The Testify Sun - June 10, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Barbell Basics | Anatomy of a Barbell | Barbell Buyer's Guide (click the title to watch):

Patrick Hutton
That's a great introduction to barbells. However you don't quite reach Mark Rippetoe's level. There are three things you need to do to reach his level.
1) Get his accent, as a Brit I can barely understand what he's saying, but it's great to listen to.
2) Somehow I think he could make a 24 minute talk on brown paper bags sound interesting.
3) At some point in the talk as a stern aside you need to advise against doing curls.

Phil
Thanks for the comment, and it's true - I can't hold a candle to Rip's presentation :-)


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Stop spinning your wheels and start getting stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches. Click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

Power Clean vs Squat Clean vs Split Clean: Which Should YOU Do?
In weightlifting (AKA Olympic weightlifting), there are 3 different landing positions, and each has its unique advantages. We cover each version as well as why you might want to perform it. Click here to watch.

 

LIFTING BELTS: The Complete Guide and What NOT to Get! (Lifting Gear Series)
We address everything related to lifting belts - why, how, what, where, when, and what NOT to buy as well. This is the second article in the "Lifting Gear" series. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: 3 Reasons to STOP Using Percentages (or apps) for Your Warm-ups!
Warm-up percentage charts and warm-up apps are the diapers of the lifting world. You're better than that. You're a big kid now - it's time to move on to pull-ups. Phil explains why life is better without percentages and apps and shows you how to construct your own warm-ups quickly and easily. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Hook Grip - Some Clarifications
When should I use a hook grip, why does it work so well, and how can I stop being a wimp about the discomfort? Click here to read.


“GET STRONGER - LIVE BETTER” SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE!

Why do you train? Because getting stronger makes everything else easier. Get stronger. Live better. “Testify” to this message and represent your favorite gym with this shirt in several color options.

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Reminder: We will be closed for training on Saturday, June 22, as we are hosting the annual Testify Strongman Summer Showdown that day.

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 Strongman Summer Showdown

  • June 22, 2024

  • Show up to lift, throw, carry, push, and pull big things, but most importantly, show up to have a great time with your fellow competitors and perhaps try something new!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify IronFest VI

  • July 12, 2024

  • 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.

Testify Fall Classic

  • October 26, 2024

  • The annual Testify Fall Classic is back, and we invite you to be a part of it! This is a strengthlifting meet, which means the contested lifts will be the squat, press, and deadlift.

  • 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 2024.04.08.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = slowest time.

Compare to 2024.03.18.

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 2024.02.19.

Option 4
5-8 rounds:
50 ft sled push
50 ft sled pull (hand over hand)
Row 1 minute
Rest 1 minute

This can also be done in a group of three where the sledder determines how long the other two people row and rest.

Compare to 2024.02.19.


As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!

Testify Post - June 3, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video How to Install a Barbell Gun Rack on a Concrete Block Wall (click the title to watch):

JackM
Why do you have to hang the bar on the outside rotation part instead of the central bar where our hands grapple?

Phil
If you go back near the beginning of this video (roughly 0:18 - 0:33), I explain that since this gunrack doesn't have plastic protection over the "hooks," you want the hooks in contact with the sleeves of the bar and not the shaft of the bar so you don't mar and dull the knurling over time. Metal-on-metal contact over time will damage the knurling of your bar. I'd recommend watching our other gunrack installation video where we installed one that does have plastic protection: How to Install a Barbell Gun Rack
https://youtu.be/SJ1ZM-fq4W0


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Stop spinning your wheels and start getting stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches. Click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

3 Tactics to Triage Your Squat FAST | Get a Bigger and Better Squat TODAY
In this 2-Minute Tactic video, we quickly cover 3 major technical aspects of your squat to focus on and evaluate when trying to improve your squat. Click here to watch.

 

What is a Power Clean? | Olympic Weightlifting Technique
What is a power clean? How is it different from a hang clean, hang power clean, or clean? We cover it all here in this brief article. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Conditioning Options: Rucking and Hiking vs Sled and Prowler Workouts
It's easy to get bogged down by all the conditioning options out there. Should I push the sled/prowler? Should I ruck? Should I hike? Let's keep it simple. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Bench Press: You're Forgetting to Do This - Part 2
Forgetting to set your grip correctly when you bench or just not sure how? Phil explains. Click here to read.


TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style? Get yourself a Testify hoodie - in practically any color! Get yours today and represent your favorite gym.

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Reminder: We will be closed for training on Saturday, June 22, as we are hosting the annual Testify Strongman Summer Showdown that day.

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 Strongman Summer Showdown

  • June 22, 2024

  • Show up to lift, throw, carry, push, and pull big things, but most importantly, show up to have a great time with your fellow competitors and perhaps try something new!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify IronFest VI

  • July 12, 2024

  • 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.

Testify Fall Classic

  • October 26, 2024

  • The annual Testify Fall Classic is back, and we invite you to be a part of it! This is a strengthlifting meet, which means the contested lifts will be the squat, press, and deadlift.

  • Click here to register or for more information.


THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
Sled
Outdoors:
10 rounds of:
Push sled 100 ft
Pull sled 100 ft (hand over hand)

Indoors:
20 rounds of:
Push sled 50 ft
Pull sled 50 ft (hand over hand)

Compare to 2024.04.01.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = lowest distance.

Compare to 2024.03.11.

Option 3
5-10 rounds of:
30 sec ME tire flips
30 sec rest

Compare to 2024.02.12.

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 2024.02.12.


As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!

Testify Daily News - May 27, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 8 Tips to Breathe & Brace CORRECTLY When Lifting Heavy (Also: #1 Mistake!) (click the title to watch):

Factory Stage
Omg the epiglottis trick clicked for me. Out of all the fitness influencers in the powerlifting space and strongman space this video helped me best with this subject.

Phil
Thanks, and I'm glad it helped!


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Stop spinning your wheels and start getting stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches. Click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

6 Things Successful Lifters Do Before Deadlifting HEAVY
What should you take care of before a heavy deadlift? We cover 6 simple and effective tips when preparing to pull heavy. Click here to watch.

 

The BEST Warm-up for Barbell Training (Plus an EASY Math Trick to Help!)
Phil covers how to efficiently and simply structure your warm-ups for barbell training AND gives you an easy math trick to help. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Improve All of Your Lifts with ONE Cue!
Improve all of your lifts with only one cue?! We'll show you how in less than 3 minutes. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Squat: You're Going to Do This Wrong
Is your awful back wreaking havoc on your squat? We cover what you're doing wrong and how to fix it. Click here to read.


TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style? Get yourself a Testify hoodie - in practically any color! 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, 05/27/24), 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 Strongman Summer Showdown

  • June 22, 2024

  • Show up to lift, throw, carry, push, and pull big things, but most importantly, show up to have a great time with your fellow competitors and perhaps try something new!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify IronFest VI

  • July 12, 2024

  • 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.

Testify Fall Classic

  • October 26, 2024

  • The annual Testify Fall Classic is back, and we invite you to be a part of it! This is a strengthlifting meet, which means the contested lifts will be the squat, press, and deadlift.

  • Click here to register or for more information.


THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
Sled Pyramid – 4, 5, or 6 tiers
Go up and down a 4, 5, or 6 tier “sled pyramid” – rest as needed. The distance for each round is 80 m indoors (a down-back on the 40m course) or 200 ft outdoors (2 down-backs on the 50 ft course). Rest as needed.

For example, Bob does the following (4 tiers):
Round 1: Empty sled
Round 2: 25#
Round 3: 50#
Round 4: 75#
Round 5: 50#
Round 6: 25#
Round 7: Empty sled

Compare to 2024.03.25.

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 2024.03.04.

Option 3
Outdoors:
5-10 rounds:
50 yd sled push (25 yd down-back)
50 yd farmer carry (25 yd down-back)
Rest 1 min

Indoors:
5-10 rounds:
100 ft sled push (50 ft down-back)
100 ft farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 min

Compare to 2024.02.05.

Option 4
10 x 50 ft farmer carry
Each carry is 25 ft down and 25 ft back and is for time. Rest 1 minute between carries.

Women: 97# per handle (80# of plates)
Men: 137# per handle (120# of plates)
(Note: Each handle weighs 17#.)

