Powerlifting Over 50: Mastering the Skills for an Empowered Body and Life

by Richard Schuller

Powerlifting training can skyrocket a man’s strength, health and confidence. This book is for the mature athlete or fitness enthusiast who wants to experience the huge benefits of power training. Competing is optional.For mature athletes, there are always some risks associated with lifting “big iron”. Great gains are possible if an athlete follows the “training smart” system in this book. Training smart involves three distinct mastering the athletic skills needed in powerlifting; doing sport specific conditioning; and mastering proper lifting technique.The author, a retired scientist, has been lifting weights for 60 years. He began his powerlifting career at age 48 and competed at the national and international level for 25 years. During his life, he has competed in eight different organized sports. Based on extensive research and his long career, in this 300-page book, the author provides detailed instructions on how to master the skills of strength needed for heavy lifting; a unique conditioning program to reduce the chance of injury; extremely detailed instruction (with pictures) for properly performing the squat, bench press and deadlift; and five complete training routines for the squat, bench press and deadlift, along with dozens of tips on building a powerful body over age 50. These are probably the most detailed instructions on optimal lifting technique available anywhere..In addition, the author provides detailed instruction on the mental approach to training, nutrition, injury management, plus training plans and a full chapter on how to prepare for and compete in a powerlifting meet. An Amazon review of the authors book Mastering the Squat (5 star rating) “This book is a gem… Great workout programs. Probably the most practical guide on squats written out there….”

455 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2022

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

How valuable/useful you find this book will really depend on want you are looking for and what you need. I wouldn't go so far to say it's the best lifting book I have ever read but there are some really good points I haven't seen before raised in it. There is also a component for those who might be under 50, not that the author intentionally added it but rather the comments and advice could easily be just as useful for anyone (say 10 years or so younger) that hasn't been lifting or working out. Some people will have effectively atrophied the equivalent of a fit 50-year old long before that.

Anyway, I have read a LOT of exercise and fitness books over the years and this one still gave me some new (at least to me) useful information.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Halfway decent if generic and unoriginal introduction to powerlifting, marred by poor writing and even worse editing. The 50+ part is really an afterthought, 95%+ is general enough for men of all ages. I say "men" and not "people" because the possibility of women lifting weights is only considered briefly in passing, and no mention of anything useful for women is provided. The language style falls under the "locker room talk" genre, with every bad cliche and insult from the 1980's making at least one appearance, and the author's favourites appear several times.

[inga hartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The real deal!

I’ve read a lot of books over the years, and have personally tried nearly every diet and training method. This book is the summation of everything I too find to be true and effective. I gravitated to this book as I’m over 50; but the advice is practical for any age. I could have used this book during my crossfit years.
Great read!

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive solid info, just add consistent practice!

Plenty of common sense advice and tips here helpful for any older person keen to preserve quality of life through powerlifting, on a regular basis. Highly recommended

[Sheila Kulycky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done

I'm following this plan to train for my first meet. Mr. Schuller outline and explains everything I need to lift big iron. He writing studies easy to follow and his descriptions and explanations are clear. It is also interesting.