At what age is peak strength most likely attained in untrained males and females?

The age range during which peak strength is most often attained aligns with the physiological developments that occur throughout adolescence and early adulthood. For untrained males, peak strength typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 30. This stage is characterized by final maturation of musculature and hormonal levels, including increased testosterone, which significantly affects muscle development and strength potential.

For females, peak strength is generally attained by the age of 20. Although females also experience changes during puberty and hormonal fluctuations, their strength gains are comparatively noted to plateau earlier than males due to differences in muscle mass accumulation and physical development rates.

This understanding reflects the natural progression of muscle development through adolescence into early adulthood, where hormonal influences peak, fostering optimal conditions for strength training adaptations. Therefore, the selected answer effectively captures these key growth periods for both genders.