Reference values for the squat, bench press and deadlift in recreationally trained and strength-interested individuals aged 12–79 years

We aimed to develop contemporary reference values among recreationally trained and strength-interested individuals for the squat, bench press, and deadlift, and describe sex- and age-related patterns in estimated relative strength. This cross-sectional study analysed user-reported data collected between 1 January and 31 December 2024 by Strength Level Limited. Submissions reported sex, age, body mass, load lifted, and repetitions completed. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 12 years, entries for all three lifts on the same day from the same hashed IP address, and ≤ 15 repetitions. Estimated one-repetition maximums (e1RMs) were derived using Brzycki and Epley equations with interpolation between 8 and 10 repetitions. Relative strength was calculated as e1RM divided by body mass (kg/kg body mass ), and percentile norms were generated separately for males and females across age groups. Data from 64,457 males and 10,435 females were included. All lifts were right-skewed, with higher e1RMs and greater variability observed in males. In males, relative strength was greater in young adulthood than adolescence, and lower in middle-aged and older adults. In females, relative strength was similar in adolescence and young adulthood, with lower values observed in middle-aged and older adults. For example, median relative squat strength was 1.77 and 1.38 kg/kg body mass in young and older males, respectively, and 1.30 and 0.99 kg/kg body mass in young and older females, respectively. These findings provide contemporary benchmarks for squat, bench press, and deadlift strength among recreational and strength-interested individuals.