How many pounds do you have to lift in the bench press to be considered average in terms of strength?

[Gieffe12]

I weigh 174 lbs, 5.9 tall and I just started working out. How much should I lift to be average in terms of strength?

[purplepoppy]

Once you've mastered the technique most men can press their bodyweight and woman about 85% of it. But I wouldn't start off that heavy first time as most people aren't lifting to their natural ability and it would be dangerous. Also don't forget that's lean body weight not fat weight. People with short arms can lift more too.

[Gieffe12]

50% of my weight?

[purplepoppy]

No instructor would give you your full body weight on your first go. It takes a few weeks for your body to learn the movement. 50% would be a decent starting point

[Gieffe12]

You sound like you're in the industry. Are you personal trainer? In your opinion, a 50% lower load would be disappointing?

[purplepoppy]

Just do what you're capable of not what the Internet says

[MikeyObrien]

Once you can bench 1.5 times your weight that's when you're in a good zone.

[MikeyObrien]

You don't wanna go off average. Most Americans can't even do a pushup.

[jahaims]

You should be able to bench your body weight pretty easily

[Gieffe12]

even though I started a couple of months ago?

[In_Trance]

There is no average. Be better than you were yesterday

[Avicenna]

At your age, benching your weight is good

[Anonymous]

at least 100 lbs