How much do you lift? (Ladies only)

da_bears10089

Hey ladies. Can you help me out? I'm looking for some motivation. I'm interested in finding persons (women) who weigh about the same as me and to know how much they lift. It's not to compare in order to feel bad about myself nor is it to feel like I'm better than anyone. It's simply so I can have some goals to work towards. For example, I can squat 85 lbs for 10 reps but when I tried to do 90 lbs it was an epic fail. I figure now it may have been due to several factors but honestly, it really discouraged me and I thought to myself that maybe at my weight I wasn't supposed to be able to squat 90 lbs. Then I met (online) someone close to my weight who is currently squatting 105 lbs and is increasing weekly.

In the off chance that there is someone else who is in my position but nowhere close to my weight, it would be nice if all ladies who do the following lifts would post how much weight they're currently pushing so that others can be motivated too. Thanks in advance

Here is mine:

Weight: 134 lbs

Squat: 85 lbs / 10 reps

Deadlift: 105 lbs / 10 reps

Overhead press: (Haven't tried this yet)

Bench press: (Haven't tried this yet)

i know i weigh almost 30 lbs more than you, but whatever. i do stronglifts 5x5 which includes the same lifts that you are doing, but 5 sets of 5 reps for strength building

Here is mine:

Weight: 162 lbs

Squat: 165 lbs 5x5

Deadlift: 185 lbs 1x5

Overhead press: 60lbs 5x5 (my weakest lift)

Bench press: 85 lbs 5x5

i also do bent over rows: 80 lbs 5x5

da_bears10089

Id like to note that I;d never base my squatting ability off other peoples numbers..... tons of people go nowhere near as low as they should and its easy to do double your real capacity when you do that.. bench you cant really cheat on... you can flare your elbows, until the day you blow your rotator cuff


i dont dount Sblakes numbers.. those legs are sick... amazing physique..

i completely agree with this. i had to back off my squat numbers and work on getting down further

da_bears10089

Id like to note that I;d never base my squatting ability off other peoples numbers..... tons of people go nowhere near as low as they should and its easy to do double your real capacity when you do that.. bench you cant really cheat on... you can flare your elbows, until the day you blow your rotator cuff

That is true. I appreciate reading this


Ladies or even you astronomicals, how and when do you make the progression from a "Smith" to a regular squat? I have started with 80lbs on the Smith machine.. it's not difficult but not easy either. Sometimes there is a rack that is free but I don't use it and wait for the Smith.. I'm concerned about injury and I often don't have a spotter with me at the gym

make the transition now. you are more prone to injury on the smith than in a squat/power rack. you also will build more stabilizing muscles when you have to keep the bar balanced rather than the smith doing it for you. if you need to back off the weight to get more comfortable with it, then do it!

fittiephd

I agree that it's hard to judge people's squat numbers for form reasons. If it helps, I know for 100% fact that my form is on par for reaching so my tops of my thighs are just below parallel and this is for a low bar squat using a regular ol' olympic bar I've been working very hard on form since January because (like was mentioned) I WAS doing incorrect form, really just doing partial squats, at which point I was doing 170 5x5. I was also using the bar pad before which I don't recommend getting used to because you probably will have to stop using it eventually and the switch is tough!

Mentally it sucks to hit 170 lbs 5x5 and then have to go back down to 135, 145 etc then I finally hit 155 this week So try to figure out your form right away!!! I personally lifted with a friend who has lifted his whole life and then went to a powerlifting gym where everyone really knows their shiz and they helped me a lot with little form things

I dont' recommend using the smith machine for anything. That thing should be banned from gyms imo. It really causes poor form and doesn't require you to use any accessory or balancing muscles or your core at all which is like half the benefit of doing squats vs leg presses or other leg work. Just IMO. I can see using it for bench because there's no spotter around but still, removes half of hte core involvement in a bench press and also doens't let you do the arm movement correctly because it moves straight down instead of at an angle (alhtough the Planet fitness ones seem to be at an angle which is even more awkward for squats).

