Latest World News: Indonesian fitness influencer dies lifting weights: what is it

Ideally, heavy lifts should be attempted within the confines of a squat rack. He attempted one outside the rack and so it became very uncomfortable for him to let the bar back so he could escape forward. Instead, he pushed the bar forward, says functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar

Justine VickyJustyn Vicky was training in a gym in Bali when he died (Source: Justyn Vicky/Instagram)

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The death of a 33-year-old Indonesian fitness influencer after a barbell he was trying to lift broke his neck has raised concerns about gym hygiene.

According to reports and videos circulating on social networks, Justyn Vicky was training in a gym in Bali, where he attempted a squat-press, with the barbell on his shoulders. However, he seemed unable to stand after squatting. With the weight resting on him, he fell back into a seated position as the barbell fell on his neck. The influencer, who has 30,000 followers on Instagram, was apparently attempting to lift 210kg and documenting it as a personal achievement. According to The Daily Mail, he had a broken neck and critical compression of vital nerves to his heart and lungs.

Calling it an unfortunate incident, functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar advises that it’s important to internalize proper technique before attempting to lift weights. The guy had the bar on his traps, and as he descended into a bottom squat, he couldn’t get up from the load. Instead of throwing the heavily loaded barbell back and escaping, he pushed the barbell forward, which rolled over his neck region and head, resulting in his untimely death from the shock of the sheer force of the heavy barbell, which acted on his neck, he said.

When you are caught in an uncomfortable position, what should you do? Throw it back. Ideally, heavy lifts should be attempted within the confines of a squat rack. He attempted one outside the rack and so it became very uncomfortable for him to let the bar back so he could escape forward, Thakkar adds.

Additionally, Thakkar suggests that a graded protocol be followed at all times. Prepare your body. Start with light or low weights. Only add weights after you have achieved balance, coordination and good form. More importantly, know what to do when you feel dizzy or out of control while lifting. Know how to drop the bar safely without hurting yourself in such a condition. Never rush the lift, check your stamina and then try, under the full guidance of your coach and spotter. Do not attempt these techniques alone. Remember that you are not into competitive bodybuilding. When done correctly, weight training can help you lose fat, increase your strength and muscle tone, and improve your bone density. Otherwise, you’re just hurting yourself, he says.

So here are some takeaways from the incident.

Lift only the amount of weight that your body can support. Do not force yourself: you can only gradually increase the weights when your muscles are stronger.

Learn the technique: You need to exhaust the full movement potential of your joints. It increases your capacity and your form. And only your trainer or a qualified fitness specialist can tell you if your body is ready for higher weights.

Breathe: Most of us are tempted to hold our breath while lifting weights. The correct way is to exhale as you lift the weight and inhale as you lower the weight.

Prepare your body with strength training: It basically works on all major muscle groups. So incorporate it into your fitness routine at least twice a week.

Break between routines: Don’t exhaust all your muscles at once. Dedicate one day to each muscle group. Also take a break between the lifts.

Do a good warm-up: Cold muscles are more prone to injury. Weightlifting should therefore only be done after some form of aerobic activity or warm-up routine.

Don’t try to do too much and get ambitious: Just because a baseline has been established doesn’t mean you should violate it right away. Overloading can only hurt and harm you, as seen in this case.

First published on: 2023-07-23 1:35 PM IST





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