Joint Damage Threshold?

I’m fairly new to powerlifting and am wondering if anyone has an idea at what point additional weight will become unhealthy (ie damaging). I’m pressing bodyweight, benching 150% bw, squating 200% and deadlifting ~225%. I’d like to avoid injury or slow degradation of joints. Or should this not be an issue? Thx!

I think most older lifters are going to have some joint damage.

As long as you are not having pain I would stop doing a lift.

Like a lot of older lifters I am carrying too much weight which I am trying

to lose to help my knee joints

I can’t do barbell benches anymore and have to use dumbells.

Are you having pain right now and how old are you

NS,

I assume there are a number of other factors at play here like how much you weigh, if you have a history of injuries, your age and your training age/history. It is a big difference being 300 lbs and pushing those %'s as opposed to being 140 lbs, likewise if you have a history of joint injuries/arthritis, doing this for 20 years, being 50 rather than 30 etc.

38, 170#, no significant injuries, recreational lifting for 15 years but more powerlifting focus over last year. Shoulders and lumbar have occasional lingering aches/tightness after heavy lifts. I’m hoping to prevent major issues and be able to stay active another 30 years.

I looked at your picture and you are very lean.

As long as you are just getting sore and are not having pain that does not go away

I would not stop lifting heavy.