Compare to 2024.02.05.


As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!

The Testify News - May 20, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 8 Tips to Breathe & Brace CORRECTLY When Lifting Heavy (Also: #1 Mistake!) (click the title to watch):

Julie Kelly
One of the best videos on bracing! Bear up not down. Great advice for women who've had babies!

Phil
Thank you very much!


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Stop spinning your wheels and start getting stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches. Click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

8 Tips to Breathe & Brace CORRECTLY When Lifting Heavy (Also: #1 Mistake!)
How and when should you breathe and brace when lifting weights? The process is not complicated, but there's a lot of poor information out there to sift through, so Phil explains it all in this short video. Click here to watch.

 

What is a Clean (AKA Squat Clean or Full Clean)? | Olympic Weightlifting Technique
What is a clean? How is it different from a power clean or hang clean? What is a squat clean? What is a full clean? We cover it all here in this brief article. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Spotting the Bench Press | You're Doing It WRONG!
Spotting the bench press isn't complicated, but people do it wrong all the time. In under 2 minutes, we cover some basic mistakes as well as how to spot the bench correctly. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Bench Press: You're Forgetting to Do This - Part 1
Forgetting to use your legs when you bench or just not sure how? Phil covers why and how to drive with your legs when benching. Click here to read.


TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style? Get yourself a Testify hoodie - in practically any color! 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, 05/27/24), 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 Strongman Summer Showdown

  • June 22, 2024

  • Show up to lift, throw, carry, push, and pull big things, but most importantly, show up to have a great time with your fellow competitors and perhaps try something new!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify IronFest VI

  • July 12, 2024

  • 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.

Testify Fall Classic

  • October 26, 2024

  • The annual Testify Fall Classic is back, and we invite you to be a part of it! This is a strengthlifting meet, which means the contested lifts will be the squat, press, and deadlift.

  • Click here to register or for more information.


THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
Sled
Outdoors:
10 rounds of:
Push sled 100 ft
Pull sled 100 ft (hand over hand)

Indoors:
20 rounds of:
Push sled 50 ft
Pull sled 50 ft (hand over hand)

Compare to 2024.03.18.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = lowest distance.

Compare to 2024.02.26.

Option 3
8 rounds:
Outdoors:
4 tire flips
50 yd sled push (25 yd down-back)
Rest 1 minute

Indoors:
4 tire flips
100 ft sled push (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 minute

Compare to 2024.01.29.

Option 4
Sandbag-over-bars
Set yoke at #33 for women or #35 for men.
1. 1 minute AMRAP
2. 5 rounds of 2 reps every 2 minutes (speed!)
3. 1 minute AMRAP

Weights
Female under 40 years
140 lbs and under: 75 lbs
140.1 lbs – 185 lbs: 100 lbs
185.1 lbs and over: 150 lbs

Female 40 years and over
140 lbs and under: 50 lbs
185 lbs and under: 75 lbs
185.1 lbs and over: 100 lbs

Male under 40 years
185 lbs and under: 150 lbs
185.1 lbs – 235 lbs: 200 lbs
235.1 lbs and over: 250 lbs

Male 40 years and over
185 lbs and under: 100 lbs
185.1 lbs – 235 lbs: 150 lbs
235.1 lbs and over: 200 lbs

Compare to 2024.01.29.


As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!

Testify Today - May 13, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video How to (EASILY) Put on Tight & Stiff Knee Sleeves (TWO TIPS) (click the title to watch):

Matt Ronan
Just used the tip of the lifting sleeves inside a Stoic sleeve. Worked perfectly! I was starting to think I might need to size up but this works great. Thanks Phil!

Phil
Excellent – I’m glad it worked well for you!


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Stop spinning your wheels and start getting stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches. Click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

How to (EASILY) Put on Tight & Stiff Knee Sleeves (TWO TIPS)
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? Click here to watch.

 

EASY Way to Open Your Barbell Packaging | How to Unbox Your New Barbell
Stop prying staples open or twisting your barbell packaging. We've opened a lot of barbells, and this method is - by far - the quickest and easiest way to open your new barbell packaging. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Can't do a Chin-up or Pull-up? Do This!
Why can't I do a chin-up or pull-up, and what's the first step I should take toward the goal of getting my first chin-up or pull-up? Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Get the Most Out of Your Warm-up
Don't waste your warm-up! Phil explains how NOT to miss out on the valuable opportunity provided by your warm-up. Click here to read.


TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style? Get yourself a Testify hoodie - in practically any color! Get yours today and represent your favorite gym.

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

The annual Testify Barbell MAYhem was a great event this weekend, and we are extremely thankful to everyone involved! Loaders, referees, table officials, those who helped setup and tear down - thank you so much!

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.

Starting Strength Self-Sufficient Lifter Camp

  • May 18, 2024

  • Spend the day learning the Squat, Press, and Deadlift and how to self-evaluate your lifts while training in your garage or commercial gym without a coach.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify Strongman Summer Showdown

  • June 22, 2024

  • Show up to lift, throw, carry, push, and pull big things, but most importantly, show up to have a great time with your fellow competitors and perhaps try something new!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify IronFest VI

  • July 12, 2024

  • 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.


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 2024.03.11.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 800m

Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = slowest time.

Compare to 2024.02.19.

Option 3
Outdoors:
10 rounds:
25 yd yoke carry
Rest 1 minute

Indoors:
10 rounds:
30 yd yoke carry (15 yd down-back)
Rest 1 minute

Compare to 2024.01.22.

Option 4
10 x 50 ft farmer carry
Each carry is 25 ft down and 25 ft back and is for time. Rest 1 minute between carries.

Women: 97# per handle (80# of plates)
Men: 137# per handle (120# of plates)
(Note: Each handle weighs 17#.)

Compare to 2024.01.22.


As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!

The Testify Herald - May 6, 2024

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video 12 Pieces of Lifting Gear to THROW AWAY (and What to Replace Them With) (click the title to watch):

Jonathan Martin
Interesting. I had never thought about the moisture wicking shirt being slick but it makes sense.

Phil
Yep, they're terrible. That said, I think the A7 "bench shirts" and other shirts like that are moisture wicking, but they have a special grip section on the upper back for squat and bench purposes, and that section has a lot of grip, so if you're willing to shell out the cash, there are exceptions to the "cotton only" principle.


TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Stop spinning your wheels and start getting stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches. Click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.


ARTICLES & VIDEOS

12 Pieces of Lifting Gear to THROW AWAY (and What to Replace Them With)
What pieces of weight lifting equipment would Phil throw away and what would he replace them with? Click here to watch.

 

WORST Deadlift Ever?! How to Set Your Back: Part 5
In part 5 of the "How to Set Your Back for the Deadlift" series, we cover a useful drill to fix a rounded back. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Correct Setup for Squat & Press: STOP Making This Mistake!
You don't need to walk a mile back from the rack to squat or press. Keep your setup simple and concise. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Get Thee to a . . . Gym?!
To get stronger, what is the most important thing? Hint - it's not your technique, programming, nutrition, or equipment. Click here to read.


TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style? Get yourself a Testify hoodie - in practically any color! Get yours today and represent your favorite gym.

Click here to head to the Testify Store.


WHAT'S COMING UP

Reminder: We will be closed for training on Saturday, 05/11/24, as we are hosting the annual Testify Barbell MAYhem meet.

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.

Starting Strength Self-Sufficient Lifter Camp

  • May 18, 2024

  • Spend the day learning the Squat, Press, and Deadlift and how to self-evaluate your lifts while training in your garage or commercial gym without a coach.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify Strongman Summer Showdown

  • June 22, 2024

  • Show up to lift, throw, carry, push, and pull big things, but most importantly, show up to have a great time with your fellow competitors and perhaps try something new!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify IronFest VI

  • July 12, 2024

  • 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.


THIS WEEK’S CONDITIONING

Option 1
Sled
Outdoors:
10 rounds of:
Push sled 100 ft
Pull sled 100 ft (hand over hand)

Indoors:
20 rounds of:
Push sled 50 ft
Pull sled 50 ft (hand over hand)

Compare to 2024.03.04.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

Rest 3 minutes between each round. Score = lowest distance.

Compare to 2024.02.12.

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 2024.01.15.

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 2024.01.15.


As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better!