What is the fairest way to compare strength between lifters of different body mass?

Oct 27

4 min read

Who is stronger: a light lifter or a much heavier one? Absolute load favours the heavier person, but simply dividing the lift by body weight did not level the field in the one study that tested it. Because strength does not rise in a straight line with body mass, researchers have tested several ways to level the field, from allometric exponents to the Wilks formula. Here is what they found, and which method suits which comparison.

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