Browse RoutinesCreate a Routine
Hardy
Create a Routine
Browse Routines Get the appLog In / Sign Up
  1. Home
  2. Articles
  3. Strength Report

Hardy Strength Progression Report 2026

How Fast Do Lifters Really Get Stronger? What 5.8 Million Logged Sets Say

Published 2026-09-15 · Data through 2026-09-02 · 10,407 lifters · 368,505 workouts

In this report
  • How long it takes to reach 1, 2, 3 and 4 plates
  • How fast lifters actually get stronger
  • What people actually log
  • How much a typical lifter lifts
  • Methodology

Every strength standards table on the internet is built from the same thing: people typing their best lifts into a form. Hardy has something different. Lifters log every set in the app as they train, so we can watch strength change over time instead of guessing from a snapshot. This report analyses 5.8 million finished sets from 368,505 workouts logged by 10,407 lifters between 2021-03-06 and 2026-09-02.

It answers the questions lifters actually ask: how many people can bench 225 and how long it takes, how much stronger you should expect to be after a year, and what a typical lifter who tracks their training actually lifts.

  • A 2-plate bench (100 kg / 225 lb) is rarer than gym talk suggests: of lifters who started below it and were still logging a year later, 10% had reached it within 12 months, and 15% within two years. Starting strength dominates: 22% of those who began at 1 plate or more got there within a year, against 1% of those who began below 1 plate.
  • A 3-plate squat (140 kg / 315 lb): 7% of lifters who started below it reached it within 12 months of logging, 11% within 24 months.
  • A 4-plate deadlift (180 kg / 405 lb): 4% within 12 months, 6% within 24 months, among lifters who started below it.
  • After 12 months of logging, the median bench press estimated 1RM was up 7.6 kg (17 lb) (11%), and 29% of lifters were no stronger than when they started.
  • The intermediate stall is real: lifters who started with a 100 to 140 kg bench added a median of 1.9 kg (4 lb) in a year, and 44% of them made no progress at all.
  • The median lifter's best estimated bench press is 77.4 kg (171 lb); only 12% have ever benched 100 kg or more for a rep.
  • The typical workout is 48.8 minutes, 16 sets across 4 exercises, and the median lifter trains twice in an active week.
Bar chart: Share of lifters who have lifted each plate milestone for at least one rep

How long it takes to reach 1, 2, 3 and 4 plates

Plate milestones are how lifters talk about strength: a 2-plate bench, a 3-plate squat, a 4-plate deadlift. For every lifter we found the first session of each lift, checked they started below the milestone, and then tracked when (and whether) the weight was actually lifted for at least one rep. Each curve shows the share of lifters who had reached the milestone after N months of logged training, counting only lifters who were still logging at that point.

Bench Press: share of lifters who had reached each plate milestone, by months of logged training
0%25%50%75%100%16111621263136Months since first logged sessionReached milestone1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 1: 10%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 2: 21%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 3: 27%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 4: 30%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 5: 31%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 6: 34%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 7: 36%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 8: 37%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 9: 38%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 10: 40%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 11: 41%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 12: 42%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 13: 43%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 14: 44%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 15: 45%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 16: 45%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 17: 47%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 18: 48%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 19: 48%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 20: 48%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 21: 50%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 22: 51%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 23: 52%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 24: 54%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 25: 55%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 26: 55%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 27: 57%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 28: 59%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 29: 61%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 30: 61%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 31: 58%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 32: 61%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 33: 60%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 34: 60%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 35: 62%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 36: 65%1 plate2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 1: 2%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 2: 4%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 3: 5%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 4: 7%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 5: 7%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 6: 8%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 7: 9%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 8: 9%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 9: 10%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 10: 10%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 11: 10%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 12: 10%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 13: 11%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 14: 12%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 15: 12%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 16: 12%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 17: 12%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 18: 13%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 19: 12%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 20: 12%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 21: 13%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 22: 13%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 23: 14%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 24: 15%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 25: 15%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 26: 16%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 27: 17%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 28: 17%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 29: 19%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 30: 20%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 31: 21%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 32: 22%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 33: 22%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 34: 23%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 35: 25%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 36: 27%2 plates3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 1: 0%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 2: 0%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 3: 0%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 4: 0%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 5: 0%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 6: 0%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 7: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 8: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 9: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 10: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 11: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 12: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 13: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 14: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 15: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 16: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 17: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 18: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 19: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 20: 2%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 21: 2%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 22: 2%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 23: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 24: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 25: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 26: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 27: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 28: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 29: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 30: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 31: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 32: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 33: 2%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 34: 2%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 35: 2%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 36: 3%3 plates
  • 1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb)
  • 2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb)
  • 3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb)

Only lifters who started below the milestone and were still logging at that month are counted. A milestone counts when the weight was actually lifted for at least one rep, not estimated.

