Relative Strength
Strength measured relative to body weight.
Updated
Relative strength is how strong you are compared to your body weight, typically expressed as a multiple (e.g., 2x bodyweight squat). It is important in sports with weight classes or where you must move your own body. Smaller athletes tend to have higher relative strength; absolute strength favors larger athletes.
Examples
- 1.5x bodyweight bench press
- Pull-up is relative strength exercise
- Important in weight-class sports
Related Terms
Compound exercises
Put this into practice with exercises from the library.
Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press
Strength · Barbell
Close-Grip Dumbbell Press
Strength · Dumbbell
Close-Grip EZ-Bar Press
Strength · EZ Curl Bar
Close-Grip Front Lat Pulldown
Strength · Cable
Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell
Strength · Bodyweight
Cocoons
Strength · Bodyweight
Conan's Wheel
Strongman · Other
Cross-Body Crunch
Strength · Bodyweight
Common questions
What is Relative Strength?
Strength measured relative to body weight. Relative strength is how strong you are compared to your body weight, typically expressed as a multiple (e.g., 2x bodyweight squat).
What exercises train the Relative Strength?
Good options include Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press, Close-Grip Dumbbell Press, Close-Grip EZ-Bar Press, Close-Grip Front Lat Pulldown, Close-Grip Push-Up off of a Dumbbell. Each links to a step-by-step guide with demonstration images.
What are examples of Relative Strength?
1.5x bodyweight bench press; Pull-up is relative strength exercise; Important in weight-class sports.
Put it into practice
12-Week Muscle Building · £29
A 12-week, four-day hypertrophy plan in three phases, with a modest calorie surplus