Testify Independent - March 25, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video DIY Dip Belt (AKA Chinning Belt) - Easy and Cheap! (click the title to watch):

Taric TheGemKnight
Saw this Russian today at the local park with a contraption instead of a belt and he apparently used something similar to this. Not the easiest find, but literal gold this video, cheers!

Phil
Glad it helped!

TESTIFY ONLINE COACHING

Want to get stronger working remotely with one of our Starting Strength Coaches? We have a few openings, so if you’re interested, click here to contact us and learn more.

Get Stronger. Live Better. Start today.

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

STOP Doing This!! Your Shoulders are DESTROYING Your Bench Press
Using your shoulders incorrectly in the bench press? Let's fix it quickly to add pounds to your bench. Click here to watch.

 

How to Deadlift: Set Your Back the RIGHT Way - Part 2
Do you have a tough time setting your back when you deadlift? In Part 2 of this series, Phil walks you through how to solve this problem. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Improve Your Press by FIXING This Problem!
Pushing the hips forward or incorrectly throwing the shoulders back when pressing? With Becky's help, Phil covers an easy way to check for the correct movement. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Improve Your Squat in ONE Easy Step!
Want to improve your squat with one simple and easy tactic? You might not like it, but it's darn effective. Click here to read.

NEW 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, 04/06/24, as we are hosting the annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge.

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 Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 6, 2024

  • The annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge 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.

Testify Barbell MAYhem

  • May 11, 2024

  • Come on out and join us for the annual Testify Barbell MAYhem! This is a weightlifting meet, so the contested lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk.

  • Click here for more information.

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.

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 2024.01.22.

Option 2
Bike/row:
8 x 30 sec on/2:00 off

Score = least distance covered in any 30 second interval

Compare to 2024.01.01.

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 yd sled push (50 ft down-back)
100 yd farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 min

Compare to 2023.12.04.

Option 4
Row 10 x 100m
Rest 1 min between sprints. Your score is your slowest time.

Compare to 2023.12.04.

Testify This Week - February 5, 2024

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video The TRUTH About Lifting (What No One Tells You!) (click the title to watch):

BravoRebel1776
I am in my 60s, and been at it for 2+ years solid. The strength training is not only life-changing, and life-enhancing, it is literally life-saving.

Phil
Agreed, and way to keep at it!

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

(3 MISTAKES) When Pressing with Your HIPS
There are 3 mistakes you might be making with your hips when you press - let's fix all 3 in under 3 minutes. Click here to watch.

 

Are You Setting Your Back WRONG in the Deadlift?
It's easy to set the back incorrectly by confusing shoulder retraction with back extension. Let's fix this issue fast. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Close Grip Bench Press for Maximum Strength!
Want a bigger bench press? Of course you do. Phil helps you learn how to correctly perform the close grip bench press. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Squat Tip: Hips Back AND Chest Down
We give you two simple and effective tips to improve your squat. Click here to read.

NEW TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style and comfort this winter? 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

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.

Free Intro to Deadlift Session

  • February 10, 2024

  • Are you interested in getting stronger? Book your free "Intro to Deadlift" session and learn to deadlift, meet some of our coaches, and see the gym! All ages and abilities are welcome.

  • Click here to book your session.

Testify Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 6, 2024

  • The annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge 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.

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.

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 2023.12.04.

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 2023.11.13.

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 2023.10.16.

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 2023.10.16.

Testify Leader - December 4, 2023

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Weightlifting vs Powerlifting vs Strengthlifting - What's the Difference?! (click the title to watch):

kaz5150619
There’s a strengthlifting fed in India where its incline bench hack squat and the 'two handed curl' ( barbell curl from the floor)

Phil
That's an entertaining combination - I'd watch it at least once :-)

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

This Simple Tactic FIXED His Squat & Deadlift in ONE Rep
Want a cue that can work wonders for your squat and deadlift? It can even work for your press, bench, snatch, and clean. Check it out. Click here to watch.

 

The 12 Squat Tips of Christmas
Let’s be festive, shall we? To borrow from “The 12 Days of Christmas,” Phil presents "The 12 Squat Tips of Christmas." May your squatting be merry and bright . . . but not light. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: Stop Destroying Your Squat - Stay Leaned Over!
Stop raising your chest early in the squat - it's making for a weaker squat. If you try to drive your hips up in you squat but struggle with the concept, watch this video for a helpful fix.

 

Blast from the Past: Deadlift Fix: 4 Cues for a Stronger, Smoother Pull
Stop yanking or jerking the bar off the floor. It's not efficient, and it won't help you when it gets heavy. Try out these 4 cues for a stronger and smoother pull. Click here to read.