View the data table
Months since first logged session1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb)2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb)3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb)
110%2%0%
221%4%0%
327%5%0%
430%7%0%
531%7%0%
634%8%0%
736%9%1%
837%9%1%
938%10%1%
1040%10%1%
1141%10%1%
1242%10%1%
1343%11%1%
1444%12%1%
1545%12%1%
1645%12%1%
1747%12%1%
1848%13%1%
1948%12%1%
2048%12%2%
2150%13%2%
2251%13%2%
2352%14%1%
2454%15%1%
2555%15%1%
2655%16%1%
2757%17%1%
2859%17%1%
2961%19%1%
3061%20%1%
3158%21%1%
3261%22%1%
3360%22%2%
3460%23%2%
3562%25%2%
3665%27%3%
Squat: share of lifters who had reached each plate milestone, by months of logged training
0%25%50%75%100%16111621263136Months since first logged sessionReached milestone1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 1: 14%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 2: 25%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 3: 32%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 4: 36%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 5: 40%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 6: 42%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 7: 44%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 8: 45%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 9: 47%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 10: 49%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 11: 50%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 12: 52%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 13: 53%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 14: 53%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 15: 55%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 16: 56%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 17: 57%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 18: 57%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 19: 58%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 20: 57%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 21: 60%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 22: 61%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 23: 61%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 24: 62%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 25: 62%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 26: 65%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 27: 67%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 28: 66%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 29: 68%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 30: 74%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 31: 72%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 32: 70%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 33: 67%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 34: 71%1 plate2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 1: 5%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 2: 9%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 3: 14%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 4: 16%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 5: 18%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 6: 19%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 7: 21%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 8: 21%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 9: 23%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 10: 23%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 11: 25%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 12: 26%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 13: 27%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 14: 28%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 15: 29%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 16: 30%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 17: 31%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 18: 31%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 19: 32%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 20: 32%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 21: 33%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 22: 33%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 23: 35%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 24: 35%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 25: 36%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 26: 37%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 27: 39%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 28: 38%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 29: 38%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 30: 39%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 31: 40%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 32: 40%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 33: 42%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 34: 41%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 35: 45%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 36: 42%2 plates3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 1: 1%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 2: 2%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 3: 3%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 4: 4%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 5: 4%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 6: 5%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 7: 5%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 8: 5%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 9: 6%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 10: 6%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 11: 6%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 12: 7%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 13: 7%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 14: 7%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 15: 8%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 16: 8%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 17: 8%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 18: 9%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 19: 9%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 20: 9%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 21: 10%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 22: 10%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 23: 11%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 24: 11%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 25: 11%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 26: 12%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 27: 12%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 28: 13%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 29: 13%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 30: 15%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 31: 16%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 32: 17%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 33: 17%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 34: 17%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 35: 19%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 36: 26%3 plates4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 1: 0%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 2: 0%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 3: 0%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 4: 0%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 5: 1%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 6: 1%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 7: 1%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 8: 1%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 9: 1%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 10: 1%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 11: 1%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 12: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 13: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 14: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 15: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 16: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 17: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 18: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 19: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 20: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 21: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 22: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 23: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 24: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 25: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 26: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 27: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 28: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 29: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 30: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 31: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 32: 1%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 33: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 34: 1%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 35: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 36: 3%4 plates
  • 1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb)
  • 2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb)
  • 3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb)
  • 4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb)

Only lifters who started below the milestone and were still logging at that month are counted. A milestone counts when the weight was actually lifted for at least one rep, not estimated.

