• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Generation Iron

Generation Iron Fitness & Strength Sports Network

  • Movies
  • Original Content
  • Reviews
    • Supplements
      • Pre-Workout
      • Fat Burners
      • Testosterone Boosters
      • Creatine
      • Protein
      • BCAAs
      • Multivitamins
      • Omega-3
      • Joint Supplements
      • Super Greens
      • Meal Replacement
    • Recovery
      • Best Cold Plunges
      • Best Saunas
      • Best Foam Rollers
      • Best Massage Guns
    • Programs
      • Best Online Workout Programs
      • Best Workout Streaming Services
      • Best Home Workout Programs
  • Equipment
    • Cardio
      • Treadmills
      • Best Exercise Bikes
      • Best Stair Climbers
    • Fitness Accessories
      • Best Apparel
      • Best Gym Bags
      • Weightlifting Shoes
    • Strength
      • Best Dumbbells
      • Best Barbells
      • Best Kettlebells
      • Best Squat Racks
      • Best Weightlifting Belts
      • Best Home Gym Equipment
      • Complete Home Gyms
    • Training
      • Best Knee Sleeves
      • Best Wrist Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Gloves
  • More
    • About Us
      • Our Team
      • Our Experts
    • Advertise
    • Franchise With Us
    • Exercise Guides
    • Athlete Profiles
    • Podcasts
    • Power 30
    • Bodybuilding Awards
    • Supplement Awards
  • Shop
News

Joseph Whittaker Avoids Injury In Gym During 400kg Squat

by Greg Patuto Published on Oct 22, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).

Powerlifter Joseph Whittaker was able to unload massive weight to avoid injury.

There is a reason that weightlifters have multiple spot when attempting an enormous lift. Even for the average lifter, it is important to have spotters present when venturing into new dynamics or weights. This is something powerlifter Joseph Whittaker knows and can back up — especially after avoiding injury during an accident.

On Tuesday, Whittaker had a close call while attempting a 400kg squat. After getting the bar on his back, Whittaker’s knee buckled and this caused him to begin to fall backward. He was able to unload the weight over his head and avoid a potential injury that could have been very serious.

Whittaker had a spotter behind him during the lift. He was able to drop the weight onto straps that were attached to the machine. The full video can be seen in Whittaker’s Instagram post below.

“Alright team,
SOUND ON, the share violence of this is mind baffling and the monolift is the safest thing I’ve squatted in, after unracking 400 my knee snapped back batter in the wrap which made me loose balance and well I done my best to scrap it the end result and safest option was to dump over my head unfortunately fucked a squat bar ????????
.
.
“I WONT STOP BECAUSE IM SORE/TIRED I WILL STOP WHEN THE WORK IS DONE””

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Joseph Whittaker (@whittakerpowerlifting)

This is not the first time that Joseph Whittaker has attempted a 400kg lift. In September during the 2021 NZ-UA Wolfpack Invitational, Whittaker completed a 380kg lift. After his first squat, Whittaker attempted a 402.5kg squat on his second and third try but failed both.

 

This is not surprising given the fact that the New Zealand native is one of the top powerlifters in the +120kg weight class. He has been competing for nearly a decade and has gotten comfortable in the top two at events.

This mishap did not turn Joseph Whittaker away from attempting heavy lifts. On Thursday, the powerlifter took another shot at a 402kg squat. This time, he was successful. Whittaker posted three videos. The first was a 375kg which Whittaker described as a warmup. The final two were 402kg.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Joseph Whittaker (@whittakerpowerlifting)

Joseph Whittaker has had a clear plan for his next squat goal. In training, he has been able to reach it and it will being interesting to see if he can complete the lift next time on stage. No matter how strong a competitor is, there is always a chance to mistakes to happen. This move by Whittaker proves it and shows how instinctive he is when unloading the weight over his head. It was great to see that he was not hurt and will have many chances to put up even bigger squat numbers.

For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

About Greg Patuto

Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.

View All Articles

Primary Sidebar

Get the Latest

Stay informed with the latest news, product reviews, & expert advice.

Popular Reviews

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • Performance Lab SPORT BCAA

    The Best BCAA For Bodybuilding Health & Performance Goals

Trending Articles

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

  • The Ultimate Mike Mentzer Workout and Diet

  • Chris bumstead's 2024 workout and diet plan

    Chris Bumstead’s 2025 Complete Bodybuilding Workout & Diet Plan

Popular Now

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • best citrulline supplements

    The Best Citrulline Malate Supplements for Performance and Pump

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

Generation Iron

Generation Iron is the first and only digital network delivering health, fitness, bodybuilding, and strength sports content. We deliver premium content with the biggest names in fitness and provide expert coverage, reviews on top brands, workout tips and trends in the worlds of fitness, health and strength sports.

Strongman Corporation
Vladar

Sections

  • Trending News
  • Original Movies
  • Original Content
  • Supplement Reviews
  • Equipment Reviews
  • Exercise Guides
  • Nutrition Guides
  • Athlete Profiles

More

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Experts
  • Advertise
  • Franchise With Us
  • Podcasts
  • Power 30
  • Shop

CONTACT

Generation Iron Brands LLC
134 West 29th Street Suite 902
New York, NY 10001
Email: [email protected]

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X / Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2025 · Generation Iron · Disclaimers · Privacy Policy · Accessibility