
In a viral video, a powerlifter was seen getting trapped throughout a 165 kg bench press. To stop accidents or accidents within the fitness center, keep away from these bench press errors.
Health club accidents or accidents, particularly when weights are concerned, will not be unprecedented. A viral clip exhibits how a bench press, which is finished both utilizing a barbell or dumbbells, may cause accidents. A powerlifter is seen nearly getting trapped whereas mendacity below a barbell loaded with heavy weights. The power coaching train is nice to your higher physique, however when not carried out accurately, it will probably trigger accidents. Whereas aiming for higher physique power, ensure that to keep away from bench press errors. Don’t overlook to deal with the grip placement, and following security measures like utilizing a spotter.
Bench press goes fallacious in viral video
The video exhibits a person making an attempt a heavy bench press with the assistance of a lady, who assists the powerlifter by handing him the barbell. Quickly after putting the fitness center gear in his palms, she lets him work out alone.
He tries to elevate the 165 kg weight on the fitness center. He efficiently manages to press it as soon as, however when he goes for the second spherical, he will get pinned down. The heavy barbell presses in opposition to his neck and he struggles to stand up. He’s unable to elevate the barbell off his neck. Quickly, the girl comes operating, and helps him out by liberating him from the place. This video clearly exhibits that bench press errors can result in terrifying accidents.
Take a look at the video right here
What’s bench press?
“It’s an train which is carried out on a bench with the assistance of fitness center gear like dumbbells and a barbell. It’s nice for the higher physique, particularly the chest muscle groups,” says nutritionist and health knowledgeable Shikha Singh. Throughout a 2017 research, revealed within the Journal of Train Science & Health, a major improve within the arm and chest muscle thickness was noticed in individuals who did bench press. “The load coaching train entails mendacity on a bench, decreasing a barbell or dumbbells down then urgent upwards whereas conserving the arms prolonged,” explains health and diet knowledgeable Mitushi Ajmera.

What are the frequent bench press errors?
Like all train, the bench press will be harmful if security is compromised or ignored. Shoulder accidents ensuing from the bench press train are frequent, as per analysis revealed in Frontiers In Physiology in 2024. To keep away from such accidents, don’t make the next bench press errors:
1. Not utilizing a spotter
A spotter is an skilled one that helps gym-goers in weightlifting workout routines whereas making certain their security. “At all times have a spotter behind you who can help you in case of a failed elevate,” says Singh. It’s non-negotiable whereas utilizing a free bar, particularly if you end up lifting heavy gear. And not using a spotter, you danger getting trapped below the bar, which might result in critical damage, particularly if it lands in your neck. If there is no such thing as a spotter then put the protection bars on the perimeters of the rack,” suggests Singh.
2. Utilizing the fallacious plates
Use common weight plates for this power coaching train, and never bumper plates, even when they weigh the identical. “Common plates are thinner, conserving the load nearer to the bar’s heart, which improves stability, management, and security,” says Ajmera. Bumper plates, although they’re identical measurement in diameter, fluctuate in thickness and push the load outward. This makes the bar more durable to stability, and so, make them much less supreme for urgent.
3. Incorrect bar path
One of many largest bench press errors is an incorrect bar path, which is the trajectory of a barbell because it strikes whereas utilizing it. “In a correct bench press, the bar begins consistent with the shoulders and strikes all the way down to the chest,” says Ajmera. This implies the bar path shouldn’t be strictly vertical, however barely tilted.
4. Poor grip placement
Grip placement issues whereas doing this train for constructing muscle. A large grip could improve the chance of shoulder damage, based on analysis revealed within the Energy & Conditioning Journal in 2007. “Holding the bar too broad or slender may cause instability and improve pressure on the shoulders and wrists,” says Ajmera. A correct grip ensures balanced drive distribution and higher management over the bar.
5. Improper setup
One of many largest bench press errors is a weak setup, resembling no again arch, toes transferring or positioned on the bench. It reduces energy and will increase damage danger. “Make a slight arch in your decrease again together with your ribcage blown up. It is going to maintain your shoulders secure as in comparison with a flat again on the bench,” says Singh.
6. Extreme elbow flaring
When the elbows flare out excessively to a 90 diploma angle, it locations an excessive amount of stress on the shoulders, rising the chance of damage. This may occasionally additionally elevate the shoulders, lowering chest activation and total stability. “As you keep away from one of many frequent bench press errors, maintain your elbows at a 75 to 85 diploma angle for higher joint stability and engagement of your chest,” says Ajmera.
7. Pushing out the shoulder blades
Some individuals mistakenly deal with the bench press like push-ups and push out the shoulder blades, considering it offers a full vary of movement. It is without doubt one of the most harmful bench press errors, as doing it below heavy load makes the shoulder blades unstable and will increase the chance of damage. “Shoulders ought to stay retracted and secure in the course of the elevate,” says Ajmera.
“Additionally, put on wrist bands whereas lifting heavy bench. Your wrists will really feel stronger and safer,” says Singh.

How one can do bench press accurately?
Observe these steps and keep away from these frequent bench press errors:
- To do that chest train, lie on a bench with toes shoulder-width or wider and use leg drive to push the load up. Place your shoulder blades firmly into the bench, and arch your again.
- Maintain the barbell roughly shoulder-width aside.
- Begin place of the barbell ought to be consistent with your shoulder and the decrease place ought to be above your chest.
- Unrack the bar with the assistance of a spotter, deliver above your shoulders after which decrease the load to chest stage.
- End the rep by extending your arms upwards to press the load again up, to be consistent with your shoulder.
Bench press errors can have an effect on your efficiency and result in accidents. Take note of correct kind, managed actions and security measures like utilizing a spotter whereas doing this train to keep away from getting trapped below a barbell like the person within the viral video.
Associated FAQs
Does bench press develop chest?
Sure, bench press is without doubt one of the greatest workout routines for chest development. However keep in mind that muscle improvement will depend on the proper kind, and method.
Is 100kg bench press good?
It will depend on the particular person’s gender, physique weight, coaching expertise and power requirements. For informal gym-goers 100kg could be a good aim. Typically, an individual lifting 100kg is taken into account intermediate stage.