This refers to loads that are held near to the body, approximately waist height. For weights carried at arm's length or above shoulder height, the suggested maximum weight is lowered to 5 kg. Women's maximum weight recommendations advocate lower weights. (35 lbs.) or less. The limits were established by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. They recommend that women should be able to lift no more than 67% of their body weight without risking injury. This is called the 1-Repetition Maximum (1RM). So, if a woman can lift 20 pounds, she should not lift 40 pounds without some protection used over and over again so that it becomes automatic when lifting weights. She should be able to lift twice as much as they actually do in order to avoid injury. In addition, men should be able to lift up to 150% of their own body weight without injuring themselves. However, most men will be able to lift much more than this without injury. The key is to listen to your body and stop before you get hurt. Women have been given specific weightlifting limits in order to allow them to participate in the activity safely. If you are interested in lifting more than what is recommended, then you should consider taking up bodybuilding instead!