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Fitness

Athlete Journal: Charles Staley, Entry 17 – Swinging and Squatting Heavy

Had a solid week, with a heavy squat session and my first time swinging with 125 pounds. With just two weeks until Worlds, things are looking good.

Written by Charles Staley Last updated on October 12, 2012

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.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012, 12:00 PM

Bodyweight: 211.4 lbs

BENCH PRESS
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 3
Set 6: 135 lbs x 3
Set 7: 185 lbs x 1
Set 8: 185 lbs x 1
Set 9: 205 lbs x 1
Set 10: 225 lbs x 1
Set 11: 245 lbs x 1
Set 12: 265 lbs x 0
Set 13: 265 lbs x 0
Set 14: 225 lbs x 5

Notes: Those 265 singles felt very good coming down, but it just wasn’t quite there today. I do think I’ll hit 265 in Vegas however.

BARBELL HIP THRUST
Set 1: 225 lbs x 5
Set 2: 345 lbs x 5
Set 3: 450 lbs x 5
Set 4: 500 lbs x 1
Set 5: 505 lbs x 3
Set 6: 295 lbs x 5 (Off Of Weight room Bench, With Pause At Top)

Notes: At 500, a few plates fell of the end of the bar so we didn’t count it even though it was easy. So I then took 505×3 which was very solid, and after that went from an aerobic step to a weightroom bench, pausing at the top, which is significantly more difficult.

BICEP CURL (DUMBBELL)
Set 1: 60 lbs x 10
Set 2: 70 lbs x 10
Set 3: 80 lbs x 8
Set 4: 90 lbs x 5

Set 5: 80 lbs x 8

Friday, October 5, 2012, 12:00 PM

Bodyweight: 212 lbs

DEADLIFT
Set 1: 135 lbs x 1
Set 2: 225 lbs x 1
Set 3: 295 lbs x 1
Set 4: 345 lbs x 1
Set 5: 395 lbs x 1
Set 6: 445 lbs x 1

Notes: Purposely used very minimal warm-ups today, mostly just as an experiment. 445 went up fairly nice.

CHINS
Set 1: 212 lbs x 1
Set 2: 212 lbs x 1
Set 3: 212 lbs x 1
Set 4: 247 lbs x 7
Set 5: 247 lbs x 6
Set 6: 247 lbs x 5
Set 7: 247 lbs x 4
Set 8: 247 lbs x 3

Notes: 25 total reps with a 35-pound plate

HAMMER CURL
Set 1: 70 lbs x 10
Set 2: 90 lbs x 10
Set 3: 100 lbs x 8
BACK EXTENSION
Set 1: 307 lbs x 8 reps

Notes: 95-pound dumbbell.

Monday, October 8, 2012, 12:00 PM

Bodyweight: 213.2 lbs

SQUAT
Set 1: 45 lbs x 5
Set 2: 45 lbs x 5
Set 3: 95 lbs x 5
Set 4: 135 lbs x 1
Set 5: 135 lbs x 1
Set 6: 200 lbs x 1
Set 7: 245 lbs x 1
Set 8: 295 lbs x 1
Set 9: 330 lbs x 1
Set 10: 365 lbs x 1
Set 11: 380 lbs x 1

Notes: Woke up a few pounds heavy this morning, and felt pretty strong as well, so I figured I’d hit a decent squat today (also decided to stick with heeled shoes until Worlds). I had a bit of an uncharacteristic hitch half way up, but this is 95% of 400, so I’ll take it.

SWINGS
Set 1: 75 lbs x 10
Set 2: 100 lbs x 10
Set 3: 125 lbs x 10

First time swinging 125 – getting my balance issues worked out – this was heavy but solid.

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

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!

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