Which powerlifting weight class should you be in? (2023 data)

In this video, I go through everything you need to consider when thinking about weight classes, PLUS, I reveal how tall the best lifters in the world are based on some 2023 data from the IPF World Open Classic Championships 2023 so you can make an informed decision. This will be the most useful evidence-based video to help you decide on your weight class.

00:00 Intro
01:36 Factor 1
01:57 Factor 2
02:44 Factor 3
03:37 Factor 4
04:18 Factor 5
04:51 Factor 6
05:08 Factor 7
06:25 Factor 8
06:57 Factor 9
07:32 Factor 10
10:10 How tall are elite female lifters?
11:21 How tall are elite male lifters?
11:57 Male vs female heights
12:21 Sheiko recommendations vs 2023 data

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[brookeplifts]

As a 5ft 2in/158cm tall woman who normally weighs between 108-111lbs, seeing my height as the 63kg class’s average is shocking cuz for competing I’ve always thought about dropping 5ish pounds to the 47kg class or filling out the 52kg class cuz that’s what I “naturally” maintain at. This data sample was interesting for sure

[StephColbertsonStrength]

I’m one of those older lifters. I started weight straining when I was 31. Im 190cm and weighed about 78 kg when I started. 5 years later I weight 110kg. I’m carrying a touch more body fat than I was back then but now a whole lot, honestly. In case any 30 something’s are reading this, we can still put on a lot of muscle.

[fitbh]

6’3 230-235 checking in. I’ve been significantly heavier at one time. And felt terrible overall, outside of lifting. Stronger than I was at that time. This is my most comfortable weight. Eat at maintenence and just chill.

[llioflower]

such a high quality and informative video. looks great too! should definitely be seen by more people

[sandrost]

I always competed in the Sheiko-recommend weight class and I had good success (state records, etc), but my body fat was still 12-13%, so I was at a disadvantage to really lean guys in that class with respect to muscle size. It wasn't until I got my body fat down under 10% and dropped down a weight class that I was able to total 'elite'. I did it slowly over 12 months and was able to actually add a small amount to my total, but at that lower weight class, it was just a massive advantage.

[kobemop]

Powerlifting is a short man's sport.

[maurismind]

Gotta love David Ricks at the 4:10 mark, super underrated lifter!

[OfficialPhdPepper]

Great info!
As a masters lifter new to the sport I followed a lot of these principles my first couple years and was pretty happy with my results. I can see part of also why I did so well; I was blessed with a good amount of muscle mass for my height.
I could afford to lose a little more fat (18% bf rn), but I definitely like how I feel competing at my weight class despite the fact that I am a good 3 inches shorter than the top five (open) lifters in my class.
Great video!

[oisinquinn]

as an 5, 6-5.7 lifter at @72kg the 83s shall be where I am aiming for - this gonna be a fun journey

[prescottosegie]

Good video I'm currently weighing 78kg and my height is 5’6 im
Definitely gonna be bulking for a long time

[THExJMC]

Ive been in 83kg for a long time and i used to always be light weighing in around 76-78kg. I bulked to actually be 84kg and i made gains. Bulked again to be 87kg and also made a lot of gains. Ive now been stuck here trying to hold on to the 83kg weight class but i dont do well with water cuts and my strength has been fairly stagnant for a couple years now. I think it’s time to go to 93kg and quit trying to water cut. Im 5’9 and from what ive seen some places would even recommend 105kg weight class for that height. I wouldnt go that far but yeah i can’t keep hanging around 87kg and expect to make gains at my weight/height i guess.

[rodolfo]

I find it very interesting that there is no ideal BMI for athletes of all heights.

In all sports with weight classes we can see that for shorter athletes it is usually better to maintain a lower BMI, while for taller athletes it is better to maintain a higher BMI.

In other words, the taller the athlete the more he should weigh, not only in absolute terms, but also in relation to his height.

[ates]

Yeah I’m 6’4, if I wanna compete in powerlifting I’d have to weigh in the 140kg+ weight class. Powerlifting is def a short man’s sport.

[kellybardwell]

I’m currently 59kg - which is awkward, to be competitive (for now) I cut to -57.but I’m really lanky so I can see myself as a 63 but the standard sky rockets!

[James_vs_gravity]

this helped me decide what class to be in. I'm 189cm and 122kg, I'm going to cut down to like 115 and compete in the 120s. I have a hard time cutting below like 18% bodyfat but it should be doable

[jonathanbraat]

really great video. been trying to find the height data for awhile.

[danielshemilt]

Damn according to this I should be a 105kg lifter as I’m currently 6ft and 83kg. But I am new so perhaps that’s a future goal

[TheRealBezani]

What do I do if I’m 6’3 and 200 pounds. I’ve been lifting for close to a year. Should I just keep lifting and wait a couple years?

[modybakr]

What program do you recommend for beginners for free and do you have made one for free?

[bwhit]

If you’re more than 2-3% above the average height for SHW, you should move up a weight class to strongman