View the data table
Months since first logged session1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb)2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb)3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb)4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb)
114%5%1%0%
225%9%2%0%
332%14%3%0%
436%16%4%0%
540%18%4%1%
642%19%5%1%
744%21%5%1%
845%21%5%1%
947%23%6%1%
1049%23%6%1%
1150%25%6%1%
1252%26%7%2%
1353%27%7%2%
1453%28%7%2%
1555%29%8%2%
1656%30%8%2%
1757%31%8%2%
1857%31%9%2%
1958%32%9%2%
2057%32%9%2%
2160%33%10%2%
2261%33%10%2%
2361%35%11%2%
2462%35%11%2%
2562%36%11%2%
2665%37%12%2%
2767%39%12%2%
2866%38%13%2%
2968%38%13%2%
3074%39%15%2%
3172%40%16%2%
3270%40%17%1%
3367%42%17%2%
3471%41%17%1%
3545%19%2%
3642%26%3%
Deadlift: share of lifters who had reached each plate milestone, by months of logged training
0%25%50%75%100%16111621263136Months since first logged sessionReached milestone1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 1: 18%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 2: 31%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 3: 38%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 4: 42%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 5: 45%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 6: 49%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 7: 50%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 8: 51%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 9: 51%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 10: 53%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 11: 54%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 12: 55%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 13: 57%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 14: 58%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 15: 62%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 16: 64%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 17: 66%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 18: 66%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 19: 69%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 20: 70%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 21: 72%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 22: 73%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 23: 73%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 24: 72%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 25: 75%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 26: 75%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 27: 81%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 28: 84%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 29: 87%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 30: 90%1 plate2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 1: 8%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 2: 16%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 3: 21%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 4: 25%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 5: 26%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 6: 28%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 7: 30%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 8: 32%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 9: 33%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 10: 34%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 11: 35%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 12: 36%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 13: 37%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 14: 38%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 15: 39%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 16: 39%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 17: 41%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 18: 42%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 19: 42%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 20: 45%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 21: 46%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 22: 48%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 23: 50%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 24: 51%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 25: 52%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 26: 52%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 27: 54%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 28: 54%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 29: 55%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 30: 57%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 31: 57%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 32: 56%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 33: 56%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 34: 58%2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb) · 35: 60%2 plates3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 1: 2%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 2: 4%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 3: 6%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 4: 9%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 5: 10%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 6: 11%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 7: 12%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 8: 13%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 9: 13%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 10: 14%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 11: 15%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 12: 15%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 13: 15%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 14: 16%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 15: 17%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 16: 17%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 17: 17%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 18: 18%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 19: 18%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 20: 18%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 21: 19%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 22: 20%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 23: 20%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 24: 22%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 25: 22%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 26: 22%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 27: 24%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 28: 25%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 29: 26%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 30: 27%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 31: 29%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 32: 31%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 33: 33%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 34: 33%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 35: 35%3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb) · 36: 36%3 plates4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 1: 1%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 2: 1%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 3: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 4: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 5: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 6: 2%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 7: 3%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 8: 3%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 9: 3%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 10: 3%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 11: 3%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 12: 4%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 13: 4%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 14: 4%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 15: 4%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 16: 4%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 17: 5%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 18: 5%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 19: 5%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 20: 5%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 21: 6%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 22: 5%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 23: 5%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 24: 6%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 25: 6%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 26: 6%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 27: 6%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 28: 6%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 29: 6%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 30: 7%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 31: 7%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 32: 7%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 33: 8%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 34: 10%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 35: 7%4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb) · 36: 8%4 plates
  • 1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb)
  • 2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb)
  • 3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb)
  • 4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb)

Only lifters who started below the milestone and were still logging at that month are counted. A milestone counts when the weight was actually lifted for at least one rep, not estimated.

View the data table
Months since first logged session1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb)2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb)3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb)4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb)
118%8%2%1%
231%16%4%1%
338%21%6%2%
442%25%9%2%
545%26%10%2%
649%28%11%2%
750%30%12%3%
851%32%13%3%
951%33%13%3%
1053%34%14%3%
1154%35%15%3%
1255%36%15%4%
1357%37%15%4%
1458%38%16%4%
1562%39%17%4%
1664%39%17%4%
1766%41%17%5%
1866%42%18%5%
1969%42%18%5%
2070%45%18%5%
2172%46%19%6%
2273%48%20%5%
2373%50%20%5%
2472%51%22%6%
2575%52%22%6%
2675%52%22%6%
2781%54%24%6%
2884%54%25%6%
2987%55%26%6%
3090%57%27%7%
3157%29%7%
3256%31%7%
3356%33%8%
3458%33%10%
3560%35%7%
3636%8%
Overhead Press: share of lifters who had reached each plate milestone, by months of logged training
0%25%50%75%100%16111621263136Months since first logged sessionReached milestone1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 1: 3%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 2: 6%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 3: 7%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 4: 9%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 5: 10%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 6: 11%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 7: 12%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 8: 12%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 9: 13%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 10: 13%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 11: 14%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 12: 14%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 13: 15%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 14: 16%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 15: 15%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 16: 15%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 17: 15%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 18: 16%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 19: 16%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 20: 16%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 21: 17%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 22: 17%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 23: 17%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 24: 19%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 25: 19%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 26: 20%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 27: 21%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 28: 23%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 29: 24%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 30: 24%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 31: 26%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 32: 27%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 33: 30%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 34: 30%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 35: 33%1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb) · 36: 33%

Only lifters who started below the milestone and were still logging at that month are counted. A milestone counts when the weight was actually lifted for at least one rep, not estimated.

View the data table
Months since first logged session1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb)
13%
26%
37%
49%
510%
611%
712%
812%
913%
1013%
1114%
1214%
1315%
1416%
1515%
1615%
1715%
1816%
1916%
2016%
2117%
2217%
2317%
2419%
2519%
2620%
2721%
2823%
2924%
3024%
3126%
3227%
3330%
3430%
3533%
3633%
Milestones are counted from the first logged session of that lift. Only lifters who started below the milestone are included; the 12- and 24-month columns only count lifters who were still logging at that point. The median is shown only where at least 50 lifters reached the milestone, and it is a survivor statistic: most who got there started within one plate of it.
LiftMilestoneLifters who started belowReached within 12 monthsReached within 24 monthsMedian months (of those who reached it)
Bench Press1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb)2,60042%54%1.8
Bench Press2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb)4,76610%15%2.6
Bench Press3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb)5,0421%1%n/a
Squat1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb)1,63952%62%1.8
Squat2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb)3,67526%35%2.5
Squat3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb)4,3047%11%3.6
Squat4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb)4,4022%2%5.6
Deadlift1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb)93055%72%1.6
Deadlift2 plates (100 kg / 225 lb)2,55036%51%2.1
Deadlift3 plates (140 kg / 315 lb)3,39915%22%3.2
Deadlift4 plates (180 kg / 405 lb)3,6694%6%3.2
Overhead Press1 plate (60 kg / 135 lb)3,09414%19%2.3

Each lift has its own page with curves split by starting strength: how many people can bench 225, how many people can squat 315, how many people can deadlift 405 and how many people can overhead press 135.

How fast lifters actually get stronger

For each lifter we took the best estimated 1RM in their first month of logging a lift and compared it to the best estimated 1RM in the window around month 1, 3, 6 and 12. Only lifters with a session in that window are counted, so these are people who kept training. The bars show the median gain; the tables show how wide the spread is.

Bench Press: median estimated 1RM gain by starting strength
051015201 moStarted at 0-40 kg · 1 mo: 2.9 kgStarted at 40-60 kg · 1 mo: 3.6 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 1 mo: 2.9 kgStarted at 100-140 kg · 1 mo: 2.2 kg3 moStarted at 0-40 kg · 3 mo: 6.5 kgStarted at 40-60 kg · 3 mo: 7.5 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 3 mo: 5.2 kgStarted at 100-140 kg · 3 mo: 2 kg6 moStarted at 0-40 kg · 6 mo: 7.5 kgStarted at 40-60 kg · 6 mo: 9.7 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 6 mo: 6.2 kgStarted at 100-140 kg · 6 mo: 2.6 kg12 moStarted at 0-40 kg · 12 mo: 11.1 kgStarted at 40-60 kg · 12 mo: 11 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 12 mo: 8.4 kgStarted at 100-140 kg · 12 mo: 1.9 kgMonths of logged trainingMedian e1RM gain
  • Started at 0-40 kg
  • Started at 40-60 kg
  • Started at 60-100 kg
  • Started at 100-140 kg

Estimated 1RM uses the Epley formula on the best set of each session (10 reps or fewer). Gains are relative to the lifter's first month.

View the data table
Months of logged trainingStarted at 0-40 kgStarted at 40-60 kgStarted at 60-100 kgStarted at 100-140 kg
1 mo2.9 kg3.6 kg2.9 kg2.2 kg
3 mo6.5 kg7.5 kg5.2 kg2 kg
6 mo7.5 kg9.7 kg6.2 kg2.6 kg
12 mo11.1 kg11 kg8.4 kg1.9 kg
Bench Press: estimated 1RM change after N months, all starting levels. Interquartile range shows the middle half of lifters.
AfterLiftersMedian gainMiddle 50%Median gain %No gain or lost strength
1 month4,1382.9 kg (6 lb)0 to 7.3 kg4%33%
3 months2,3275.2 kg (11 lb)0 to 11.7 kg7%29%
6 months1,4876.2 kg (14 lb)0 to 14.4 kg9%29%
12 months8357.6 kg (17 lb)-0.2 to 17.5 kg11%29%
Squat: median estimated 1RM gain by starting strength
06.312.518.8251 moStarted at 0-40 kg · 1 mo: 5.7 kgStarted at 40-60 kg · 1 mo: 6 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 1 mo: 5.3 kgStarted at 100-140 kg · 1 mo: 4.8 kgStarted at 140-180 kg · 1 mo: 1.5 kg3 moStarted at 0-40 kg · 3 mo: 11.7 kgStarted at 40-60 kg · 3 mo: 13 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 3 mo: 8.8 kgStarted at 100-140 kg · 3 mo: 6.9 kgStarted at 140-180 kg · 3 mo: 2.4 kg6 moStarted at 0-40 kg · 6 mo: 17.3 kgStarted at 40-60 kg · 6 mo: 17.5 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 6 mo: 10.6 kgStarted at 100-140 kg · 6 mo: 8.4 kgStarted at 140-180 kg · 6 mo: 2.1 kg12 moStarted at 40-60 kg · 12 mo: 22.4 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 12 mo: 12 kgStarted at 100-140 kg · 12 mo: 8.8 kgMonths of logged trainingMedian e1RM gain
  • Started at 0-40 kg
  • Started at 40-60 kg
  • Started at 60-100 kg
  • Started at 100-140 kg
  • Started at 140-180 kg

