Man tries to ego lift more weights than he could handle; injures himself severely

Ego lift (Image sourced from Reddit)
Ego lift (Image sourced from Reddit)

In a recent eye-opening incident at a local gym, a man in his late 20s, with an ambition to ego lift, faced a severe injury while attempting to lift more weight than he could handle. Reddit was the first one to see it and people went crazy after they witnessed what happened.

This event, caught on video, serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with ego lifting - a term used to describe the act of lifting heavier weights than one is capable of, often driven by pride rather than practicality.


Ego lifting gone terribly wrong

Ego lift (Image sourced from Reddit)
Ego lift (Image sourced from Reddit)

The video, now viral on various social media platforms, shows the young man using a Smith machine, a common gym apparatus designed for safer weightlifting. However, in a bid to push his limits, he loaded the bar with more weight than he could manage.

As he attempted a squat, his strength gave way, leading to the weights crashing down, pinning him to the ground, and the Smith machine's bar slamming onto his neck. The severity of the situation was immediately apparent as other gym-goers rushed to his aid.

This incident highlights the inherent risks of ego lifting. The immediate dangers include severe muscle strains, joint injuries, and in extreme cases, as witnessed here, life-threatening trauma.

The recovery from such injuries can be prolonged, often requiring medical intervention and physical therapy. Depending on the extent of the damage, particularly to the spine or neck as seen in this case, the healing process could take weeks to months, with a possibility of long-term repercussions.

This event serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging one's physical limits and prioritizing safety over bravado.


Reaction of the Redditors

Ego lift (Image sourced from Reddit)
Ego lift (Image sourced from Reddit)

The response of other redditors to the video was a mix of concern and humor, reflecting a common tendency to find levity in serious situations. Reddit users quickly took to commenting, with their remarks ranging from witty puns to insightful observations about gym safety.

One user quipped about the man's ambition to "out-Smith the Smith machine," humorously playing on the equipment's name. Another comment wryly noted that the man had turned the Smith machine into a "sniff machine," poking fun at his unfortunate position under the bar.

Several users highlighted the misuse of the machine, pointing out that it was designed to prevent exactly this type of incident. They discussed the importance of properly locking the bar and using safety stoppers, with one remarking on the irony of the situation: "In Soviet Russia, bar twist you." These humorous takes, while making light of the situation, also served as indirect reminders of the importance of proper technique and safety measures in weightlifting.


This incident, while unfortunate, serves as a powerful lesson on the dangers of ego lifting. It’s a reminder that understanding and respecting one's physical limits, coupled with proper gym safety practices, are crucial. Let this be a cautionary tale for all, highlighting the fine line between ambition and recklessness.

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