I think Ash’s numbers are pretty good as an overall guide.
However I think though there are far too many variables in my opinion to properly or accurately determine single percentages for all lifts across all genders in all sports.
I also sincerely doubt some peoples claims to have conducted so much research.
To have covered such a topic or area in sufficient detail across all backgrounds and races would be an incredible project and over an inordinate amount of time…
If this is so they would have to look at the race and heritage of the athlete to be able to distinguish the influence of such. Perhaps in a research setting but I am not aware of such a project.
Perhaps you may be able to determine BANDS into which it should fall – but even then I am not certain it is possible.
The reasons for this are numerous
– Biomechanics – different limb lengths and differing muscle attachments mean that everyone has different leverages
– Different races have different muscle types and different leverages
– There are many different bone shapes and joint constructions which also influence the weight lifted
– Explosive lifts vs slow lifts??
The one of most interest to me is the influence of the actual sport on the balance of muscles.
Even within that the actual influence of position on the muscle balance …
Also in my opinion for athletes the more important thing is muscle tone (which is influenced by many things including strength – but not alone).
I also ask the question why?
Is it for injury prevention?
I think a ratio of lifts is probably useful – but NOT universally applicable.
Also one last point … the ratios between small muscles such as the rotator cuff and bench press is completely misleading and nonsensical.
Now … I better go … have a ‘small meeting’ with some of Ash’s finely tuned athletes tomorrow and I better have our guys structurally balanced for that one! 😉