Charles Staley - Profile Page

Background

"One of the signs of a great teacher is the ability to make the subject matter seem simple. Charles Staley is one of these rare teachers. After listening and talking to him, you suddenly achieve a new awareness of training. You go to the gym and, suddenly, everything makes sense, and you wonder why you haven't been doing it his way since day one." —Muscle Media 2000 Magazine, August 1999

Charles Staley's primary interest is providing inspiration and education for older guys looking to reclaim their physicality and vitality. At age 58, Charles is leaner than ever, injury-free, and in the best shape of his life: a few of his recent bests include a 400-pound squat, a 510-pound deadlift, and a set of 17 chin-ups.

Charles is recognized as an innovative coach and a thought leader in the field of human performance. His experience, reputation, and self-effacing persona have led to appearances on "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.

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.

For More Information:

Articles

Ask the Ageless Lifter: Can I Keep Training After Knee Surgery?

Surgery and injuries suck, but experienced lifters learn to reframe these setbacks as opportunities in disguise. Here's how to do it.

Published on: Feb 9, 2021
The One Technique You Need to Build Muscle and Burn Fat This Year

Density training: the hardest and most effective training style you're not doing. And it's just as great for home workouts as gym workouts!

Published on: Jan 6, 2021
How to Build Self-Discipline for Fitness and Life

Being able to take control of your fitness, nutrition, and overall health doesn't happen by magic. If you're looking to build the type of self-discipline that will help you earn better workouts and better results, it all starts with these three simple steps.

Published on: Aug 27, 2020
How to Lift Heavy and Stay Healthy at 40, 50, and Beyond

Yes, you can keep getting stronger as the years go by. But it's not going to happen by accident. Here are the priorities to guide you, from a strength coach who's still moving big weights while pushing 60.

Published on: May 4, 2020
Ask the Ageless Lifter: Can I Skip Deadlifts?

Does the prospect of picking up a barbell off the ground at your age (no matter what that age is) feel daunting? Luckily for you, there are plenty of other strength-building options at your disposal!

Published on: Dec 19, 2019
Ask the Ageless Lifter: Is It Silly to Want Abs after Age 40?

Is chasing size better left to the young lifters? Is leanness a better athletic goal? Here's one elite strength coach's take after decades in the iron game.

Published on: Aug 20, 2019
Ask the Ageless Lifter: What's the Best Machine Move?

What gym equipment will pay off the biggest dividends for an athlete looking to stay strong as the years go by? Here's your answer, from an elite strength coach!

Published on: Jun 3, 2019
Ask the Ageless Lifter: What's the Best Nutrition Tip for Older Lifters?

Aging athletes don't need to completely re-envision the way they eat to see benefits. Just a couple of small tweaks can make a huge difference!

Published on: Apr 4, 2019
Ask the Ageless Lifter: What Strength Standard Should I Aim For?

There's no shortage of goals you can aim for on classic lifts. But should you? Here's the unvarnished truth from the strongest 50-something coach in the biz!

Published on: Nov 1, 2018
Ask the Ageless Lifter: What's the Most Important Muscle Group?

Where should your priorities start in the gym? Our expert on training for older lifters says it all starts with a single muscle group that can have the most impact on body composition, quality of life, and overall functionality.

Published on: Sep 20, 2018
Ask the Ageless Lifter: How Often Should I Strength Train?

Confused about training frequency for older lifters? You're not alone. Here's straight talk on effective programming from an elite coach!

Published on: Jul 2, 2018
Ask The Ageless Lifter: How Should I Train The Squat?

Is your approach to leg training fending off Father Time, or hastening the end of your lifting life? Here's what every older lifter needs to know about the back squat, and squats in general.

Published on: May 16, 2018
Ask The Ageless Lifter: Should I Give Up Benching?

With the amount of gym rats who say they "can't bench anymore," you'd think there's a reverse age limit on the movement! No, you don't have to give it up at 35, but you'd better get serious about doing it right. Here's how.

Published on: Apr 4, 2018
This Is Full-Body Training Done Right!

Try the first workout from the new Total-Body Strong program, and be prepared to feel it from head to toe! Hit three days a week of this style of training hard, and it just might be all the lifting you need.

Published on: Feb 16, 2018
Total-Body Strong: 8-Week Full-Body Muscle and Strength Plan

Add size and strength in just three lifting sessions each week with this flexible, straightforward program! No matter what you want to do next, do this first.

Published on: Feb 12, 2018
Ask the Ageless Lifter: Does T-Therapy Work?

Wondering if legal testosterone therapy is the same as taking steroids? Will it make you an ageless animal in the gym? Here's the inside scoop from a lifter who's been there.

Published on: Feb 12, 2018
Ask The Ageless Lifter: Is HIIT Too Intense?

High-intensity cardio is all the rage. But is it the all-upside, no-downside miracle that some fit people claim? Here's what you need to know, plus a surprising cardio solution that's hiding in plain sight.

Published on: Dec 1, 2017
Ask The Ageless Lifter: Is CrossFit OK For Me?

CrossFit gyms and training methods are becoming more mainstream all the time. But are they useful or just dangerous for older lifters? Here's one elite coach's take.

Published on: Sep 15, 2017
Ask The Ageless Lifter: Are Pull-Ups Worth The Trouble?

If pull-ups are something you once did, or a nut you could never quite crack, you may be tempted to write them off. Here's why you should think twice, and put pull-ups back on the goal list, no matter your age!

Published on: Aug 2, 2017
Podcast Episode 23: Charles Staley - How to Lift to Stay Strong and Healthy at Any Age!

Strength coach Charles Staley offers up his hard-earned wisdom about how to balance strength, body composition, and overall health as the years go by. From programming to choosing movements to flexible dieting, he touches on everything you need to know to plan out your lifting life!

Published on: Jul 23, 2017