Is an Average Human Capable of Bench Pressing 135 lbs?

The ability to bench press a plate on each side totaling 135 lbs is a common benchmark for assessing the strength and fitness level of an individual. This weight, which might seem challenging, can vary significantly based on factors such as age, gender, fitness level, and training experience. Let's delve deeper into this topic.

Untrained Individuals

Many untrained individuals, especially those who are not active or do not engage in strength training, might find 135 lbs to be a challenging weight to lift. For these individuals, the bench press can be quite daunting. However, with time and consistent training, it is possible to improve their physical capabilities and reach this milestone.

Average Gym-Goers

For individuals who regularly work out and engage in strength training, bench pressing 135 lbs is often achievable. Many men can accomplish this weight after a few months of training. While women might take longer to reach this level, some women can lift it relatively quickly with sufficient training. According to various strength standards, 135 lbs is often considered a benchmark for beginner lifters.

The Role of Fitness Standards

Based on fitness standards, 135 lbs is considered a significant threshold for those who are just starting their training journey. For women, achieving a 135 lb bench press is comparable to a 275 lb lift for men, factoring in body weight differences. While physical capability for the vast majority of healthy women is within reach, it typically requires over a year of serious training. Among women who engage in lifting, achieving such a weight might not be a common goal, unless they compete in bodybuilding or powerlifting.

For most healthy and normal men, achieving a 135 lb bench press can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months with regular training. Many men who have trained seriously in the gym can lift this weight easily. However, it is important to note that most men have not trained seriously, and the ability to bench press 135 lbs remains a significant achievement for them.

For women, serious dedication to strength athletics is necessary to achieve such a weight. The physical possibility for normal healthy women might be within reach, but it likely requires over a year of serious training. Even among women who lift, reaching a 135 lb bench press is not a common goal unless they aim to compete in bodybuilding or powerlifting.

Bench pressing 135 lbs can significantly enhance upper body strength and provide motivation to continue training and setting new personal bests. The journey to reach this milestone is a testament to dedication and effort, and the results can be truly impressive and rewarding.

Keywords: bench press, fitness level, training experience