The death of Ronald José Salvador, aged 55, following an accident while bench pressing at a gym in Olinda (PE), reignited the debate about safety in strength training and the risks associated with both inadequate technique and severe chest trauma caused by falling heavy equipment. The victim was rescued, but could not resist after the bar fell directly onto his chest.

Images from security cameras show that he was using a variation of grip without his thumb wrapping around the bar, the so-called “suicide grip”, when the equipment slipped from his hands. The technique, common among very experienced athletes, is considered highly risky for recreational practitioners. “It is an extremely risky technique”, warns physical educator Alexandre Rocha, a specialist in exercise physiology and strength training.

Dangers of the “suicide grip”

According to the expert, the “suicidal footprint” may have been decisive for the tragedy. “When the practitioner doesn’t involve their thumb, the bar becomes completely unstable. Any small slip, sweat or lack of control can make the equipment slide straight onto the chest or neck. It’s an extremely risky technique and should never be used without supervision”, he explains.

Alexandre Rocha explains that many people adopt the open grip believing that it offers comfort or greater amplitudebut disregard the potential for high-energy trauma. “A heavy bar falling on the chest can cause fractures, rupture of internal structures, pneumothorax and even fatal arrhythmias caused by the impact. We are talking about equipment capable of generating violent trauma”, he warns.

To help avoid accidents, the expert advocates that gyms adopt stricter protocols. “It is necessary to educate the student about correct technique, about exercises suited to each practitioner’s level and about the risks of advanced variations. Safety cannot be negotiated”, he says.

Risks of severe chest trauma and fatal complications

In addition to the mechanical risks of exercise, the accident raised awareness about the cardiovascular impacts that can occur when there is direct trauma to the chest. Cardiologist Dr. Raphael Boesche Guimarães explains that strong beats or sudden compressions can trigger serious complications of rapid evolution — among them, the an emotion of the heart.

“O an emotion of the heart occurs when an impact hits the chest precisely during the most vulnerable phase of the heart’s electrical activity. This can lead to ventricular fibrillation within seconds. Without immediate treatment, the outcome is almost always fatal”, says the doctor.

Although the condition is more common in impact sports, such as baseball and football, the cardiologist reinforces that falling from heavy bars can generate similar consequences. Among the possible complications, he mentions:

• Rupture of coronary arteries or large vessels, such as the aorta;
• Cardiac contusion, with direct damage to the muscle;
• Tension pneumothorax, which prevents the heart from functioning properly;
• Traumatic arrhythmias;
• Decompensation of pre-existing heart diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
• Thrombotic events, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism, triggered by trauma.

“Even young and apparently healthy people can suffer fatal complications after impacts of this nature. Chest trauma is never simple”, he reinforces.

Medical evaluation and professional monitoring are essential

Dr. Raphael Boesche Guimarães highlights that, before starting intense training with weights, it is important to undergo a medical evaluation, mainly to detect conditions that may increase the risk of serious events during exertion.

Furthermore, Alexandre Rocha reinforces the role of professional supervision:

• Train with appropriate loads at the individual level;
• Progress gradually;
• Use safety stops and supports when bench pressing;
• Have a spotterperson responsible for assisting, especially with high loads;
• Review the technique periodically with qualified instructors.

“Training isn’t just about lifting weights; it’s about mastering the technique. And, whenever possible, with someone accompanying you”, highlights Alexandre Rocha.

Defibrillator can save lives

Another essential point is the presence of an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) in gyms, in addition to professionals trained to use it. “The only effective way to treat ventricular fibrillation is early defibrillation. academia If you have the equipment and someone prepared, the chances of survival increase drastically”, explains the cardiologist.

Main causes of accidents in gyms

Experts reinforce that accidents similar to what happened in Pernambuco generally involve:

• Inadequate technique, such as the “suicide grip”;
• Absence of spotter;
• Extreme fatigue at the end of the series;
• Bars without suitable grooves (knurling);
• Ill-adjusted equipment.

Preventing is saving lives

For experts, the tragedy serves as an urgent warning. “Trauma to the chest can cause anything from fatal arrhythmias to serious internal ruptures. Equipped gymswith strict protocols and qualified supervision, literally save lives”, concludes Dr. Raphael Boesche Guimarães.

Prioritizing safety is essential when practicing any exercise. “It is not possible to normalize risky practices. Correct technique and safety are as important as the load used”, concludes Alexandre Rocha.

By Daiane Bombarda