[nwiswell]

> You mention some pretty scary KG numbers there

> I just wanted to mention to readers that even squatting a ‘measly’ 50KG or deadlifting 30KG

Yes -- this is really important to contextualize.

Barbell resistance training is actually two things:

1) A method of exercise that has a variety of well-quantified health benefits including improvements in strength, bone density, and connective tissue. More muscle also means you can eat more without getting fat.

2) A competitive strength sport (generally called powerlifting; weightlifting usually refers to the explosive overhead lifts seen at the Olympics).

Your strength goals can, and should, depend entirely on your objectives. If you're aiming to compete, a 150KG squat and 200KG deadlift would put you around the median in the lowest male weight classes.

If you just want to get in shape, it's overkill.

[mise_en_place]

It's also relative to your body weight. A 150 kg squat for someone who weighs 118 kg (i.e. me) is not that impressive. Whereas an 80 kg squat if you weigh 80 kg is extremely impressive. You should be aiming to lift 1x-1.5x your body weight, over time.

[dmurray]

I don't get it, 1x bodyweight is impressive for a smaller person?

[omnimus]

Yeah i thought if you look at the top performers it actually gets harder if you are heavy to keep with lighter performers in terms of multiplier. The lighter performers win the multiplier game.

But maybe its different if you look at amateurs.

[adrianN]

Most males of normal weight should be able to achieve a bodyweight squat after a couple of months of training.