Testify Journal - August 31, 2026
/THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video This Stupid Trick Made His Deadlift So Much Easier (click the title to watch):
Biknjak
Great video, Phil. I worked out at a gym once that had ONLY octagonal plates. Talk about bar rolling! When you lower them, they NEVER land on a flat spot. They either roll away from you, or into your shins....ouch! You have to reset every time. Not great for deadlifting😬😳
Phil
Thanks very much, and ah yes, the octogonal plates . . . so true about never landing on a flat spot. They are indeed great shin busters.
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ARTICLES & VIDEOS
The ONLY Grip That Will Make Your Bench & Press Stronger
Your grip can make a big difference in how effectively you bench and press. In this video, Phil shows you the grip that gives you the strongest, most effective position for both lifts. Click here to watch.
4 ERRORS Beginners Make that Experienced Lifters NEVER Do | Part 1 - The Squat
Beginner lifters make these 4 mistakes in the squat, press, deadlift, and bench press. Phil explains and covers how to successfully fix them. This week’s article covers the squat. Click here to read.
Blast from the Past: The Bench Press Truth No One Told You
Want to improve your bench press? Make sure you're doing this . . . and not that. Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: 4 Tips for a Better Bench Press
We cover 4 useful tips to help you build a better, stronger bench press. 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
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.
Reminder: We will be closed for training on Monday, 09/07/26, in observance of Labor Day.
Push Pull Pandemonium
October 16, 2026
Join us for a Friday evening filled with benching, deadlifting, and general revelry!
Sign up by September 25 to get a meet shirt and avoid the late registration rate!
Registration ends October 15.
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.
Kansas City, MO: Starting Strength Squat & Deadlift Camp
November 14, 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 2026.07.27.
Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m
Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = slowest time.
Compare to 2026.06.08.
Option 3
1. 5 x 50 ft seated sled pull. Add weight each round. Rest as needed.
2. 5 x 100 ft duck walk. Add weight each round. Rest as needed.
Compare to 2026.05.11.
Option 4
Outdoors
4 rounds:
50 yd farmer carry
80 m sled drag
Rest 2 min
Indoors
4 rounds:
100 ft farmer carry
100 ft sled drag
Rest 2 min
Compare to 2026.05.11.
As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!
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