Can you complete the ‘Squat & Pickup Dumbbell Challenge’? – Muscle and fitness

The gym is often a place of seriousness, where hard work and multiple sets are put into the quest to become the best version of ourselves. But sometimes a fun challenge can be just as stimulating. Recently, gym-goers around the world lined up to try a viral challenge that requires just one rep. Can you complete this squat pick-up challenge?

In the tradition of other popular exercise challenges, like the wrestling barbell challenge, this single-leg squat challenge is about shaking off the seriousness while testing our limits. Fortunately, this test only requires one repetition, as hilariously demonstrated by members of The Dungeon Gym in Johannesburg, South Africa.

How to do the Squat & Pickup Dumbbell Challenge

1. Place a dumbbell on the floor and stand with your back to it
2. Step slightly forward, so that there is room for maneuvering
3. Squat down until you can pick up the dumbbell, with your hands behind your back
4. Completely the squat by raising with the barbell gripped

This challenge is harder than it looks!

As The Dungeon’s Instagram video shows, gym members were eager to queue up and try out the challenge, but not everyone was able to complete it. In fact, age or gender is not a predictor of picking up the barbell. The difficulty of this challenge reaches its peak as you lower your body to the barbell, testing strength, balance and coordination along the way.

Being strong certainly doesn’t guarantee success either, as several eager challengers fell backwards before they could lift the barbell to the sky. And while some brave folks managed to complete the quest, the comments section on The Dungeon’s popular Instagram post may provide clues to how to crush this crack for yourself. “Simple biomechanics,” said one Instagram user, “shorter femur to tibia ratio wins.” However, this idea was quickly dismissed by other viewers. “No, I have a long thigh and a short torso and can do this easily,” another user criticized. “Mobility is important,” another wise follower noted, while others labeled the challenge “easy.” So why not try it yourself? And if you agree that this challenge is a piece of cake, make it harder by following this other follower’s advice: “Only the ones where the heels stick to the floor count!”

To follow The Dungeon gym in Johannesburg on Instagram, click here.