Strong & Lean: Testing Week Explained
Testing Week at URSUS is a simple, supportive way to measure your strength training progress, track improvements, and guide your next training cycle in our Strong & Lean program.
If you've ever seen Testing Week on the whiteboard at URSUS and wondered what it actually means, you're not alone.
For some people, the word testing can sound intimidating but at URSUS, testing week isn't about competition - it's about measuring your progress.
Why do we have testing weeks?
Strength training is most effective when it's structured.
That's why our Strong & Lean program is delivered in training cycles, with each cycle building on the last. At the end of each cycle, we use testing week to see how your training has progressed and establish a benchmark for the next phase.
Rather than guessing how you're improving, testing gives us real information that helps guide your future training.
Progress isn't just about lifting heavier
One of the biggest misconceptions about testing is that success only comes from increasing the weight on the bar.
In reality, progress can look like many different things, including:
Improved lifting technique
Better movement quality
Increased confidence
More repetitions with good form
Better control and stability
Lifting a heavier weight
Every one of these improvements is a sign that your training is working.
How testing helps your coaches
As coaches, testing week provides valuable insight into your current strength and movement.
It allows us to:
Track your progress over time.
Adjust your training loads where needed.
Continue challenging you appropriately.
Give you relevant and meaningful feedback for the next Strong & Lean cycle.
Don’t skip testing week
Testing week is one of our favourite weeks in the Strong & Lean calendar because it's an opportunity to celebrate the work you've already put in.
Whether your progress comes in the form of better technique, greater confidence or a new personal best, every step forward is worth recognising.
