UPDATE: A shocking moment unfolded at the annual Men’s Day open streets event in Brooklyn this past weekend, as socialist NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani struggled to bench press a barbell loaded with 135 pounds. The video of his failed attempt quickly went viral, igniting a firestorm of reactions across social media platforms.
Dr. Chad Teague, an NFL and NBA sports chiropractor, weighed in on the incident, stating, “If you’re not able to hit that, it’s like a slap to your manhood.” His comments add fuel to the ongoing debate about physical fitness among political candidates. Teague further speculated, “I think Biden could probably lift more than that. I think that Trump could lift more than Mamdani, for sure.”
The viral moment has led to a wave of criticism from political opponents. New York City Mayor Eric Adams mocked Mamdani on social media, dubbing him “Mamscrawny.” Former Governor Andrew Cuomo also chimed in, questioning Mamdani’s ability to lead, stating, “This guy can’t bench his own body weight, let alone carry the weight of leading the most important city in the world.”
Teague pointed out key mistakes in Mamdani’s technique, emphasizing the importance of a grounded stance and an engaged core. “His feet came up,” Teague noted, indicating a clear sign of struggle. This moment not only serves as a political gaffe but raises questions about physical preparedness in leadership roles.
The political fallout continues as Mamdani’s rivals capitalize on the opportunity. Teague’s professional insights reveal that proper lifting form is crucial to avoid injury and suggests that Mamdani needs to correct his technique. He recommends a thorough warm-up and exercises that target the muscles involved in bench pressing, including push-ups and rotator cuff movements.
As the debate rages on, Teague advises beginner lifters to start with manageable weights and focus on form, encouraging Mamdani to get in the gym to improve his physical fitness. “Learn how your body reacts to 8-10 reps at a certain weight,” he suggested.
The incident has broader implications for the NYC mayoral race, highlighting the intersection of physical fitness and political image. As Mamdani faces scrutiny, the public watches closely to see how he responds to both criticism and the challenge of improving his fitness.
With the 2025 mayoral race heating up, expect more developments as political leaders leverage this viral moment to sway public opinion. Follow this story as it unfolds and see how Mamdani’s bench press fail continues to impact his campaign.