Sucker Punch: Charles Staley
by Nate Green
06/07/10

The Zen Master of weightlifting wants you to simplify your approach, build muscle, and live the good life.

Awesome interview, I have always admired Staley's training methodology.

That's nothing, we get deported from Canada every year
signed
Teeth, geese, canoes,flannel, Bryan adams and military cowardice

I remember Charles writing that sometimes he does a program that he wouldn't have designed himself, one that is specifically given to him by another coach. It looks like that was the case with the Rippotoe one ...
But it also looks like Rippetoe put him on his *beginner* version of 5x5! Maybe the idea was lower volume after EDT.

Just an observation. But if Charles is reading, it would be great if you could elaborate on his experience with the Rippetoe program, comparing its methodology and virtues to EDT.

Brian

EDT style of training is one of the more successful routines I have tried.

Perhaps, but I was the youngest ;-)

Mage, Wlf, thanks for your nice comments

Brian, I am experimenting with a new style of squat (for me) hence, a am a beginner relevtive to that movement. As I compete in Olympic-style weightlifting, I do not currently use EDT or Rippetoe's system, although both are very effective for their respective purposes.

I really enjoyed this article - partly because it's cool to see the way I train validated by a guy like CS.

I also use the mentioned Rippetoe suggestion all the time. It works. Progression without burnout x consistency over long periods of time = success.

In all fairness the way I train was influenced heavily by Staley back when he was featured more often here on T-Nation.

Not exactly, but we do manipulate rest intervals and training density for specific purposes

When Charles Staley talked about the 3 sets of ten squats, he more or less described what I was doing in regard to squats...tried the 10 sets of 3 explosive reps with restricted rests earlier, felt like I was getting a lot more out of it - 30 top-notch reps over 10 sets instead of 15 good ones and 15 shite ones over 3 sets. Great article.

Great interview. I'm a big fan of your work and EDT. You know me as "The Pimp of EDT." Quick question about o-lift. I know Pavel recommends "principal of irradiation" inwhich you tense your whole body before doing a lift, particularity an o-lift. I understand by doing this, you recruit your fast twitch muscle and get more power. However, doesn't tightening your whole body slow you down?

Just wondering what you thought.

Charles what do you think of this version of EDT for explosive endurance - For 20 min, I'll do two reps of deadlifts at 80 percent of PR every 45 seconds.

Thanks,
Pimp of EDT

Great to hear from you!

O-lifts are unique creatures in the sense that they require tension in some parts of the body (torso, in the case of pulls) and simultaneous relaxation in others (arms, in the case of pulls). Further, max tensions but be quickly "turned off" to permit rapid catching of the bar in the squat. Pavel's concept is absolutely valid but it less applicable to O lifts

Mmm, not sure. Deads aren't explosive per se, especially off the floor

Thanks for responding! This helps clear up the confusion.When doing snatches, where should one tense before the lift?

Is this workout more of "Strength endurance workout" vs a explosive endurance one?

What about 2 reps of snatches every 45 seconds for 15 min?

Thanks,
Pimp of EDT

Hey Charles - One other question that has been very confusing to me that nobody really has a clear answer from the Crossfit community. Some say the hip thrust for a kipping pullup is the same as the clean. However, some disagree and say the hip thrust for a kipping pulling is the REVERSAL of direction for a clean, more like a backward hip-snap. Others argue that it is both a front and backwards hip snap.

What is your opinion? I figure you would know the answer to this debate.

Thanks one more time,
Pimp of EDT

ps when ever I see a novice struggling with doing a snatch, I ALWAYS refer them to your tutorial. Well done, teacher!

You must forgive me, I have never heard this analogy. At the peak of the pull in a clean however, the hips must be FULLY extended- is this what you mean?

At the apex of the pull, the torso and posterior chain are maximally contracted. Immediately afterward, the entire body momentarily relaxes to allow a quick squat under the bar