How much weight can a human pull?

Asked by: Jason Twiggs

For average person, the recommend safe pull limit is 30% body weight. So for a 200 pound average adult male, it would be 60 pounds. Note that a professional athlete could do much more whereas a fragil elderly woman would only be able to pull much less. The world record for weight lifting is about 920 pounds.

How should you pull a heavy load?

If you have to pull a load:

1. Keeping your knees bent, face the object.
2. Walk backward while pulling the object, being careful not to twist the body.
3. When pulling with one hand, place the other hand on the hip to help keep you balanced and stable without twisting.