Untrained and Novice
As an untrained deadlifter, you should not worry about poundage; learn technique first. Then practice your technique. The weight increases will take care of themselves. An average male novice will deadllift approximately 133 percent of his bodyweight. An average female novice will deadlift 101 percent of her bodyweight, according to Lon Kilgore, Ph.D., one of the authors of "Practical Programming for Strength Training."
Pilates Classes Melbourne Improve posture, flexibility and core strength. Alleviate back pain. www.sofit.com.au
Intermediate
An intermediate lifter has been training nearly one to two years. Technique has been developed, and strength built through many repetitions of the deadlift. If you are a male intermediate deadlifter, on average you will lift approximately 150 percent of your bodyweight. If you are a female intermediate lifter, you will lift approximately 118 percent of your bodyweight. Many intermediate lifters move on to become novice powerlifters.
Advanced
As an advanced lifter, you will have clearly defined goals -- all of which are athletic-based. Many powerlifters fall into this category, as well as competitive weightlifters. Some bodybuilders and many strongman competitors remain in the heavier weight classes. As an advanced male, you should deadlift at least 210 percent of your bodyweight. As an advanced female, you should deadlift at least 160 percent of your bodyweight.
Elite
Elite athletes are long-time strength sport competitors. They have been competing in strength sports for years, including powerlifting, weightlifting, strongman competitions and the highland games. An elite male strength athlete will usually deadlift at least 260 percent of his bodyweight. An elite female strength athlete will usually deadlift at least 200 percent of her bodyweight on average.
References
- "Practical Programming for Strength Training"; Mark Rippetoe, et al.; 2009
- "The Westside Barbell Book of Methods"; Louie Simmons; 2008
