Until You Do This (click the title to watch):
MrGrigs681
I follow most of your tips and have found many to be very helpful in my lifts. The one exception is the thumbless grip. I know most lifters use a thumbless grip for squats but for me it has always been more comfortable on my shoulders to wrap my thumbs around the bar. I am probably doing something wrong or maybe after 20+ years lifting, I am just more used to having my thumbs around the bar.
Phil
No worries about the “thumbs wrapped“ grip. That’s a perfectly acceptable way to perform the low bar squat as well, and as you’ll note in this video, although we demonstrate a “thumbs on top“ grip, I don’t actually discuss the location of the thumbs as it’s a secondary issue.
There are some benefits to the “thumbs on top“ grip, but again, it’s not one of the major points of the lift, and we do have lifters who need to squat with their thumbs wrapped under the bar (you’ll note that Tyler is using that grip in the opening squat of the video).
Hope this is useful!
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ARTICLES & VIDEOS
The Real Reason You're Ruining Your Squat - Until You Do This
If your squat feels weak, inconsistent, or uncomfortable, there’s a good chance you’re making the same mistakes as most lifters. Phil covers what to change and why it matters. Click here to watch.
How to (EASILY) Put on Tight & Stiff Knee Sleeves (TWO METHODS)
What's the easiest way to put on knee sleeves - especially sleeves that are tight and stiff as with brands like SBD, Stoic, and Pioneer? It's annoying to spend any more effort than necessary putting on your knee sleeves for squats, cleans, etc., so Phil gives you tactics to help you save your energy for . . . you know - actually training. Click here to read.
EASY Fix for a Slanted Lifting Platform (Cheap & Fast!)
Got a barbell that rolls due to your slanted lifting platform? A solution might be easier than you think. Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: Why do I Keep FAILING?!
Are you failing reps in your strength training? The cause might be very simple and easy to fix. 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
“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 2026.04.20.
Option 2
Bike/row:
5 min on
4 min off
4 min on
3 min off
3 min on
2 min off
2 min on
1 min off
1 min on
Record distance for each interval and add for total distance.
Compare to 2026.03.02.
Option 3
5-10 rounds of:
30 sec ME tire flips
30 sec rest
Compare to 2026.02.02.
Option 4
For time:
500m row
5 x 80m sled push (200 ft if indoors)
500m row
Rest 1 minute after the first row and after each sled push.
Compare to 2026.02.02.
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.
Pick up a free copy of Testify’s Squat Guide: 12 Tips to Improve Your Squat Now HERE.
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