Estimated 1RM uses the Epley formula on the best set of each session (10 reps or fewer). Gains are relative to the lifter's first month.

View the data table
Months of logged trainingStarted at 0-40 kgStarted at 40-60 kgStarted at 60-100 kgStarted at 100-140 kgStarted at 140-180 kg
1 mo5.7 kg6 kg5.3 kg4.8 kg1.5 kg
3 mo11.7 kg13 kg8.8 kg6.9 kg2.4 kg
6 mo17.3 kg17.5 kg10.6 kg8.4 kg2.1 kg
12 mo22.4 kg12 kg8.8 kg
Squat: estimated 1RM change after N months, all starting levels. Interquartile range shows the middle half of lifters.
AfterLiftersMedian gainMiddle 50%Median gain %No gain or lost strength
1 month3,5155.1 kg (11 lb)0 to 11 kg6%30%
3 months1,9658.5 kg (19 lb)0 to 18.1 kg10%26%
6 months1,19010.9 kg (24 lb)0 to 22.1 kg12%27%
12 months70211.7 kg (26 lb)-2.9 to 27 kg13%31%
Deadlift: median estimated 1RM gain by starting strength
06.312.518.8251 moStarted at 0-40 kg · 1 mo: 6 kgStarted at 40-60 kg · 1 mo: 6.2 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 1 mo: 5.8 kgStarted at 100-140 kg · 1 mo: 5.1 kgStarted at 140-180 kg · 1 mo: 2.9 kg3 moStarted at 0-40 kg · 3 mo: 11.6 kgStarted at 40-60 kg · 3 mo: 16.2 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 3 mo: 12.9 kgStarted at 100-140 kg · 3 mo: 9.8 kgStarted at 140-180 kg · 3 mo: 8 kg6 moStarted at 40-60 kg · 6 mo: 21.2 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 6 mo: 17.9 kgStarted at 100-140 kg · 6 mo: 11.7 kgStarted at 140-180 kg · 6 mo: 6.3 kg12 moStarted at 60-100 kg · 12 mo: 22.8 kgStarted at 100-140 kg · 12 mo: 12.5 kgStarted at 140-180 kg · 12 mo: 3.3 kgMonths of logged trainingMedian e1RM gain
  • Started at 0-40 kg
  • Started at 40-60 kg
  • Started at 60-100 kg
  • Started at 100-140 kg
  • Started at 140-180 kg

Estimated 1RM uses the Epley formula on the best set of each session (10 reps or fewer). Gains are relative to the lifter's first month.

View the data table
Months of logged trainingStarted at 0-40 kgStarted at 40-60 kgStarted at 60-100 kgStarted at 100-140 kgStarted at 140-180 kg
1 mo6 kg6.2 kg5.8 kg5.1 kg2.9 kg
3 mo11.6 kg16.2 kg12.9 kg9.8 kg8 kg
6 mo21.2 kg17.9 kg11.7 kg6.3 kg
12 mo22.8 kg12.5 kg3.3 kg
Deadlift: estimated 1RM change after N months, all starting levels. Interquartile range shows the middle half of lifters.
AfterLiftersMedian gainMiddle 50%Median gain %No gain or lost strength
1 month3,0545.3 kg (12 lb)0 to 12.1 kg5%31%
3 months1,64010.9 kg (24 lb)0.5 to 21.2 kg11%24%
6 months99214.3 kg (32 lb)1.2 to 27.4 kg14%24%
12 months56317.5 kg (39 lb)0 to 34.5 kg16%26%
Overhead Press: median estimated 1RM gain by starting strength
02.557.5101 moStarted at 0-40 kg · 1 mo: 2.7 kgStarted at 40-60 kg · 1 mo: 2.2 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 1 mo: 1.1 kg3 moStarted at 0-40 kg · 3 mo: 4.7 kgStarted at 40-60 kg · 3 mo: 3.5 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 3 mo: 0.5 kg6 moStarted at 0-40 kg · 6 mo: 5.8 kgStarted at 40-60 kg · 6 mo: 4.5 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 6 mo: 0 kg12 moStarted at 0-40 kg · 12 mo: 7.9 kgStarted at 40-60 kg · 12 mo: 5 kgStarted at 60-100 kg · 12 mo: -0.2 kgMonths of logged trainingMedian e1RM gain
  • Started at 0-40 kg
  • Started at 40-60 kg
  • Started at 60-100 kg

