A silverback gorilla is estimated to be able to bench press around 925 pounds (419 kilograms) based on anatomical and force calculations, which is more than twice its body weight and significantly stronger than an average human lifter
. Some popular claims suggest gorillas can bench press up to 4,000 pounds (1,810 kilograms), but these figures are likely exaggerated and not supported by biomechanical analysis
. Gorillas have very strong muscles, particularly in their arms and shoulders, which are adapted more for pulling and climbing rather than pushing motions like the bench press. Their long arms increase the range of motion required for a bench press, making the lift more challenging compared to humans who have shorter arms and a more suitable body structure for this exercise
. In summary, while gorillas are incredibly strong animals capable of lifting weights far beyond human capacity, a realistic estimate for a silverback gorilla's bench press is about 925 pounds, rather than the mythic 4,000 pounds often cited. This strength is still roughly two to three times greater than the best human bench press records
