Lifting a heavy barbell over your head is one thing, but doing it while riding a unicycle is another. Recently, one skillful man did just that and smashed a world record. The barbell press or the barbell shoulder press is a compound exercise where you hoist the barbell up over your head and carefully lower it back down to your chest again. It’s an effective move that engages multiple muscle groups, including your shoulders, triceps, and core. Let’s look at this interesting world record, the muscles worked during the barbell press, and the benefits.
Smashing a world record
Scottish athlete Jason Auld previously held the Guinness World Record for the heaviest unicycle barbell press at 149.9 pounds. Recently, Dan Galanto from Grand Rapids, Michigan, smashed two world records:
- The heaviest single barbell press at 93.71 kilograms or 206.6 pounds while balancing on a unicycle.
- The heaviest single dumbbell press at 35.42 kilograms or 78.1 pounds while balancing on a unicycle.
Lifting two hundred pounds over your head while attempting to ride a unicycle is incredibly impressive, especially considering that most people can’t lift 200 pounds overhead with both feet planted firmly on the ground. Dan is determined and motivated, and on the 14th of September, 2024, he beat his own previous record by over 30 pounds.
Training and motivation
Dan Galanto has 20 years of weightlifting experience under his belt and a few years less riding unicycles. He started training for this world record by balancing while lifting lighter weights and working his way up to heavier weights over time. Dan effectively incorporated progressive overload while maintaining his balance on a single wheel.
The Guinness World Records certified Dan’s accomplishments, but he isn’t done yet. Now, he’s setting his sights on the fastest 100-meter car push and the highest pole vault while riding a unicycle, which takes a minute to wrap your head around.
What muscles are targeted during the barbell press?
The traditional barbell press works the following muscles:
- Deltoids in your shoulders.
- Triceps in your arms.
- Certain chest muscles.
- Core muscles.
- Glutes.
- Your quads in your thighs.
What are the benefits of the barbell press?
Not only does the barbell press give you this powerful, primal feeling, but you’ll also boost your shoulder strength and overall upper body strength. It’s an excellent compound move for building and sculpting your chest and shoulders for the upper part of the desirable V-taper look.