Estimated 1RM uses the Epley formula on the best set of each session (10 reps or fewer). Gains are relative to the lifter's first month.

View the data table
Months of logged trainingStarted at 0-40 kgStarted at 40-60 kgStarted at 60-100 kg
1 mo2.7 kg2.2 kg1.1 kg
3 mo4.7 kg3.5 kg0.5 kg
6 mo5.8 kg4.5 kg0 kg
12 mo7.9 kg5 kg-0.2 kg
Overhead Press: estimated 1RM change after N months, all starting levels. Interquartile range shows the middle half of lifters.
AfterLiftersMedian gainMiddle 50%Median gain %No gain or lost strength
1 month2,7322.2 kg (5 lb)0 to 5.7 kg5%36%
3 months1,4563.3 kg (7 lb)0 to 8.8 kg8%30%
6 months8374.5 kg (10 lb)-0.5 to 10 kg10%31%
12 months4575.3 kg (12 lb)-1.4 to 11.5 kg13%31%

What people actually log

Most logged exercises, by share of all finished sets
bench pressShare of sets · bench press: 10%10%squatShare of sets · squat: 8%8%overhead pressShare of sets · overhead press: 6%6%deadliftShare of sets · deadlift: 5%5%barbell rowShare of sets · barbell row: 3%3%lat pulldownShare of sets · lat pulldown: 2%2%lateral raiseShare of sets · lateral raise: 2%2%incline bench pressShare of sets · incline bench press: 2%2%leg curlShare of sets · leg curl: 2%2%tricep pushdownShare of sets · tricep pushdown: 1%1%seated cable rowShare of sets · seated cable row: 1%1%leg extensionShare of sets · leg extension: 1%1%hammer curlShare of sets · hammer curl: 1%1%Cable crunchShare of sets · Cable crunch: 1%1%curlShare of sets · curl: 1%1%
View the data table
Share of sets
bench press10%
squat8%
overhead press6%
deadlift5%
barbell row3%
lat pulldown2%
lateral raise2%
incline bench press2%
leg curl2%
tricep pushdown1%
seated cable row1%
leg extension1%
hammer curl1%
Cable crunch1%
curl1%
Where the sets go: share of sets by primary muscle group
glutesShare of sets · glutes: 16%16%chestShare of sets · chest: 15%15%latsShare of sets · lats: 12%12%quadsShare of sets · quads: 11%11%hamstringsShare of sets · hamstrings: 8%8%front deltsShare of sets · front delts: 7%7%bicepsShare of sets · biceps: 6%6%tricepsShare of sets · triceps: 6%6%lower backShare of sets · lower back: 5%5%side deltsShare of sets · side delts: 3%3%absShare of sets · abs: 3%3%rear deltsShare of sets · rear delts: 2%2%forearmsShare of sets · forearms: 2%2%calvesShare of sets · calves: 2%2%trapsShare of sets · traps: 1%1%obliquesShare of sets · obliques: 0%0%
View the data table
Share of sets
glutes16%
chest15%
lats12%
quads11%
hamstrings8%
front delts7%
biceps6%
triceps6%
lower back5%
side delts3%
abs3%
rear delts2%
forearms2%
calves2%
traps1%
obliques0%
Workout statisticValue
Median workout length48.8 min
Middle 50% of workouts34.4 to 66.5 min
Median sets per workout16
Median exercises per workout4
Median tonnage per workout4,330 kg
Median workouts per active week2
Active weeks with 1 workout32%
Active weeks with 3 workouts21%
Active weeks with 5+ workouts7%
Reps per set on weighted exercises
0%25%50%75%100%1-3Share · 1-3: 5%5%4-5Share · 4-5: 20%20%6-8Share · 6-8: 20%20%9-12Share · 9-12: 44%44%13-20Share · 13-20: 9%9%21+Share · 21+: 1%1%Reps
View the data table
RepsShare
1-35%
4-520%
6-820%
9-1244%
13-209%
21+1%
Rest between sets, where a rest timer was used
0%25%50%75%100%<60sShare · <60s: 27%27%60-89sShare · 60-89s: 12%12%90-119sShare · 90-119s: 21%21%120-179sShare · 120-179s: 23%23%180-299sShare · 180-299s: 13%13%300s+Share · 300s+: 5%5%Rest
View the data table
RestShare
<60s27%
60-89s12%
90-119s21%
120-179s23%
180-299s13%
300s+5%
RPE logged per set, where RPE was recorded
0%25%50%75%100%6Share · 6: 12%12%6.5Share · 6.5: 3%3%7Share · 7: 11%11%7.5Share · 7.5: 4%4%8Share · 8: 18%18%8.5Share · 8.5: 8%8%9Share · 9: 18%18%9.5Share · 9.5: 9%9%10Share · 10: 17%17%RPE