NEW TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style and comfort this winter? 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 Christmas Classic as well as our annual Christmas party were both great events this weekend, and we are immensely thankful to everyone involved! Loaders, referees, table officials, those who helped setup and tear down, everyone who showed up to the party (and brought great food!) - 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.

Testify Leprechaun Lift-off

  • March 16, 2024

  • Want to join us for the annual Testify Leprechaun Lift-off? Of course you do! This is a weightlifting meet, so the contested lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk.

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Testify Strengthlifting Challenge

  • April 6, 2024

  • The annual Testify Strengthlifting Challenge 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.

Testify Barbell MAYhem

  • May 11, 2024

  • Come on out and join us for the annual Testify Barbell MAYhem! This is a weightlifting meet, so the contested lifts are the snatch and clean-and-jerk.

  • Click here 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 2023.10.02.

Option 2
Bike/row:
4 x 3 minutes

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

Compare to 2023.09.11.

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 yd sled push (50 ft down-back)
100 yd farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 min

Compare to 2023.08.14.

Option 4
Row 10 x 100m
Rest 1 min between sprints. Your score is your slowest time.

Compare to 2023.08.14.

The Testify Spectator - October 16, 2023

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION

From our video Easy Trick for Your Deadlift Stance! (click the title to watch):

Nick
What about stance width?

Phil
Good question. The short answer is narrow - about hip width (not shoulder width). Usually the heels will be roughly 8-12 inches apart, and the toe angle is about 10-15 degrees out. It will be significantly narrower than the squat.

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

How to Stiff Leg Deadlift (and Why!)
Want to improve your deadlift? The stiff leg deadlift (AKA stiff-legged deadlift) can help. Phil explains what a stiff leg deadlift is, how to do it, and why you might want to utilize the the SLDL in your training. Click here to watch.

 

2 Clues to SPOT Your Terrible Deadlift EARLY!
Is your deadlift drifting away from you? Learn to notice the problem before it happens as well as how to fix it. Click here to watch.

 

2 Deadlifting Pieces of Equipment You NEED to Have!
Want a bigger deadlift? We cover two pieces of equipment that will immediately strengthen your deadlift. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: 4 Ways You're Ruining Your Clean!
Quit making these mistakes when cleaning (whether it's a power clean, split clean, or squat clean)! We cover 4 common clean errors as well as how to fix these mistakes. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Squat: Hips and Knees Together!
If you descend into your squat by breaking at the hips first instead of hips-and-knees together, that's a problem. Let's fix it. Click here to read.

NEW TESTIFY HOODIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Looking to train in style and comfort this fall? 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, 10/21/23, as we are hosting the annual Testify Fall Classic strengthlifting 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.

Testify Fall Classic

  • October 21, 2023

  • The Testify Fall Classic is back for 2023, 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.

Free Intro to Squat Session

  • October 28, 2023

  • Are you interested in getting stronger? Book your free "Intro to Squat" session and learn to squat, meet some of our coaches, and see the gym! All ages and abilities are welcome.

  • Click here to book your free session.

Benching Bonanza! The Annual Testify Bench Press Jubilee

  • November 17, 2023

  • Benching Bonanza is a strength meet wherein the only contested lift is - you guessed it - the bench press. There will be one bar, and the meet will be conducted in a "rising bar" format, so the weight on the bar only goes up! It'll be a ton of fun, so come on out!

  • 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 2023.08.14.

Option 2
Bike/row:
12 min TT

Score = distance

Compare to 2023.07.24.

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 2023.06.26.

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 2023.06.26.

Testify Herald - August 21, 2023

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video A Quick Spin on Oiling Your Barbell (click the title to watch):

No Name
How often should you use 3 in 1 oil on a Texas Power Bar. It's my own bar I use in my garage. I Train 6 days a week. I don't put chalk directly on the bar. So how often should you wipe the chalk off and put the oil down the collars?

Thanks

Phil
I’d recommend brushing the chalk off the bar at the end of each workout. Just use a nylon bristle brush - it’ll take about 30 seconds (this is what our members do as well). You can use a brass bristle brush and apply some 3-in-1 oil to the shaft every month or two (admittedly, we do it less frequently than that), or perhaps once a year if your bar has a coating on it (black zinc, etc). That takes about 3 min or so and is covered here:

Basic Barbell Maintenance 
https://youtu.be/9N-Q-O1H1zE

Putting oil down the interior of the sleeves as in this video is fine with once a year.

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

How to Front Squat: Improve Your Front Rack Position by Doing This!
If your front squat rack position is terrible, and your cleans and front squats are causing you pain and discomfort, try this. Click here to watch.

