DIY Lifting Straps in 1 Minute!
/In less than a minute, Phil demonstrates how to make a cheap and practically indestructible pair of lifting straps!
(This video is a Blast from the Past video originally published on 12/18/21.)
At Testify, we offer small group training, private coaching (in-person or remotely via Zoom), online coaching, and form checks. Click the button below to get quality coaching from a Starting Strength Coach and start getting stronger TODAY.
Training When It's HOT: 11 Lifting Tips in 4 Minutes
/How to handle training when it's hot? Phil gives you 11 tips in less than 4 minutes.
At Testify, we offer small group training, private coaching (in-person or remotely via Zoom), online coaching, and form checks. Click the button below to get quality coaching from a Starting Strength Coach and start getting stronger TODAY.
The BEST Conditioning Tool NOBODY Uses
/What's the most effective conditioning tool that people hardly ever use? Learn what it is, why it's so effective, how to program its use within your strength training programming, and pick up some sample workouts as well.
At Testify, we offer small group training, private coaching (in-person or remotely via Zoom), online coaching, and form checks. Click the button below to get quality coaching from a Starting Strength Coach and start getting stronger TODAY.
Slippery Bench? 10 Second Fix!
/Are you slipping and sliding when you bench press? Let’s fix it fast.
(This video is a Blast from the Past video originally published on 12/10/21.)
At Testify, we offer small group training, private coaching (in-person or remotely via Zoom), online coaching, and form checks. Click the button below to get quality coaching from a Starting Strength Coach and start getting stronger TODAY.
The Deadlift: Sock it to Me, Baby
/
(This article is a Blast from the Past article originally posted on 05/28/21.)
Want an easy way to improve your deadlift?
Wear long socks. Seriously. When you deadlift, wear socks that go over your calves and up to a point just below your knees. Of course, sweatpants or leggings will work as well, but for pure fashion - and I’m an expert on this topic - I recommend the classic, old-school tube sock with the horizontal stripes.
Why long socks? Two reasons:
First, you’ll keep the bar closer. Remember, step 5 in the deadlift setup is “drag” - i.e., drag the bar up your legs. This keeps the bar close to your body, over the middle of your foot, and it makes for the most efficient pull. Have you ever tried holding a jug of milk out at arm’s length? It’s a lot easier when you keep it close to your body, and the deadlift is no different. Lifters will automatically keep the bar closer to their legs when they’re not worried about scraping their shins, which brings us to . . .
Second, you’ll prevent yourself from having bloody shins when you actually succeed in keeping the bar close. You don’t want bloody shins - once they bleed, it’s amazingly easy to break those scabs back open again in successive workouts - and we don’t want your DNA on the bar.
Now, if you’ve never let a deadlift drift away from your shins, and if you’ve never had bloody shins when pulling, then feel free to ignore this advice, but your day will come too, my friend, and when it does, you’ll wish you had a pair of those sweet socks.
(Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Testify earns from qualifying purchases.)