Talk about a political misstep! NYC mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani’s bench press attempt went viral for all the wrong reasons. A top sports doctor weighs in on the questionable form, while political rivals seized the moment. Was this just a gym fail, or a heavy lift for his campaign? Read the full story!

The political landscape of New York City recently witnessed an unexpected moment of viral infamy as a prominent mayoral candidate’s attempt at a 135-pound `bench press fail` ended in a widely circulated public struggle. This incident, captured during an annual community event, quickly transcended local news, sparking extensive commentary from both political pundits and medical professionals, highlighting the unforgiving nature of `viral video` in public life.

The focal point of this online sensation was `Zohran Mamdani`, a socialist candidate for the New York City mayoral office, whose bench press endeavor at Brooklyn’s 2025 Men’s Day open streets event failed spectacularly. Video footage circulating across numerous digital platforms depicted Mamdani struggling with improper technique and requiring significant assistance from a spotter to manage the weight, which was reportedly 135 pounds.

Dr. Chad Teague, a highly respected NFL and NBA sports doctor, offered his professional assessment of the viral `bench press fail`. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Dr. Teague underscored the critical importance of proper form, stating that failing to lift such a weight, especially for a public figure, could be perceived as a significant blow. His analysis provided an expert perspective on the mechanics and potential pitfalls involved in the exercise, an aspect central to `sports medicine`.

Dr. Teague, a chiropractic physician who co-founded Code Chiro in Cleveland, where he treats elite `professional athletes` including NFL stars and NBA players, elaborated on the fundamentals of effective bench pressing. He emphasized the necessity of an engaged core, stable foot placement, and correct `hand placement` to prevent injury and maximize strength. These elements, he noted, are crucial for both amateur enthusiasts and professional lifters alike.

The political fallout from the incident was immediate and sharp, contributing to a significant `political gaffe`. New York City’s incumbent mayor reportedly dubbed Mamdani “Mamscrawny” on social media, while former Governor Andrew Cuomo seized the opportunity to critique his rival’s perceived lack of strength, quipping that Mamdani couldn’t “bench his own body weight, let alone carry the weight of leading the most important city in the world.” This demonstrates how quickly a physical misstep can be weaponized in the `NYC Mayoral Race`.

Beyond the political jabs, Dr. Teague also provided invaluable `injury prevention` advice, stressing the absolute need for a comprehensive warm-up routine before engaging in any strenuous functional movements, particularly `bench presses`. Neglecting this vital preparatory step significantly elevates the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, a concern that transcends athletic ability, directly impacting personal `health` and well-being.

For Mamdani and others aspiring to improve their strength training, Dr. Teague strongly advocated for a return to fundamental principles, starting with form correction. He warned that Mamdani’s current technique placed him at a high risk of injury. The sports doctor recommended incorporating targeted exercises at least once a week that strengthen key muscle groups involved in the bench press, such as the pectoralis major, triceps, and rotator cuff for stabilization, all critical elements in effective sports medicine.

To ensure adequate blood flow and prepare the body, Dr. Teague suggested performing dynamic movements like Turkish get-ups or various incline and flat bench presses. He also revealed that many of the `elite athletes` he trains utilize landmine presses and single-arm movements to effectively build strength in the anterior shoulder and chest, offering practical insights for anyone looking to safely and effectively enhance their upper body strength and contribute to their overall fitness.