How to Convert Lbs to Kg for Gym Progress Tracking
If you follow international powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, or just fitness influencers from around the world, you’ve likely noticed a divide. Some talk in pounds (lbs), others in kilograms (kg).
If you are serious about tracking your progress, knowing how to convert between these two is essential.
The Magic Number: 2.2
The rough conversion factor is simple: 1 kg ≈ 2.2 lbs.
- To go from Kg to Lbs: Multiply by 2.2
- To go from Lbs to Kg: Divide by 2.2
Example: The 100kg Bench Press
A "2-plate" bench press is often considered a milestone. In metric gyms, this is 100kg.
100 kg * 2.2 = 220 lbs.
So, if you lift 225 lbs (the standard 2-plate lift in the US), you are actually lifting slightly more than 100kg (102kg to be exact).
Why Precision Matters
For casual lifting, the "2.2" rule is fine. But for competitions or precise programming, you need accuracy. The exact factor is 0.45359237.
If you weigh 180 lbs and want to enter a sub-80kg weight class:
180 * 0.45359237 = 81.64 kg.
You would need to cut weight!
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