The Testify Republic - August 10, 2026
/THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video What Strength Coaches Know About Squat Safeties That Most Lifters Don't (click the title to watch):
robert reynolds
I cut some PVC pipe to put over the pins of my ancient Body Smith rack in the garage. The PVC helps protect the knurling. I I use an old Joe Weider bar I bought 30 years ago for rack pulls. I've only loaded it to 350 pounds (I'm 72), but amazingly the old bar hasn't bent yet. Thanks for the video Coach Phil. Cheers!
Phil
That’s a solid idea with the PVC pipe, and that’s fantastic that that bar is still going strong!
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ARTICLES & VIDEOS
What Strength Coaches Know About Squat Safeties That Most Lifters Don't
Confused about squat safeties and which type is best? In this video, Phil breaks down the different types of squat and bench safeties, how to set them up correctly, and ranks them from worst to best. Click here to watch.
7 Things Successful Lifters Do Before Pressing HEAVY (plus BONUS tip)
What should you take care of before a heavy press (AKA overhead press)? Here are 7 simple and effective tips - plus 1 bonus tip - for preparing to press heavy. Click here to read.
Blast from the Past: People Believed this Lie about Squatting for YEARS
Want the history of the worst squat technique ever to be suggested by a coach? Watch and learn. Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: FIVE Squat Mistakes You're Making with Your KNEES...
Phil helps you identify and fix five common mistakes lifters commonly make with their knees when squatting. Click here to read.
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Click here to head to the Testify Store.
WHAT'S COMING UP
Below is one 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.
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”
1. Load up a manageable weight.
2. Sprint 40m at 85% intensity.
3. Rest 30 sec.
4. Repeat 5-15 times.
Courtesy of “Death by Prowler” (on Starting Strength).
Compare to 2026.07.06.
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 2026.05.18.
Option 3
5-10 rounds:
50 ft yoke carry
50 ft yoke push
100 ft sandbag carry and S.O.B. (sandbag-over-bar)
Perform 1 round every 2-3 minutes.
Compare to 2026.04.20.
Option 4
Row/Tire 10 min ladder:
2 cal row
2 tire flips
4 cal row
4 tire flips
6 cal row
6 tire flips
…
Climb the ladder as high as possible in 10 minutes.
Compare to 2026.04.20.
As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!
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