One of the most commonly asked questions by men looking to build muscle and strength is “how much can the average man bench?” While the answer to this question is not as straightforward as it may seem, there are some basic guidelines that can help determine a man’s expected bench press performance.
The Average Man’s Bench Press
The average man’s bench press is largely dependent on his body weight and age. An average man in his 20s can expect to bench press approximately 135-185 pounds. This number increases to 155-205 pounds for men in their 30s, and 175-225 pounds for men in their 40s. Generally speaking, men in their 50s and older can expect to bench press around 185-245 pounds.
Factors That Affect Bench Press Performance
While age and body weight are the biggest factors in determining an average man’s bench press performance, there are other factors that can help or hinder a man’s ability to lift heavier weights. For instance, a man’s genetics, training routine, diet, and lifestyle all have an impact on his strength and overall bench press performance.
Genetics
Genetics can play a role in a man’s ability to lift heavier weights. Some men are naturally stronger than others and may be able to lift heavier weights than the average man. Additionally, men with longer arms may have a slight advantage when it comes to bench pressing as they may be able to reach a greater depth on the bar.
Training Routine
A man’s training routine can also affect his bench press performance. For instance, men who focus more on compound exercises such as squats and deadlifts may find that they have an easier time increasing their bench press numbers than men who focus more on isolation exercises. Additionally, men who focus their workouts around chest exercises such as the bench press may find that they are able to increase their bench press numbers more quickly than men who have a more balanced workout routine.
Diet
A man’s diet can also have an impact on his bench press performance. Eating a healthy diet that is rich in protein and complex carbohydrates can help a man gain strength and muscle, which can lead to an increase in the amount of weight he can lift. Additionally, consuming enough calories can provide the energy needed to power through tough workouts, which can help a man increase his bench press performance.
Lifestyle
Finally, a man’s lifestyle can also affect his bench press performance. Men who lead an active lifestyle and engage in regular physical activity can expect to see better results in the gym than men who are sedentary and lead a more sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, men who get adequate rest and recovery between workouts can expect to see better results than men who do not focus on recovery.
Conclusion
Knowing how much the average man can bench press is important for those looking to build muscle and strength. While the exact weight a man can bench press is largely dependent on his body weight, age, genetics, training routine, diet, and lifestyle, the average man in his 20s can expect to bench press approximately 135-185 pounds, while men in their 30s can expect to bench press 155-205 pounds, and men in their 40s can expect to bench press 175-225 pounds.