The 350 Jerk- Well, Bench, Actually! My Biggest Mess Revealed
Posted: Tuesday, July 19, 2011
by Ken McCreless
RMS1437
Greetings Fellow Travelers …
About 12 years ago, like so many Americans, I purchased a weight bench to get in shape. I had one when I was younger, and it helped me accomplish my goals. That one was small, rickety and barely had 150 lbs of sand-filled weights. This new one, however, was very sturdy, and had 350 lbs of shiny metal disks, just like the pros!
I was able to regularly bench 200 lbs repeatedly. In case you don't know, to “bench” weight is to have the bar with weights on it resting on the bench in the cradle, designed to hold it within arms reach as you lay down. Then, you reach up and remove it, bring it down to just above your chest, then return it to its cradle.
SO, one fine day, the inevitable happened- I wanted to try to bench the entire 350 lbs. After setting up the bar, and driving away all the rational thoughts screaming for me not to to try such a thing without a “spotter,” (someone to stand behind the bench and help out if I got into trouble), I lay down under all that weight.
With some effort, I brought the bar down to chest level, barely touching my t-shirt, then returned it—with a great deal of effort-- to its cradle above my head. Then, it happened.
My arrogance went into warp speed, and I talked myself into doing it one more time, if only to brag about it to everyone I know, (I did it, not once, but TWICE!!). With great confidence, I grasped the bar again and brought it down to where I had held it before, right above my chest. Only, this time was different. I couldn't get it back up.
Ever so slowly, the full 350 lbs began to rest on me. Since I could not take in a breath, there was no way to shout for help and no one to hear it if I could have. I was in trouble. I was able to take in air in tiny, rapid breaths, fighting a fear that grew larger every second. After several minutes, it was all I could do to keep the bar off my neck.
I decided I would slide the bar to my right, and lower one end of it as far as I could, and hopefully, let the entire bar roll over my legs on its way to the floor, but it was not to be.
As I lowered the end of the bar, the collar, that was supposed to keep the weights from sliding off, came undone and fell off, followed by the weights themselves. Then the bar, now empty on one end, practically dropped off to my left, nearly snapping my wrists and pulling me down with it. I managed to roll with it, saving both my wrists and any other body part in the way of danger.
I wound up on my hands and knees next to the bench and the half-empty, (or half-filled), weight bar. My breathing resumed at full blast, and I needed another several minutes on my back to recover completely.
There's no doubt in my mind that my life was spared that day, and I learned a lesson I'll never forget.
Know your limitations!
About 12 years ago, like so many Americans, I purchased a weight bench to get in shape. I had one when I was younger, and it helped me accomplish my goals. That one was small, rickety and barely had 150 lbs of sand-filled weights. This new one, however, was very sturdy, and had 350 lbs of shiny metal disks, just like the pros!
SO, one fine day, the inevitable happened- I wanted to try to bench the entire 350 lbs. After setting up the bar, and driving away all the rational thoughts screaming for me not to to try such a thing without a “spotter,” (someone to stand behind the bench and help out if I got into trouble), I lay down under all that weight.
With some effort, I brought the bar down to chest level, barely touching my t-shirt, then returned it—with a great deal of effort-- to its cradle above my head. Then, it happened.
My arrogance went into warp speed, and I talked myself into doing it one more time, if only to brag about it to everyone I know, (I did it, not once, but TWICE!!). With great confidence, I grasped the bar again and brought it down to where I had held it before, right above my chest. Only, this time was different. I couldn't get it back up.
Ever so slowly, the full 350 lbs began to rest on me. Since I could not take in a breath, there was no way to shout for help and no one to hear it if I could have. I was in trouble. I was able to take in air in tiny, rapid breaths, fighting a fear that grew larger every second. After several minutes, it was all I could do to keep the bar off my neck.
I decided I would slide the bar to my right, and lower one end of it as far as I could, and hopefully, let the entire bar roll over my legs on its way to the floor, but it was not to be.
As I lowered the end of the bar, the collar, that was supposed to keep the weights from sliding off, came undone and fell off, followed by the weights themselves. Then the bar, now empty on one end, practically dropped off to my left, nearly snapping my wrists and pulling me down with it. I managed to roll with it, saving both my wrists and any other body part in the way of danger.
I wound up on my hands and knees next to the bench and the half-empty, (or half-filled), weight bar. My breathing resumed at full blast, and I needed another several minutes on my back to recover completely.
There's no doubt in my mind that my life was spared that day, and I learned a lesson I'll never forget.
Know your limitations!
Ken McCreless is just a guy who loves to write, and was born to do so. He is a freelance writer with several projects ongoing, including books and magazines. A huge fan of both irony and history, Ken has dedicated his life and his writing to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Hi Ken.
Whoa! That would have scared the you know what out of me.
I weigh a mere 100 lbs and picking up 40 or 50 lbs can sometimes get the better of me. When I buy cat litter, I get it in 40 lb boxes. I can JUST about lift one into the shopping cart. I leave it in the cart at check out and then wheel the cart to my Jeep. Then I can just about get it out of the cart and into the back of my Jeep. By the time I get home, I know enough to leave it in my Jeep until my husband can get it out for me. My poor back has taught me the limitations of how many times in a day I can lift 40 lbs. So I know what you are talking about ... literally and figuratively.
I was worried when I started reading that it would end with you being significantly hurt. I was glad when I read that it didn't ... not physically anyway.
This assignment has been interesting in that it shows us all how many of us have gotten ourselves into very nasty situations. We're not alone in that.
Thanks for the tale.
Hugs,
DianneHey, Dianne!
Yea, I believe there was a good bit of "you know what" released that day.
I shudder when I think of all the ways I could have gotten hurt or killed that day. It only bolsters my belief in protective beings sent by God.
Oh my, Oh my, Oh my! Ken, men are all little boys at heart. It wasn't enough to do it once -- you had to be able to say, I did it not once but twice! I figured you survived this since you were penning the article and I must say you are one lucky soul. Good writing and next time, why not have a spotter? We like having you around.
Thanks for a great read. Incidentally. I enjoyed Dianne's comment. I am thrilled, when I lift my 40 pounds of soil, stones, or dog food and don't pull out my back!I could say that at least I wasn't willing to lie about it? I know, I'm "reaching!"
I actually repeated the event some time later- with a spotter!!
Thank you, Nancy. I like being "around!"
You benched 350 pounds!!?? Wow--What are they feeding you there in Texas?
Similar thing happened to me with a lot less weight when I was about 16---I was able to tip it to the left, off my neck and I never played with heaver weights alone again. Glad you are still alive Arnold!That would be a secret, Steve.
I think it happens way more than is reported. After all, how many guys would want to admit something like this, especially while still in their prime?
BTW, it's "Aaahh-nuld," the "Author-nator"
Yeah Ken, you should have someone with you at all times when you work with weights. They can be dangerous.No doubt. I did switch to one of those "Cable type" workout stations for a while.
Oh my word! You narrowly missed a serious outcome or worse. Thank your lucky stars that you kept your wits about you for without your thought processes that seemed to have kicked in, you might just have been history. Thank heavens you're OK and, though a little bit scary to read, all is well that ends well!It was definitley an experience that I would not recommend. If I had freaked out, I might not be here today, that's for sure!
Thank for reading and commenting. I really appreciate it.
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