RPE was recorded on 11% of finished sets.

View the data table
RPEShare
612%
6.53%
711%
7.54%
818%
8.58%
918%
9.59%
1017%
Which days people train
0%25%50%75%100%MonShare · Mon: 17%17%TueShare · Tue: 17%17%WedShare · Wed: 16%16%ThuShare · Thu: 15%15%FriShare · Fri: 15%15%SatShare · Sat: 11%11%SunShare · Sun: 9%9%Day of week

Workout dates are recorded in UTC, so a late-evening session in the Americas can land on the next day.

View the data table
Day of weekShare
Mon17%
Tue17%
Wed16%
Thu15%
Fri15%
Sat11%
Sun9%

How much a typical lifter lifts

These are not strength standards by bodyweight. Hardy does not know anyone's bodyweight or sex, and its users are self-selected people who track their training. What the table shows is the distribution of best estimated 1RMs across everyone who logged the lift in at least 3 sessions, which is a useful reality check next to the usual "beginner / intermediate / advanced" labels.

Best estimated 1RM per lifter, across everyone who logged the lift in at least 3 sessions. These are app users who track their training, not the general population.
LiftLiftersBottom 10%25th percentileMedian75th percentileTop 10%Top 1%
Bench Press6,50038.5 kg (85 lb)57.5 kg (127 lb)77.4 kg (171 lb)97.7 kg (215 lb)115.2 kg (254 lb)151.5 kg (334 lb)
Squat5,93147.5 kg (105 lb)69.6 kg (153 lb)93.3 kg (206 lb)120.7 kg (266 lb)147.6 kg (325 lb)204 kg (450 lb)
Deadlift5,24757 kg (126 lb)79.4 kg (175 lb)110.5 kg (244 lb)140.7 kg (310 lb)171.5 kg (378 lb)226.7 kg (500 lb)
Overhead Press4,58226.5 kg (58 lb)37.3 kg (82 lb)49.1 kg (108 lb)60.9 kg (134 lb)71.4 kg (157 lb)98.1 kg (216 lb)
Share of lifters who have lifted each plate milestone for at least one rep
0%25%50%75%100%Bench Press1 plate (60 kg) · Bench Press: 61%2 plates (100 kg) · Bench Press: 12%3 plates (140 kg) · Bench Press: 1%Squat1 plate (60 kg) · Squat: 74%2 plates (100 kg) · Squat: 30%3 plates (140 kg) · Squat: 7%4 plates (180 kg) · Squat: 1%Deadlift1 plate (60 kg) · Deadlift: 82%2 plates (100 kg) · Deadlift: 45%3 plates (140 kg) · Deadlift: 16%4 plates (180 kg) · Deadlift: 4%Overhead Press1 plate (60 kg) · Overhead Press: 14%Share of lifters
  • 1 plate (60 kg)
  • 2 plates (100 kg)
  • 3 plates (140 kg)
  • 4 plates (180 kg)
View the data table
1 plate (60 kg)2 plates (100 kg)3 plates (140 kg)4 plates (180 kg)
Bench Press61%12%1%
Squat74%30%7%1%
Deadlift82%45%16%4%
Overhead Press14%

Methodology

The dataset is every workout logged in the Hardy app between 2021-03-06 and 2026-09-02: 368,505 workouts and 5,843,507 finished sets from 10,407 lifters. All numbers are aggregates. No individual workout, lifter, or account is identifiable.

