Political commentators and social media users quickly jumped on the moment when socialist New York City candidate Zohran Mamdani struggled to bench press an estimated 135 pounds. This occurred at the annual Men’s Day Open Street event in Brooklyn over the weekend, where Mamdani required complete support from a spotter to handle the weight.
Dr. Chad Teague, a sports doctor with experience in the NFL and NBA, expressed on Fox News Digital that failing to lift such weight can be seen as a hit to one’s masculinity.
“I think if President Biden tried, he might not lift it, if I’m being honest,” Teague remarked, adding that former President Trump might have a better chance of managing the weight. Teague operates a chiropractic office, Code Chiro, where he works with NFL stars and professional athletes, including members from the Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets.
He pointed out that Mamdani’s feet lifting off the ground while trying to press were indicative of his struggle, which is considered a bad sign. On social media, New York City Mayor Eric Adams referred to Mamdani with a derogatory nickname, amidst ongoing political tension with Andrew Cuomo regarding their rivalry.
Teague mentioned that typically, most individuals wouldn’t need a spotter at 135 pounds, as it’s often a warm-up weight for many. Then he shifted focus back to Mamdani, emphasizing that, while a spotter can be helpful, his form was concerning.
As the race for New York Mayor intensifies, Teague advised candidates—especially Mamdani—to adopt good gym habits to avoid injuries. He highlighted proper techniques, starting with a warm-up that includes push-ups and rotator cuff exercises for injury prevention. For overall strength, he recommended exercises focused on key muscle groups, suggesting moves like the Turkish get-up and various types of bench presses.
Teague also noted that for beginners, starting with lighter weights and focusing on 10-20 reps can help them understand their body’s capacity better. “You want to see how your body feels and recovers from those reps before adding more weight,” he advised.
