What is a good way to measure strength?

MrsObundles

I am curious how to measure strength. If a person can lift twice their body weight does this mean you put the amount you weigh on the rack or twice the amount you weigh on the rack?

PBJunky

Use an online calculator to calculate your 1RM

MrsObundles

I can squat 185 for 4 reps on the smith machine (185 is 86% of my body weight) and bench press 135 for 6 reps on the smith machine (135 is 62% of my body weight). I was just curious so that I could set goals for myself.

Thanks!

MrObundles

I thinks that's really good keep it up!

MaggieMay131

Check out these strength standards: (click the links for each exercise to see the table)
http://www.exrx.net/Testing/WeightLifting/StrengthStandards.htm

These are 1RM standards... also, give some training without the smith machine a try! It can seriously hinder your form and technique. Keep up the good work!!

erickirb

You don't count your body weight. If you weigh 150 and bench 150 that is 1 times your weight, same with squats.

I agree with the smith machine comment, although the weight is the same as free weights it does not work all the stabilization muscles, and you can injure yourself as the machine does not allow you to do a natural movement. This is even moreso with squats and bench press.

Dave198lbs

I can squat 185 for 4 reps on the smith machine (185 is 86% of my body weight) and bench press 135 for 6 reps on the smith machine (135 is 62% of my body weight). I was just curious so that I could set goals for myself.

Thanks!

good work! for me, setting goals regarding strength is easy...MORE MORE MORE...more weight on max cycles and more 8 rep sets on endurance cycles

MrsObundles

Thank you guys so much for the advice and encouragement. It really helped out. MaggieMay131, I really thought that website was useful too. :flowerforyou:

MrsObundles

Thank you guys so much for the advice and encouragement. It really helped out. MaggieMay131, I really thought that website was useful too. :flowerforyou: