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Fitness

Athlete Journal: Charles Staley, Entry 15 – Solid Week

Hit some pretty good numbers this week on the dumbbell bench press, hip thrust, squat, and deadlift, and re-introduced military presses as well. Solid week overall.

Written by Charles Staley Last updated on Oct 25, 2022

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ever wonder how a world-class coach actually trains? Wonder what it’s like to train as a “mature athlete?” Welcome to the athlete journal of Charles Staley. A big believer in practicing what he preaches, Charles trains and competes just like his clients. Now, every Friday read what Charles has done this week in his workout sessions, and how he feels about it.

Hit some pretty good numbers this week on the dumbbell bench press, hip thrust, squat, and deadlift, and re-introduced military presses as well. Solid week overall.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Bodyweight: 210.6 lbs

BENCH PRESS (DUMBBELL)

Set 1: 100 lbs x 10

Set 2: 110 lbs x 10

Set 3: 120 lbs x 10

Set 4: 145 lbs x 8

Set 5: 160 lbs x 8

Set 6: 190 lbs x 8

Set 7: 200 lbs x 9

BICEP CURL (DUMBBELL)

Set 1: 60 lbs x 10

Set 2: 70 lbs x 8

Set 3: 80 lbs x 5

Set 4: 80 lbs x 5

Set 5: 80 lbs x 5

Set 6: 70 lbs x 10

BARBELL HIP THRUST

Set 1: 225 lbs x 5

Set 2: 315 lbs x 5

Set 3: 365 lbs x 5

Set 4: 400 lbs x 3 (Video Below)

Hip Thrust 400x3

Friday, September 21, 2012, 12:00 PM

Bodyweight: 212 lbs

DEADLIFT

Set 1: 135 lbs x 3

Set 2: 135 lbs x 3

Set 3: 135 lbs x 3

Set 4: 135 lbs x 3

Set 5: 135 lbs x 3

Set 6: 185 lbs x 3

Set 7: 225 lbs x 3

Set 8: 275 lbs x 3

Set 9: 315 lbs x 1

Set 10: 345 lbs x 1

Set 11: 395 lbs x 1

Set 12: 445 lbs x 1

Notes: Solid but I wish the 445 felt lighter. Aiming for 465 next week.

MILITARY PRESS

Set 1: 45 lbs x 10

Set 2: 65 lbs x 10

Set 3: 85 lbs x 10

Set 4: 95 lbs x 6

Set 5: 95 lbs x 6

Set 6: 95 lbs x 6

Notes: Reinstating presses after having skipped them for a while. I think they may have been helping with my bench

CHINS

Set 1: 237 lbs x 5

Set 2: 237 lbs x 5

Set 3: 237 lbs x 5

Notes: Performed with a 25-pound plate. Easy.

HAMMER CURL

Set 1: 70 lbs x 10

Set 2: 80 lbs x 10

Noyes: These were unscheduled, but I had a few minutes waiting for Bret to finish so thought I’d do a few sets of curls.

Friday, September 21, 2012, 12:00 PM

Bodyweight: 212 lbs

SQUAT

Set 1: 45 lbs x 5

Set 2: 45 lbs x 5

Set 3: 95 lbs x 5

Set 4: 95 lbs x 5

Set 5: 135 lbs x 5

Set 6: 185 lbs x 3

Set 7: 230 lbs x 1

Set 8: 280 lbs x 1

Set 9: 320 lbs x 1

Set 10: 370 lbs x 1 (Video Below)

Notes: Glad I made 370 today, but sure wish it felt easier. Shooting for 380-385 in a week.

Squat 370x1

SWINGS

Set 1: 62 lbs x 10

Set 2: 75 lbs x 10

Set 3: 100 lbs x 10

Set 4: 125 lbs x 6

First time doing “heavy” swings with Bret’s T-handle device. Not heavy, but balance is trick. I’ll hit 150 for sure next week on this.

BENCH PRESS (DUMBBELL)

Set 1: 100 lbs x 10

Set 2: 100 lbs x 10

Set 3: 120 lbs x 10

Set 4: 145 lbs x 10

Notes: Just went light on these today.

About Charles Staley

Charles Staley's primary interest is providing inspiration and education for older guys looking to reclaim their physicality and vitality. At age 56, Charles is leaner than ever, injury-free, and in lifetime best-shape - a few of his recent bests include a 400-pound squat, a 510-pound deadlift, and a set of 17 chin ups.

Charles Staley's primary interest is providing inspiration and education for older guys looking to reclaim their physicality and vitality. At age 56, Charles is leaner than ever, injury-free, and in lifetime best-shape - a few of his recent bests include a 400-pound squat, a 510-pound deadlift, and a set of 17 chin ups.

Well known in the U.S. and across the world, Charles is recognized as a innovative coach and a thought leader in the field of human performance. His experience, reputation, and self-effacing persona have lead to appearances on NBC’s The TODAY Show and The CBS Early Show, along with numerous radio and podcast appearances. He has penned more than a thousand articles for major publications and online websites in the industry.

Often referred to as a visionary, an iconoclast and a rule-breaker, his methods are leading-edge and ahead of their time, capable of quickly producing serious results.

Charles is not only a thinker, but also a doer: currently, he competes at the national and world level in weightlifting and powerlifting on the master’s circuit and holds three World Championship titles in the sport of raw powerlifting. Find Charles online at Target Focus Fitness, or follow him on his popular Facebook page.

Charles has had a successful online coaching service in place for several years. This is a way people to train under his direct supervision even if they aren’t local to him. If you’re ready to invest in yourself, Charles would love to be on your team!

View All Articles

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