In a viral video, a powerlifter was seen getting trapped throughout a 165 kg bench press. To forestall accidents or accidents within the fitness center, keep away from these bench press errors.
Fitness center accidents or accidents, particularly when weights are concerned, aren’t exceptional. A viral clip exhibits how a bench press, which is completed both utilizing a barbell or dumbbells, could cause accidents. A powerlifter is seen virtually getting trapped whereas mendacity beneath a barbell loaded with heavy weights. The energy coaching train is nice on your higher physique, however when not completed appropriately, it will possibly trigger accidents. Whereas aiming for higher physique energy, make certain to keep away from bench press errors. Don’t neglect to give attention to the grip placement, and following security measures like utilizing a spotter.
Bench press goes flawed 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 fingers, 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 lady comes operating, and helps him out by releasing him from the place. This video clearly exhibits that bench press errors can result in terrifying accidents.
Try 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 muscular tissues,” says nutritionist and health knowledgeable Shikha Singh. Throughout a 2017 examine, revealed within the Journal of Train Science & Health, a major improve within the arm and chest muscle thickness was noticed in members who did bench press. “The burden coaching train entails mendacity on a bench, reducing a barbell or dumbbells down then urgent upwards whereas retaining the arms prolonged,” explains health and diet knowledgeable Mitushi Ajmera.

What are the widespread 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 widespread, 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 guaranteeing 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 find yourself lifting heavy gear. And not using a spotter, you threat getting trapped beneath the bar, which might result in critical harm, particularly if it lands in your neck. If there is no such thing as a spotter then put the protection bars on the edges of the rack,” suggests Singh.
2. Utilizing the flawed plates
Use common weight plates for this energy coaching train, and never bumper plates, even when they weigh the identical. “Common plates are thinner, retaining the burden nearer to the bar’s middle, which improves stability, management, and security,” says Ajmera. Bumper plates, although they’re identical measurement in diameter, fluctuate in thickness and push the burden outward. This makes the bar tougher to stability, and so, make them much less ultimate for urgent.
3. Incorrect bar path
One of many greatest 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 in step with the shoulders and strikes all the way down to the chest,” says Ajmera. This implies the bar path will not be strictly vertical, however barely tilted.
You may additionally like


4. Poor grip placement
Grip placement issues whereas doing this train for constructing muscle. A large grip could improve the chance of shoulder harm, in line with analysis revealed within the Energy & Conditioning Journal in 2007. “Holding the bar too huge or slim could cause instability and improve pressure on the shoulders and wrists,” says Ajmera. A correct grip ensures balanced pressure distribution and higher management over the bar.
5. Improper setup
One of many greatest bench press errors is a weak setup, reminiscent of no again arch, ft transferring or positioned on the bench. It reduces energy and will increase harm threat. “Make a slight arch in your decrease again along with your ribcage blown up. It is going to maintain your shoulders protected 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, growing the chance of harm. This may occasionally additionally elevate the shoulders, decreasing chest activation and general stability. “As you keep away from one of many widespread 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 folks mistakenly deal with the bench press like push-ups and push out the shoulder blades, pondering it gives a full vary of movement. It is without doubt one of the most harmful bench press errors, as doing it beneath heavy load makes the shoulder blades unstable and will increase the chance of harm. “Shoulders ought to stay retracted and steady 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.

Easy methods to do bench press appropriately?
Comply with these steps and keep away from these widespread bench press errors:
- To do that chest train, lie on a bench with ft shoulder-width or wider and use leg drive to push the burden 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 needs to be in step with your shoulder and the decrease place needs to be above your chest.
- Unrack the bar with the assistance of a spotter, deliver above your shoulders after which decrease the burden to chest degree.
- End the rep by extending your arms upwards to press the burden again up, to be in step with your shoulder.
Bench press errors can have an effect on your efficiency and result in accidents. Take note of correct type, managed actions and security measures like utilizing a spotter whereas doing this train to keep away from getting trapped beneath 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 growth relies on the fitting type, and approach.
Is 100kg bench press good?
It relies on the particular person’s gender, physique weight, coaching expertise and energy requirements. For informal gym-goers 100kg could be a good objective. Typically, an individual lifting 100kg is taken into account intermediate degree.