To think I should be able to lift more weights?

[justakorma]

I've had approx18 sessions of strength training. I joined having never done anything like it before and am early fifties. I am also overweight by three stone.
When I began I could t squat without holding onto a bar . The trainer put a box behind me as an aim to go down to. I am now able to squat easily and enjoy it and can lift the equivalent of 27kgs while squatting for 5 reps x 5. That's my maximum
All the others can lift so much heavier and I wonder if I am under expectation or average for my situation ?

Yours also squatting your body weight, not just th weight on the bar.

keep going - if you can do 5 x 5 then up it until you can’t. The do that weight until you can. All weight exercise should be done to failure if your goal is progression.

If it makes you feel better, I carried a breadmaker from three streets away on Tuesday and my arms still ache.

What you’re doing is incredible. The effort you put into your fitness is incredible.

Work at your own pace and don’t compare yourself to other people. You are you.

I couldnt do any more than that at my
Last session . The last one nearly toppled me
Over !

People have different genetics. Also who are others and how much training years they have behind them?
I am lightweight. I've been training for 5+ years and I still can't break 55kg squat. My friend did a set of 60 on her fifth visit to the gym. So what... It's not taking anything away from my training. If I wanted to be a competitive athlete, I'd join a competitive sport.

Give yourself a couple of months to learn the technique, give a chance for your nervous system to adjust and if you were really set on increasing your squat load, you can do squat specialisation programme.

It's not the weight you're lifting that's important it's the technique and consistency. You may well lift more in time as you naturally get stronger, but it can be a patience game some will naturally be able to lift heavier than others but usually it is built over a long period.
I'm 49 and into my weightlifting, my squats are poor compared to average due to my gait and musculoskeletal issues, but I'm building muscle and increasing very slowly. Upper body I can do pull-ups now but it took two years to get there - a very long time, very slow progress, but I got there in the end.

Dont compare yourself to others, there's too many variables to consider. Keep progressing for your benefit in a way that works for you, and be patient and consistent.