Bodybuilder Tristan Barnes Suffers Severe Pectoral Tear During Bench Press

[Kayce]

Tristan Barnes, a 23-year-old competitive bodybuilder and online coach, recently suffered a traumatic pectoral muscle tear while performing a 140kg bench press. The incident, which was captured on video, highlights the extreme risks associated with heavy lifting, particularly when combined with anabolic steroid use. Moments before the injury, Barnes jokingly remarked about not tearing a pec, only to experience the exact scenario he feared.

The Incident: How a Routine Bench Press Turned Catastrophic​

On an otherwise normal training day, Barnes loaded 140kg onto the barbell, preparing for a routine set. Confident in his ability, he lowered the weight and completed two reps without issue. However, on the third rep, disaster struck. As he pushed the weight upward, he heard a loud "pop" in his left pec and immediately lost all strength in his arm. Visibly in agony, he called for his training partner, Fam Williams, to remove the barbell as weight plates crashed to the floor.

Barnes, who stands 5ft 11in and weighs 15 stone (95kg), described the pain as "absolute agony," likening it to the sensation of breaking a bone. The sudden loss of strength in his left arm left him unable to perform even the simplest tasks, such as lifting a cup of tea. Concerned for his health, he sought immediate medical attention.


Detached Pec Muscle & Life-Changing Lesson

Delayed Treatment and Shocking Aftermath​

Despite his excruciating pain, Barnes faced an eight-hour wait at the hospital’s A&E department. Frustrated, he chose to go home and seek private medical consultation the next day. Upon waking up the following morning, he was met with a horrifying sight—his left pec, shoulder, and forearm had turned deep purple, a clear indication of severe internal bleeding and muscle trauma.

Returning to the hospital, Barnes was referred to an orthopedic surgeon who informed him that surgery might be necessary to reattach the torn muscle. The injury, which completely detached his pectoral muscle from the bone, was considered one of the most severe forms of soft tissue damage a bodybuilder can experience.

Steroid Use and Increased Risk of Injury​

Barnes attributed the injury largely to his long-term use of anabolic steroids. Having started at the age of 18 due to low natural testosterone levels, he had been using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to accelerate muscle growth and achieve a competitive physique. However, he acknowledged that while steroids help build muscle mass rapidly, they do not strengthen tendons at the same rate, leading to structural imbalances.

According to Barnes, the rapid muscle hypertrophy induced by steroids likely contributed to his injury. His muscles became significantly stronger than his connective tissues, placing immense stress on his tendons when lifting heavy weights. This imbalance made his pectoral tendon more vulnerable to rupture under high loads.

Despite this serious injury, Barnes stated that he intends to continue using steroids until he reaches his desired competitive physique before eventually transitioning to a "healthier route."

Social Media Pressure and the Pursuit of an Extreme Physique​

Barnes openly admitted that part of his motivation for steroid use was the competitive nature of social media and the bodybuilding industry. He noted that individuals with exaggerated, unnatural physiques often attract more attention online, leading to greater financial opportunities through sponsorships and online coaching.

He explained that his decision to take steroids was partly influenced by the belief that the fitness industry rewards those who push their bodies to extreme limits. According to Barnes, bodybuilders who achieve "freakish" size and conditioning tend to generate higher engagement and revenue on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Psychological and Career Impact of the Injury​

The injury has had a profound impact on Barnes, both physically and mentally. While he remains determined to return to the stage, he acknowledged that the road to recovery will be long and uncertain. With his left arm nearly incapacitated, he faces the challenge of rebuilding strength while ensuring the injury heals properly.

Although initially devastated by the setback, Barnes expressed a surprisingly positive outlook, stating that he would explore other career avenues within the fitness industry. However, he admitted that his goal of competing in bodybuilding competitions in the near future may now be impossible.

A Warning for Other Lifters​

Following his injury, Barnes warned fellow bodybuilders about the dangers of heavy lifting, particularly when using free weights like the barbell bench press. He stated that he had typically relied on machines, which provide more stability and reduce injury risk, but decided to test his strength with free weights that day. He now believes the decision was a costly mistake.

He urged lifters to listen to their bodies and recognize warning signs before injuries occur. Reflecting on his experience, he speculated that subtle discomfort or fatigue may have been present but ignored in his pursuit of progression. He advised others to stop immediately if they feel even minor pain during a lift.

Barnes also expressed skepticism about ever performing a bench press again, calling the movement "dangerous" and stating that the experience had "scarred him for life."