Is there some kind of formula by which I could figure out where I stand strengthwise , relative to my size? For instance, I’m 38 yrs old, 6’1", 200-205. How much “should” I be able to bench? squat? dead? Is there some kind of minimum baseline strength that I should make sure I at least have, to be balanced?
BTW, anyone who’s going to respond something along the lines of “anything less than 400 would be wuss weight”…save it, please.
You should be able to bench, squat, and dead enough to be pleased with each lift. If not, correct it.
[quote]squeezer wrote:
Is there some kind of formula by which I could figure out where I stand strengthwise , relative to my size? For instance, I’m 38 yrs old, 6’1", 200-205. How much “should” I be able to bench? squat? dead? Is there some kind of minimum baseline strength that I should make sure I at least have, to be balanced?
BTW, anyone who’s going to respond something along the lines of “anything less than 400 would be wuss weight”…save it, please. [/quote]
How long have you been training? Do you know your 1 rep max on bench/dead lift etc…?
The general guide around here seems to be that starting goals should be to bench your bodyweight, and squat and deadlift twice your bodyweight. Once you can do those, you’re ready to move onto more advanced goals.
www.rawpowerlifting.com/pdf/RAWClassificationStandards.pdf
These are the raw classification standards. I would say class II is respectable, that would be pretty much in line with what Bullmoose said.
Bullmoose & tedro, thanks, that was more or less what I was looking for - a general benchmark.
“training” is a funny word. I have had weights since I was 15, but that is not to say that I have been “training” since then. Compared to most folks here, I have probably never trained in my life with any real intensity or consistency.
I have no idea of my max lifts, because I have never been inclined to measure or try to maximize my lifts, mostly because I’ve almost always worked out alone.
You say you have no idea of your max lifts. Are you planning to find them in the near future?
P.S. Even if you work out alone, you can get a power rack and max out on bench, squat, presses, etc… I have a power rack and have worked out alone for years.
tin, no, I really was not planning on finding out my max lifts just for the sake of having a number. I was just trying to see if I am seriously weak or just mediocre.
At my age, I workout for health, looks, and strength, probably in that order. I just never got into the whole “whatdya bench?” mindset, because I think it’s a slightly more respectable version of guys comparing pecker size.
…not trying to knock those of you who compare numbers because you take powerlifting as a serious sport - like guys compar golf handicap or 10k times. That’s cool. However, most guys I’ve come across who are eager to talk “bench” with anyone who has a hint of muscularity or mentions they go to the gym - they are just trying to swing their d*cks around and be the Alpha Male in the room.
I’m sorry, I thought you were trying to determine where you stood in regard to your strength. How do you suppose you are going to do that if you don’t want to discuss what others can do?
If you don’t want to take “power lifting” seriously why even ask? If you are comfortable with your health,
looks, and strength in that order, what difference does it make?
Here’s a site for you:
Though I have to admit, it seems pretty strange that in one breath you say that comparing yourself to others is like comparing dick size, and in the other breath, you want to know how you compare…
I’m also a bit confused as to how you are actually going to make any comparisons if you don’t know your 1RM, nor do you have any plans to measure it…
All this just does not add up to me, but sometimes I’m a bit slow.
Regardless, I hope this satisfies your curiosity.
I would say generally if a guy can bench 225 for reps to 315 for reps he is in the mid range for strength. If he can bench 315 to 400 and beyond raw that is getting into the exceptional area. If you are benching 200 and below that is in the weaker league.
Squat would be 200 to 300 lower strength area. 300 to 400 mid range. 400 to 500 and above very strong. Same goes for deadlift.
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sorry for the confusion and/or contradiction. I guess what I should have said is that I wuld like to get an idea where I stand, but probably through a calculated max-rep rather than a true to-failure test. I would rather get an idea of my ballpark by repping a weight 5 times than risk hurting myself maxing out on one, safety measures notwithstanding.
Even with safety measures, trying to get a 1 rep max lift entails some risk when you dump the weight or over-stress something. On the opther hand, if I can lift something 4 times and have to catch the pins on #5, it’s probably not going to be a catastrophic failure.
I appreciate your situation, I think, but I’ll defer to someone who actually knows what the hell you want to find out and how to find it out. No offense intended. I’ll just wait to see what the formula turns out to be.
Good luck with your training. Let us know how it all turns out.
[quote]squeezer wrote:
I guess what I should have said is that I wuld like to get an idea where I stand, but probably through a calculated max-rep rather than a true to-failure test. [/quote]
If that’s the case, there is a 1RM calculator on the same site I listed earlier, though you have to realize that it’s just an estimator. Your real 1RM will vary; to say nothing for the fact that your max till vary from day to day.
anyway, try this:
/www.exrx.net/Calculators/OneRepMax.html
Heres a ball park.Bench your weight is a good test for "in shape"low for a Body builder or lifter but pretty good for the average joe.Add 50% for squat and 10% to that for deadOf course a hundred things could change this but its a ballpark set of numbers for you.Most people will get about ten reps at80% of their max.Again a ballpark figure.Hope this helps.
Its hard to answer you ? as i am really not sure what you are asking for sure, A friend of mine can over to start lifting and he was able to bench 225 and he never touched a weight, he weight about 220.If you have spent any time lifting you should be much better than that.
When i started lifting at 37 i benched 200 @ 143 lbs and i am 6 foot tall,but i lifted on and off, like a few months then off a year or 2
[quote]T-Cop wrote:
Here’s a site for you:
[/quote]
Excellent link. Thanks.