Just do your best and def work up to the same weight your'e at on smith machine if you're goign to the bar, start at 45 and add weight and see how it feels!

morningmud

Current weight: 173

Squat: 80
Overhead: 50 (been stuck at that one a few sessions)
Deadlift: 115
Bench: 60
Barbell row: 70

I'm doing Strong Lifts so that changes constantly. Tonight, I will be doing:

Squat: 85
Bench: 65
Row: 75

da_bears10089

I agree that it's hard to judge people's squat numbers for form reasons. If it helps, I know for 100% fact that my form is on par for reaching so my tops of my thighs are just below parallel and this is for a low bar squat using a regular ol' olympic bar I've been working very hard on form since January because (like was mentioned) I WAS doing incorrect form, really just doing partial squats, at which point I was doing 170 5x5. I was also using the bar pad before which I don't recommend getting used to because you probably will have to stop using it eventually and the switch is tough!

Mentally it sucks to hit 170 lbs 5x5 and then have to go back down to 135, 145 etc then I finally hit 155 this week So try to figure out your form right away!!! I personally lifted with a friend who has lifted his whole life and then went to a powerlifting gym where everyone really knows their shiz and they helped me a lot with little form things

I dont' recommend using the smith machine for anything. That thing should be banned from gyms imo. It really causes poor form and doesn't require you to use any accessory or balancing muscles or your core at all which is like half the benefit of doing squats vs leg presses or other leg work. Just IMO. I can see using it for bench because there's no spotter around but still, removes half of hte core involvement in a bench press and also doens't let you do the arm movement correctly because it moves straight down instead of at an angle (alhtough the Planet fitness ones seem to be at an angle which is even more awkward for squats).

Just do your best and def work up to the same weight your'e at on smith machine if you're goign to the bar, start at 45 and add weight and see how it feels!

at my gym, we have one that goes straight up and down and another one that is slanted. i see women doing squats on the slanted one all the time and i just don't get it

jamaicanlady

Good point!

Everyone else's numbers posted here blows mine away so I'm not going to post Cool news though is that I have witnessed several men in the gym who lift less than me.. I feel less of a n00b now

OP, check out Stronglifts 5x5. I prefer that much more than high rep, low weight programs

I do too, but since I've started NROL already and am getting great results, I'm just going to stick with it until its finished. Plus I always start things and quit in the middle, this time I'd like to stick it out. By the way, the purpose of the original post wasn't to make anyone feel bad or anything like that about the weight they are currently lifting. It's simply to show how far others have reached with hard work. Great job on "outlifting" all those men!

Great commitment! I hope you post some before and afters when you are finished with New Rules!

Oh I'm aware, just thought the person who posted that made a good point. I do have to say though, it isn't really hard to make other women feel bad especially when women who weigh less are posting how they lift heavier than you. It's inspiring at the same time though. I've only been doing Stronglifts for two weeks now so I suppose I shouldn't be so hard on myself. lol

2 weeks?? That's all? There is no way you can feel bad then. Soon you'll be looking back and thinking..."I can't believe when such and such a weight felt SO heavy". I know I do that all the time when I put just the bar on my back. Can't believe I used to think it was impossible to squat with.

jamaicanlady

Weight 135 lbs

Squat: 155lbs
Deads: 155 lbs
Overhead press: 70 lbs
Bench : 90 lbs

These are all for 5 sets of 5.

I was around where you are about 5-6 months ago.

Eta I'm doing stronglifts and have been since about October before that I did nrolfw. The site you're thinking of is

Www.strstd.com

Or that's a similar one I think

Amazing numbers! I can't wait to be able to put two 45 lb plates on the bar. That day I'm gonna feel so badass! And thanks for the site! It's not the same one, but I'll check this one out too.

Id like to note that I;d never base my squatting ability off other peoples numbers..... tons of people go nowhere near as low as they should and its easy to do double your real capacity when you do that.. bench you cant really cheat on... you can flare your elbows, until the day you blow your rotator cuff


i dont dount Sblakes numbers.. those legs are sick... amazing physique..

I see with what you're saying. Never even thought about that, but I agree 100%. Like for example if I were to ask a couple of guys at the gym that I go to how much they squat, they would tell me some ridiculously huge numbers when actually they barely even squat 1/4 way down (not kidding!).

jamaicanlady

What you weight is not the only factor in what you lift. Don't worry about who lifts what and where you fall on a scale. The goal is to lift more next week than this week.

