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tyler@crossfitfringe.com

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June 29, 2025

Strength Standards for Women Ages 30–60 (That Actually Matter)

Strength Standards for Women Ages 30–60 (That Actually Matter)

Let’s be honest—strength isn’t about gym selfies or outlifting the person next to you.
It’s about capability. Confidence. And being able to live your life fully, without hesitation.

That means carrying the groceries in one trip. Picking up your kids—or grandkids. Pushing your suitcase overhead on a plane. And feeling at home in your own body.

Too often, women are told that strength training is about “toning” or staying small.
We call B.S.

At CrossFit Fringe, we believe strength is for everyone. And for women, that means having clear, realistic standards to train for—not to impress anyone, but to feel strong, capable, and ready for anything.

Why Strength Standards Matter

These aren’t elite-athlete numbers. They’re what we’d call “strong enough for life”—and they’re designed to meet you where you are.

If you’re already hitting these minimums, amazing.
If not, now you’ve got a target.
And if you're ready to level up?
We’ve got Gamechanger Goals to chase.

Note on Scaling:

We use bodyweight-based targets so they scale up or down with you.
For reference, we’ll use a 150 lb woman throughout the examples.

PUSH — Barbell Bench Press

Pushing strength translates to everything from floor transfers to lifting awkward objects.

  • Minimum: Bench press 60% of bodyweight for 1 rep
    Example: 90 lbs at 150 lb bodyweight

  • Gamechanger: Bench press bodyweight for 1 rep
    Example: 150 lbs at 150 lb bodyweight

PULL — Chin-Ups

Chin-ups build back, arms, grip, and serious confidence.
They’re tough—but so worth it.

  • Minimum: 1 unassisted chin-up

  • Gamechanger: 5+ strict chin-ups

Not there yet?
Start with ring rows, negatives, or banded chin-ups.
We also recommend Personal Training for creating a structured and sustainable progression.

SQUAT — Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat

Why split squats? They’re safer than heavy back squats and incredibly effective for unilateral strength and balance.

  • Minimum: Hold 20% of your bodyweight in each hand for 5 reps/leg
    Example: 30 lb dumbbells in each hand

  • Gamechanger: 40% of bodyweight in each hand
    Example: 60 lb dumbbells in each hand

HINGE — Trap Bar or Barbell Deadlift

Deadlifts teach you how to lift real-world heavy things safely—and feel like a total badass doing it.

  • Minimum: Deadlift bodyweight for 5 reps
    Example: 150 lbs for 5 reps

  • Gamechanger: Deadlift 1.5–2x bodyweight for 5 reps
    Example: 225–300 lbs

This is the movement that makes you the go-to “heavy lifter” in your family. Trust us.

Final Thoughts

These numbers might feel intimidating—and that’s okay.
Most women have never been shown what they’re truly capable of.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go after it.

Start by working toward the minimums in all four categories.
Once you’re there, chip away at the Gamechangers. They’re called that for a reason.

And if you hit those goals but still feel stuck? It’s probably time to look at nutrition, recovery, or stress—not strength.

Bottom Line:

Get stronger. Move with confidence. And never stop proving what you’re capable of.
Because strength training isn’t about looking the part—it’s about living better.

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