Gym Bench Press Accident Kills 55-Year-Old Man
A tragic bench press accident at a local gym in Brazil has renewed concerns about safe weight-training practices, especially among middle-aged and older adults. The incident involved a 55-year-old recreational lifter who collapsed and died after a heavily loaded barbell slipped from his hands and struck his chest. Health experts say the case carries important, life-saving lessons for anyone who lifts weights, from beginners to experienced gym-goers.
What happened at the gym?
The man was performing a bench press when the bar unexpectedly slid out of his grip and fell directly onto his chest. According to video footage from the gym, he managed to push the bar away and briefly stand up. However, within seconds, he collapsed. Despite immediate help from people nearby and emergency responders, he could not be revived.
Medical professionals explain that injuries to the chest can sometimes appear mild at first. Damage to the heart, lungs, or diaphragm may not cause instant collapse, which can give a false sense of recovery before sudden deterioration occurs.
Why chest injuries can turn fatal so quickly
Experts note that blunt force trauma to the chest can disrupt breathing or heart function even without visible external injuries. In some cases, internal bleeding, lung collapse, or cardiac rhythm disturbances develop rapidly after impact. This explains why victims of a bench press accident may seem stable for a short time before suddenly losing consciousness.
The hidden risk of an unsafe grip
Fitness specialists reviewing the incident pointed to a common but dangerous technique error: using an open grip, often called a “suicide grip.” In this grip style, the thumb rests on the same side of the bar as the fingers instead of wrapping fully around it.
While some lifters feel this grip improves comfort or wrist position, it significantly increases risk. If the wrist tilts slightly or the hands become sweaty, there is nothing to stop the bar from rolling forward and dropping onto the chest or neck.
Two essential rules to prevent a bench press accident
To reduce the risk of serious injury or death, experts stress two basic but non-negotiable safety rules:
- Always use a spotter: A trained spotter standing behind the bench can immediately assist if the lifter loses control or fails a repetition. This simple step can prevent catastrophic outcomes during heavy lifts.
- Use a full, closed grip: The bar should rest securely in the palm, with the thumb wrapped firmly around it. This “locked” grip provides control and prevents the bar from slipping. Proper hand placement alone can dramatically lower the chance of a bench press accident.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a powerful reminder that strength training, while beneficial for health, demands correct technique and safety awareness. Simple precautions such as proper grip and having a spotter can make the difference between a routine workout and a fatal emergency. For gym users of all ages, especially those lifting heavy weights, these basics are not optional; they are life-saving.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 25 December 2025
- 09:00
