Push Pull Pandemonium

The Testify Push Pull Pandemonium is a strength meet wherein the two contested lifts are the bench press and deadlift.

Lifters can register for one of the following categories: bench-only, deadlift-only, or full meet (i..e, both bench press and deadlift).

For each both the bench press and the deadlift, 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!

A lifter gets three attempts and can attempt any of the predetermined loads (see below) as the weight on the bar continues to climb throughout the evening (but a lifter can only attempt a given weight once). As part of the three attempts, the lifter may also attempt one weight of his choice (this weight must be a multiple of 2.5 lb). A lifter stops lifting voluntarily or after three attempts.

Bench Press Loads

45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 95, 105, 115, 125,

135, 145, 155, 165, 175, 185, 195, 205, 215,

225, 240, 255, . . . (weight on bar increases in 15 lb increments after 225 lb)

Deadlift Loads

..., 105, 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165, 175, 185, 195, 205, 215, 225,

240, 255, 270, 285, 300, 315,

345, 375, 405, . . . (weight on bar increases in 30 lb increments after 315 lb)

There are no weight classes for this meet, but there is a weigh-in for each lifter, and lifters can weigh-in during one of the following periods (rack heights will also be recorded at this time):

• Thursday, 11/20/25, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, 11/21/25, from 5:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
• Friday, 11/21/25, from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

In all three categories, there will be awards in both male and female divisions for best Wilks score (all ages) and best Wilks-McCulloch (masters) score.

You may consult the rules found here for the deadlift movement standards. PLEASE NOTE the requirement for long socks: "Long socks that extend to just below the knee and completely cover the shin and calf must be worn in the deadlift to allow the bar to slide against the legs and to avoid blood from the competitors from contacting the bar." In lieu of long socks, lifters may compete wearing pants covering the entire leg (i.e., ankles to hips) such as sweatpants or leggings.

A complete treatment of the movement standards for the bench press can be found in the book Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training, 3rd edition.

Registration runs until 10/15/26, and there are regular and late registration rates. Regular registration includes an exquisitely designed meet t-shirt, so register soon!

FAQs

Are singlets required?

Nope.

Is this event run like a typical strengthlifting or powerlifting meet?

Heck no. If you're looking for a rigid and formal meet structure, this ain't it, folks. Music will be playing, costumes are encouraged, and the judges may be eating and drinking while performing their duties.

What's the refund policy?

All sales are final; refunds will not be provided.

Is it OK if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends and competes?

Registration should match the name of the participant. Please contact [email protected] if there are extenuating circumstances that make this impossible.