21-year-old bodybuilding prodigy Sam Sulek isn’t just known for his incredible physique. Sulek has proved that he is an exceptionally strong lifter on multiple occasions. Fans were always impressed with the fact Sulek often powers through one final rep when he is about to fail a lift. However, even the strongest lifters in the gym run into trouble once in a while.

Something similar happened with Sam Sulek during a set of pendulum squats. Arsenal Strength, the creators of the pendulum squat machine, posted the video on their YouTube channel. The unique squatting machine promises to provide a deeper range of motion while reducing stress on the knee joint. However, it makes the movement quite difficult.

So most people don’t train to failure on the pendulum squat without a spotter, as the design doesn’t allow you to bail out. Sam Sulek found out the hard way when he failed to complete the final rep of his set despite his best effort. So, the bodybuilder had to ask for help. “Sam has never had to say this before,” Arsenal Strength wrote in their video. And what did he say in the clip exactly? “Help me!”

Immediately, two gym goers ran over to help the former diver out of his predicament. “Thank you… I wasn’t dying, but I appreciate that,” Sam Sulek told the men who helped him. While the 21-year-old bodybuilding icon is indeed strong, the fact that he couldn’t bail out if failed to lock the machine may have slipped his mind.

The manufacturer, however, used the video to showcase why you shouldn’t underestimate the pendulum squat machine. “Arsenal Strength Pendulum Squat humbles all,” they added. The fans were also surprised to see Sulek fail during a lift and call for help. They also found something to laugh about in Sulek’s gym fail video.

Fans couldn’t get over Sam Sulek’s voice

“Sam’s real voice came out for a second,” wrote one fan, pointing out that the bodybuilder’s baritone voice became shrill while asking for help. “The sound of his voice when he asked for help versus after when he said thank you. Sam is a beast,” commented another fan, drawing attention to how Sulek’s voice returned to normal after asking for help.

Meanwhile, one fan was surprised that the bodybuilding prodigy needed help. “Imagine getting to save Sam Sulek,” wrote the fan in disbelief. Another fan commented from experience. “This machine hits so hard and it humbles you,” the fitness enthusiast commented. “That boy was dying lol,” joked another man, even though Sulek denied he was in that much trouble. 

Sam Sulek is an experienced lifter who almost always trains with heavy weights. However, the pendulum squat video proved that even experienced lifters may sometimes misjudge how much they can lift. This is why bodybuilding veterans and influencers, including Sulek, discourage ego lifting.