 

How to Use Wrist Wraps for Lifting Weights (STOP Making these 3 Mistakes!)
How do you correctly use wrist wraps? Where to put them? How tight? What's with the loop? Phil covers the basics as well as how to avoid 3 common errors. Click here to watch.

 

5 Ways You're Ruining Your Bench Press!
Quit making these mistakes when bench pressing! Phil covers 5 common bench press errors as well as how to fix these mistakes. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: How to Use Lifting Straps in 1 Minute!
Save your delicate, baby-soft hands and learn how to use lifting straps in under 1 minute. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: The Jerk: Landing Positions
We cover the three different landing positions for the jerk as well as the advantages that go with each position. Click here to read.

NEW TESTIFY GEAR!
Baseball season is here, and so is Testify’s new 3/4 raglan shirt - in multiple colors! Get yours today and represent your favorite gym!

Click here to head to the Testify Store.

WHAT'S COMING UP

Reminder: Deadapalooza takes place this Friday evening (8/25/23), but the gym is still open for training for normal hours . . . you'll just see a lot of deadlifting if you train on Friday evening, or better yet, you can still sign 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.

Deadapalooza! The Annual Testify Deadlift Festival

  • August 25, 2023

  • Deadapalooza is a strength meet wherein the only contested lift is - you guessed it - the deadlift. There will be one bar (possibly multiple bars if numbers dictate), and the meet will be conducted in a "rising bar" format, so the weight on the bar only goes up! It's a ton of fun, so come on out!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Women’s Strength Group

  • 8 week class beginning on September 19, 2023. Meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

  • Get stronger with Starting Strength Coach Barb Mueller and Testify coaches Jamie Morrissey and Stephanie Sharp.

  • NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Open to all women who want to get strong!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Starting Strength Self-Sufficient Lifter Camp

  • September 23, 2023

  • 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.

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.” 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 2023.06.19.

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 2023.05.29.

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

Compare to 2023.05.01.

Option 4
For time:
500m row
5 x 80m sled push (200 ft if indoors)
500m row

Rest 1 minute after the first row and after each sled push.

Compare to 2023.05.01.

Testify Courant - August 14, 2023

/ Testify Strength & Conditioning/

THIS WEEK'S SUBMISSION
From our video Valsalva and Your Deadlift (click the title to watch):

Buono Legnani's Palette
Should the Valsalva maneuver be used with all the exercises, i.e. deadlift, squat, bench press, press, power clean, and even lying tricep extension, pullup, etc. or only when doing deadlifts?

Phil
Yep, all of them.

ARTICLES & VIDEOS

Get Your FIRST Chin-up or Pull-up | 6 Ways to Success!
Want to get your first chin-up or pull-up. We cover 6 ways to help you get it done. Click here to watch.

 

What's the Difference: Snatch vs Hang Snatch vs Power Snatch | FAST & EASY
Snatch, hang snatch, power snatch, hang power snatch . . . in under 3 min! What are the differences between these lifts, and how can we easily remember each one? Click here to watch.

 

Things You Should NEVER Do
Here are a few training-related situations that you should try to avoid. At all costs. Watch out, now. Click here to read.

 

Blast from the Past: 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. Click here to watch.

 

Blast from the Past: Do This . . . NOT This: Lifting Etiquette
Ever gotten a bad hand-off on the bench press or had someone stand in your line of sight while pressing? Phil covers a few key points of lifting etiquette. Click here to read.

NEW TESTIFY GEAR!
Baseball season is here, and so is Testify’s new 3/4 raglan shirt - in multiple colors! Get yours today and represent your favorite gym!

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.

Deadapalooza! The Annual Testify Deadlift Festival

  • August 25, 2023

  • Deadapalooza is a strength meet wherein the only contested lift is - you guessed it - the deadlift. There will be one bar (possibly multiple bars if numbers dictate), and the meet will be conducted in a "rising bar" format, so the weight on the bar only goes up! It's a ton of fun, so come on out!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Women’s Strength Group

  • 8 week class beginning on September 19, 2023. Meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

  • Get stronger with Starting Strength Coach Barb Mueller and Testify coaches Jamie Morrissey and Stephanie Sharp.

  • NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Open to all women who want to get strong!

  • Click here to register or for more information.

Starting Strength Self-Sufficient Lifter Camp

  • September 23, 2023

  • 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.

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 2023.06.12.

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 2023.05.22.

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 yd sled push (50 ft down-back)
100 yd farmer carry (50 ft down-back)
Rest 1 min

Compare to 2023.04.24.

Option 4
Row 10 x 100m
Rest 1 min between sprints. Your score is your slowest time.

Compare to 2023.04.24.