Testify Herald - October 5, 2026
/THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video When Deadlifting Heavy, Don't Stand Up & Try This Instead (click the title to watch):
BTC1
When lowering the bar I'm afraid it will hit the tops of my knee caps, so I try and move the bar away when lowering.
Phil
That's a common issue and poses a problem since we'd like to set the bar down right over the middle of the foot. The approach we teach is to reach back with your hips and "bow to the floor" (i.e., bend over) as you set the bar down.
You might find this video useful:
The Knees Problem | If You Don't Change This, Your Deadlift Will NEVER Grow
https://youtu.be/bo1A2Y8wpq8
BTC1
@TestifySC thanks, that exactly addresses my concern!
Phil
Glad to hear it, and you're welcome!
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ARTICLES & VIDEOS
You’re Ignoring the Most Useful Piece of Equipment in the Gym
There’s one incredibly useful piece of equipment that most lifters completely overlook. In this video, we explain why it matters, the two biggest reasons to use it, and five simple tips for getting the most out of it. Click here to watch.
Your Squat Called. It Wants You to Stop Doing This.
Phil helps you identify and quickly fix a common squat error. Click here to read.
Blast from the Past: What's the Difference: Snatch vs Hang Snatch vs Power Snatch | FAST & EASY
Snatch, hang snatch, power snatch, hang power snatch . . . all in less than 3 minutes! What are the differences between these lifts, and how can we easily remember each one? Click here to watch.
Blast from the Past: How to Squat Heavy ALONE! | How to Fail a Squat Safely
Everybody needs to squat, but if you train alone, you need to be able to fail a squat safely. What to do? It's simple - we cover exactly how to go about it. Click here to read.
“GET STRONGER - LIVE BETTER” SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE!
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Click here to head to the Testify Store.
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.
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.
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.
Testify Christmas Classic
December 12, 2026
The Christmas Classic is a team strength meet wherein the contested lifts will be the squat, press, bench press, and deadlift. Competitors will form teams of 2-4 lifters/team and perform all 4 lifts; each lifter will receive 3 attempts for each lift.
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 2026.08.31.
Option 2
Bike/row:
8 x 30 sec on/2:00 off
Score = least distance covered in any 30 second interval
Compare to 2026.07.13.
Option 3
Outdoors:
5-10 rounds:
10 sledgehammer strikes (5R, 5L)
50 yd farmer carry (25 yd down-back)
Rest 1 minute
Indoors:
5-10 rounds:
10 sledgehammer strikes (5R, 5L)
100 ft farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 minute
Compare to 2026.06.15.
Option 4
1. 5 yoke carries @ 30 yd (15 yd downback) – work up to heaviest carry
2. 5 rounds of 5 reps on the axle “clean and press away” – work up to heavy set of 5
Compare to 2026.06.15.
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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