I know there are other factors. But for say competitions, you're put into weight classes, no? Correct me if I'm wrong.

They are. But know they are also training the specific links in a sport specific manner that allows for stronger lifts. You, I assume, go for general fitness.

The way you training can dictate how much you can lift.

I agree. And yes, I'm kinda going for general fitness. Actually at the moment I'm trying to bulk. But the reason I thought weight was the most crucial factor was because I had found a website (gosh darnit I can't find it again) that showed what category you would fall in (novice, beginner, intermediate, expert) based on the weight you are and the weight you are lifting for each compound lift.

I've seen that chart. I think it is full of it. Really, just make sure you are lifting more next week than this week. (Generally speaking). When you said you failed at 90, what do you mean? You couldn't do 3x10x90. You only did a few reps or you just couldn't move it at all?

I couldn't do even one! Went down and couldn't get back up. I wasn't hurt or anything (except for a bruised ego). As I said, there are a couple of reasons why that might have been. That day I went to the gym with a lot on my mind, and also I hadn't eaten and felt weak. The entire workout was dreadful. And I never got the chance to try again because that was the last workout in that phase and the next phase only had front squats which I only got to 70 lbs then the phase ended. In 2 weeks I will be starting the next phase and I'll be back to back squats again. Here's to hoping I can get back up this time! :laugh:

jamaicanlady

I agree with everyone who said switch to free weights immediately. I've heard so many negative things about the Smith machine. I've never actually used it so I can't verify, but the reasoning makes sense to me.

@fittiephd - I work really hard on my form too. Before I even started I watched dozens of youtube videos including the ones by Mehdi and Mark Rippetoe and even now, every now and then I watch the videos again just to remind myself.

Abells

I'm 28, 5'3" and weight 142

Dead Lift - 1RM 270#
Back Squat - 175# @ 5reps
Front Squat - 1RM 155#
Push Press - 1RM 130#
Power Clean - 1RM 125#
Bench Press - 1RM 135#
OH Squat - 65# 5X5
Box Jumps - 24"
1K row - 4:04
250m sprint Row - 0:57

cracked my fibula so havent been able to squat in quite some time

juliekins64

29 years old, 5'1" & 106 lbs and have been lifting for about 5-6 weeks, 3 times weekly on calorie restriction.

I squat 70 lbs
deadlifted 65 but could do more the problem is that I can't get the heavier ones back on the rack :-( could probably do a lot more.
bench dumbells, 2 X 25 lbs = 50 lbs
chest press 2 X 15 llbs = 30 lbs
one arm dumbell row = 25 or 30 lbs

susanmc31

Yes it all depends on your goals. Think you're on the right track! Just keep pushing and change your workouts every 4-6 weeks. This will keep u from hitting a plateau.
I have NROW! But haven't had the chance to dive into it. Would like to see your progress add me as a friend if u like!

Stats:
145lbs

Squat: 135x20, 145x15, 185x10, 225x8 1rm 320
Bench press 95x12, 115x6, 135x3
Overhead press. 65x10, 95x8, 110x3. 1rm 135
Db rows. 55x10 65x8 75x6-7.
Dead lift 110x15, 135x8 215x5.

AMAZING NUMBERS!

My highest squat is 85x5 (had to deload to get the correct form)
Bench 90x5
OHP 65x5 (can't get past this!)
Rows 105x5
Deadlift 145x5

ncl1313

I weigh quite a bit more than you (lots more fat to lose), but I've been doing Stronglifts for about 4 weeks now. Last workout was squat @ 65, bench @ 55, barbell row @ 55. Next workout will be squat @ 70, overhead press @ 50 (by far my weakest), deadlift @ 85. I really worked on form, especially on squats, the first 2 workouts and didn't increase weight. Since then, I've only increased weight when I've completed the whole 5x5 without losing form. If I lose form, I don't count the rep.

dare2love81

If you're curious about what level you're lifting at for the oly lifts, check this site out....it's based on your body weight and how long you've been lifting.

http://www.exrx.net/Testing/WeightLifting/StrengthStandards.htm

wareagle8706

Doesn't matter what weight you are you can squat however much you put in your mind to squat, you got this! Just keep working at it!!