  • A workout counts if it lasted between 5 minutes and 6 hours. Shorter and longer sessions are almost always accidental starts or forgotten timers.
  • A set counts as finished if it has at least 1 and at most 50 logged reps. Sets that were planned but never performed are excluded.
  • Progression analysis uses lifters with at least 3 qualifying workouts (7,667 lifters) and the barbell bench press, squat, deadlift and overhead press as logged against the built-in exercises.
  • Estimated 1RM is Epley (weight × (1 + reps / 30)) on the best set of a session, using sets of 10 reps or fewer. Sets implying an estimated 1RM above 500 kg are dropped as entry errors.
  • Plate milestones are 60 / 100 / 140 / 180 kg for lifters who use kilograms and 135 / 225 / 315 / 405 lb for lifters who use pounds. A milestone counts on the first session where that weight was lifted for at least one rep.
  • Time-to-milestone curves only include lifters who started below the milestone (best set in their first two weeks) and were still logging at the month shown, so nobody is counted as failing just because they stopped using the app.
  • Any group with fewer than 50 lifters is suppressed.
  • Hardy users are people who chose a strength tracking app and kept logging. They are stronger and more consistent than the average gym-goer, and the report does not know anyone's bodyweight, age or sex. Read the numbers as "people who track their lifting", not as population strength standards.

The aggregate data behind every chart is available as a CSV: download strength-report-data.csv. You are welcome to reuse it with attribution and a link to this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to bench 225?

Longer than most people expect. Of lifters who started below 225 lb / 100 kg and kept logging for a year, 10% had benched it within 12 months, and 15% of those still logging at two years had done it by then. Starting from 1 plate or more the one-year odds were 22%, starting below 1 plate 1%. The bench press chapter answers how many people can bench 225 and has the full curves by starting strength.

What is the average bench press?

Among Hardy users who logged the bench press in at least 3 sessions, the median best estimated 1RM is 77.4 kg (171 lb). A quarter are below 57.5 kg (127 lb) and the top 10% are above 115.2 kg (254 lb). 12% have benched 100 kg or more for at least one rep. These are people who track their training, so they skew stronger than the average gym-goer.

What is the average squat and deadlift?

The median best estimated 1RM among Hardy users is 93.3 kg (206 lb) for the squat and 110.5 kg (244 lb) for the deadlift. The top 10% squat more than 147.6 kg (325 lb) and deadlift more than 171.5 kg (378 lb). 16% of deadlifters have pulled 140 kg / 3 plates for a rep, and 7% of squatters have squatted it.

How much stronger should I be after a year of lifting?

Across all starting levels, the median Hardy user added 7.6 kg (17 lb) to their estimated bench press 1RM after 12 months of logging, an increase of 11%. The spread is wide: the middle half ranged from -0.2 kg to 17.5 kg, and 29% made no progress at all. Lifters who started weakest gained the most; see the charts by starting strength above.

Where does this data come from?

Anonymised, aggregated workout logs from the Hardy strength training app: 5,843,507 finished sets across 368,505 workouts by 10,407 lifters. No individual is identifiable, groups under 50 lifters are suppressed, and the full method is described in the methodology section. The aggregate data is downloadable as CSV.

Hardy tracks every set and works out your next weights for you, so your own progression curve builds itself. Run a proven program or build your own.

Browse free programsDownload Hardy
Cite this reportHardy (2026). How Fast Do Lifters Really Get Stronger? What 5.8 Million Logged Sets Say. Hardy Strength Progression Report. https://hardy.app/strength-report
Download the aggregate data (CSV)

Lift-by-lift chapters

How many people can bench 225?

Bench Press: milestone curves, gains by starting strength, and percentiles.

How many people can squat 315?

Squat: milestone curves, gains by starting strength, and percentiles.

How many people can deadlift 405?

Deadlift: milestone curves, gains by starting strength, and percentiles.

How many people can overhead press 135?

Overhead Press: milestone curves, gains by starting strength, and percentiles.

Free Tools

1RM Calculator

Estimate your one rep max from any hard set using weight, reps, and RPE.

Barbell Plate Calculator

See which plates to load on each side of the bar for any target barbell weight.

5/3/1 Template & Spreadsheet

The full 4-week 5/3/1 program with your numbers filled in - printable, with a spreadsheet download.

Hardy

Made with 💪 in Europe.

HomeRoutinesAbout usFAQDownload appGuidesArticlesStrength progression reportGlossary
Tools
Barbell Plate Calculator1RM CalculatorRPE Calculator5/3/1 Calculator5/3/1 Template & SpreadsheetTraining Max CalculatorBench Press 1RM CalculatorSquat 1RM CalculatorDeadlift 1RM CalculatorOverhead Press 1RM CalculatorWarm Up CalculatorDOTS CalculatorWilks CalculatorIPF GL Points Calculator1RM Percentage ChartAttempt Calculator
Download Hardy weight lifting app for iPhone on Apple App Store
Download Hardy weight lifting app for iPhone on Google App Store
Reddit icon /r/HardyApp @Hardy.app

Privacy PolicyTerms & Conditions