Last week’s poll skewed toward deadlift, but bench press and recovery questions also continue to roll in. This week, we will focus primarily on deadlifts. And next week, we will keep an eye out for deals on powerlifting equipment. Stay tuned!

This Week’s Resources

• How Much You Should Be Able to Deadlift by Age

• These Are The Most Difficult Types of Deadlifts

• Which is Better: Time Under Tension or Volume?

• The Best Ice Bath for Recovery

• 4 Exercises to Improve Your Deadlift (video)

Answering Questions about Deadlift

Let’s start with one of the most common questions we hear from powerlifters. It’s also one of our most popular articles on deadlifts.

That’s such a common question, and you’re right to include your age range. How much should I be able to deadlift? A 19-year-old powerlifter may have significantly different goals than a powerlifter nearing 40.

Here’s the short answer, starting with the younger lifters:

• The average deadlift for a 19-year-old male is 2.5 times body weight.

• The average deadlift for a 19-year-old female is 1.9 times body weight.

And for the older set:

• The average weight of a deadlift for a 39-year-old male is 2.5 times body weight.

• The average deadlift for a 39-year-old female is 2.1 times body weight.

The data shows minimal difference in average deadlift strength by age.

And that’s alright.

The best deadlift weight for beginners will be much lower, on average, than the most suitable deadlift weight for a seasoned lifter or even an intermediate lifer.

And, of course, it’s easier for a more experienced lifter to know how much to deadlift based on their health and fitness knowledge.

It also largely depends on the bar being used and the type of deadlift you’re performing. For example, you might personally find a hex bar deadlift easier than a conventional Olympic barbell-based deadlift.

Alternatively, you might find that you can surpass deadlift strength standards using a sumo stance in your lifts.

Quick question before we move on:

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The Most Challenging Deadlifts

Another common question we hear is about the difficulty of specific lifts.

Every deadlift is challenging in its own right and your personal weaknesses may make one feel more difficult than another.

However, deficit and stiff leg variations are some of the more difficult options because of the increased time under tension, range of motion, and emphasis on the posterior chain.

Here are the six things that make a deadlift harder:

1. It challenges a weak range of motion

2. It challenges a weaker muscle group

3. It's harder based on your individual mechanics

4. It's technically more challenging

5. It has a greater time under tension

6. It requires a greater level of mobility

What Kind of Ice Bath Should I Use for Recovery?

Portable ice bathtubs are worth the investment for lifters and athletes seeking a convenient and effective recovery solution. They offer targeted relief for muscle soreness, enhance circulation, and contribute to overall well-being.

We reviewed ice baths for powerlifters.

Here’s the final verdict:

Your best budget option is a Rubbermaid Stock Tank. You can have it set up quickly and easily. It’s not sold as an ice bath, so the price is much lower than the alternatives.

That said, the Ice Barrel Bathtub is a great option to get started and will fit most homes. It’s designed as an ice bath, and it looks more intentional in the recovery part of your home gym.

New Video: Exercises to Improve Your Deadlift

We also have a new video on YouTube. Please check it out and leave a comment to let us know what you think.