Here is mine:

25 years old

Weight: 125-127 lbs

Squat: 95 lbs / 12 reps for 3 sets 1 rep max is: 155 lbs (video link on my profile)

Deadlift: 70 lbs / 10 reps for 3 sets

Overhead press: n/a

Bench press: 70 of 8 reps for 2 sets

Straight Leg Deadlift: 60 lbs of 12 reps for 3 sets

Carlyannabelle

I am doing a 5/3/1 program.

My stats:

5'8"
155#

Right now my lifts are:

Bench: 75 x15
OHP: 65x8
Squat: 190x2
Dead: 185x3

mrau719

Right now I'm doing some circuit work with reps at 10 so my numbers tend vary based on what the previous exercise was, etc.

So, currently:
I'm not sure of my exact weight...but around 145 lbs at 5'7"

Bench: 75

OHP: I haven't done just this in a while. My clean and press is 60 so I'd guess my overhead would be around there

Squat: 145 x 15 reps

Dead Lift: My hams are a weak spot for me, but recently I've just done one legged dead lifts at approximately 40-45 per leg for 10-15 reps each

I'll be switching from circuits to traditional lifts fairly soon, so I'm guessing my lifts could change.

stephanie1133

Just started lifting seriously 9 weeks ago, some of these lifts I've never done before, so form is something I'm incredibly serious about; don't want get injured, plus of course I want everything out of the exercise I'm supposed to get.


30 years old, 5'6", maintaining ~140

I typically do 5 sets, 3-5 reps

Deadlift 135
Squat 90
Bench 75
Clean 65
Push Press 70

jamaicanlady

To all the ladies who replied, thank you so much! Those numbers are very motivating. I'm sending each of you a friend request, would love to have other lady lifters in my friends list.

abbzpwn

18 years old
5'00''
107 lbs

squats: 135 lb (8 reps)
deadlifts: 115 lb (12 reps)
OH press: 60 lb (6 reps)
bench: 90 lb (8 reps)

rosichick

I bench 115 most 4-6 times (my heaviest)
I squat 150 lbs at most to challenge myself 4-6 times

I do 4 sets ranging from 15-4

dixiewhiskey

Thanks ladies for your responses to moving away from the Smith.. I am going to lower my weight and try doing regular squats tomorrow when I hit the gym! :flowerforyou:

dafoots0911

Bump to finish reading. Intresting thread. Will come back. Hello Jamaicanlady.

ScottishMrs

Commenting so I can find this again. I only just started lifting on Monday and I'm just doing a dumbbell program right now.

jamaicanlady

Bump to finish reading. Intresting thread. Will come back. Hello Jamaicanlady.

Hey lady! I thought we could both benefit from this thread. Have you started Stronglifts yet? I'm excited to hear about it.

LynNann57

Thank you! Yes, I am doing stronglifts. I love it! My upper body is also weak. My legs have always been my strongest. I started years ago doing Jorge Cruise's 8 Minutes in the morning- a mix of pilotes and light barbells. I have continually added programs and heavier weights. I went to strengthanmuscles site, and we also have a bowflex(my husband loves that). I prefer free weights. I never knew I could enjoy lifting so much. I love that women can heavy lift too! Not shooting to look like a body builder, just want to be very toned and fit!!!
I am 55 yrs old, and I am 5' 1.

dafoots0911

Bump to finish reading. Intresting thread. Will come back. Hello Jamaicanlady.

Hey lady! I thought we could both benefit from this thread. Have you started Stronglifts yet? I'm excited to hear about it.

You are right. I am getting tons of information here. I am still lurking on the SL's 5x5. I haven't started it yet because I have been sick. I am so excited to start SL's that I have not finished NROL (just can't get into those lunges). Taking a week off of heavy lifting and going to do my dvd's (weights and cardio) and start strong lifts April 8. Trying to soak up as much info as I can because I'm still not sure how long you do the program or where I can get some to the log sheets.