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Fitness

Athlete Journal: Charles Staley, Entry 77 – Two Training Principles

Today I'll discuss two important principles that inform my training, especially in my recent programming.

Written by Charles Staley Last updated on February 14, 2014

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. Every Friday you can read what Charles has done this week in his workout sessions.

There are two defining characteristics or principles in my training, especially as of late:

  1. Gradual, progressive overload. I know – radical concept. We do tend to lose track of this though, so every session, my singular goal is to somehow improve upon what I did the preceding week or the last time I did that workout. For example, last week, I benched 100lb dumbbells for four. This week, my goal was to exceed that, if only by a rep. As it turns out, I got six reps with the 100lb this week. The following week, I’ll look to hit 100lb for seven or more, or I’ll take 105lb and get whatever I can with them.
  2. Hit the core lift hard, and then bodybuild. On Wednesdays for example, I hit my bench numbers (which could be directed toward maximal strength, reps, or speed) and then I turn to rows, curls, and delt work for moderate (8-12) reps. In this way I’m addressing maximal strength/powerlifting goals without neglecting my hypertrophy and work capacity requirements.

As always, hope your training is going well, and please hit me up with your questions or comments below!

Weekly Volume and Noteworthy Lifts:

  • Volume: 55,099 Pounds (Last week: 63,660 Pounds)
  • Dumbbell Bench Press 100×6

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Bodyweight: 199.8 lbs

Volume: 11,715 lbs

CAMBERED BAR SQUAT

Set 1: 65 lbs × 10

Set 2: 115 lbs × 5

Set 3: 155 lbs × 3

Set 4: 205 lbs × 1

Set 5: 245 lbs × 1

Set 6: 295 lbs × 1

Set 7: 205 lbs × 8

BACK EXTENSION

Set 1: 140 lbs × 8

Set 2: 140 lbs × 8

Set 3: 140 lbs × 8

BAND-RESISTED HIP THRUST

Set 1: 15 reps

KETTLEBELL SNATCH

Set 1: 53 lbs × 10

Set 2: 53 lbs × 10

Set 3: 53 lbs × 10

Set 4: 53 lbs × 10

STANDING CALF RAISE

Set 1: 90 lbs × 8

Set 2: 90 lbs × 8

Set 3: 90 lbs × 8

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Bodyweight: 198.6 lbs

Volume: 9,859 lbs

BENCH PRESS

Set 1: 45 lbs × 5

Set 2: 95 lbs × 5

Set 3: 145 lbs × 3

Set 4: 145 lbs × 3

Set 5: 145 lbs × 3

Set 6: 145 lbs × 3

Set 7: 155 lbs × 3

Set 8: 145 lbs × 3

Set 9: 145 lbs × 3

Set 10: 145 lbs × 3

TRX ROW

Set 1: 198.6 lbs × 5

Set 2: 198.6 lbs × 5

Set 3: 198.6 lbs × 5

BICEP CURL

Set 1: 65 lbs × 10

Set 2: 65 lbs × 10

Set 3: 65 lbs × 10

FRONT RAISE

Set 1: 30 lbs × 12

Set 2: 30 lbs × 12

Friday, February 7, 2014

Bodyweight: 198 lbs

Volume: 24,305 lbs

4″ BLOCK PULL

Set 1: 135 lbs × 3

Set 2: 135 lbs × 3

Set 3: 225 lbs × 3

Set 4: 315 lbs × 2

Set 5: 395 lbs × 2

Set 6: 395 lbs × 2

Set 7: 395 lbs × 2

Set 8: 395 lbs × 2

Set 9: 395 lbs × 2 (Video Below)

Notes: Difficult!

395x2

BARBELL HIP THRUST

Set 1: 315 lbs × 8

Set 2: 315 lbs × 8

Set 3: 315 lbs × 8

LEG EXTENSION

Set 1: 150 lbs × 8

Set 2: 150 lbs × 8

Set 3: 150 lbs × 8

1-HAND KETTLEBELL SWING

Set 1: 53 lbs × 10

Set 2: 53 lbs × 10

Set 3: 53 lbs × 10

Set 4: 53 lbs × 10

Set 5: 53 lbs × 10

Set 6: 53 lbs × 10

Notes: Switched hands every ten reps. Pretty easy on right side, kinda hard on left side. Almost felt like I had a “power leak” on my left side – I need stronger hip extension to get the same result on the left side, as opposed to the right.

SHRUG (DUMBBELL)

Set 1: 130 lbs × 10

Set 2: 130 lbs × 10

Set 3: 130 lbs × 10

Sunday, February 9, 2014, 6:45 PM

Volume: 9,220 lbs

Bodyweight: 196.6 lbs

BENCH PRESS (DUMBBELL)

Set 1: 100 lbs × 10

Set 2: 130 lbs × 10

Set 3: 160 lbs × 10

Set 4: 200 lbs × 6 (Video Below)

Set 5: 160 lbs × 7

200x6

EZ-BAR CURL

Set 1: 75 lbs × 8

Set 2: 75 lbs × 8

Set 3: 75 lbs × 8

FRONT RAISE

Set 1: 40 lbs × 10

Set 2: 40 lbs × 10

Set 3: 40 lbs × 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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