Social media is flooded with videos of impressive lifts, jaw-dropping feats of strength, and seemingly impossible workouts. 

But behind the glitz and flexing, a troubling trend is emerging: celebrities and fitness influencers using fake weights to boost their online clout.

These staged performances often go viral, with millions of views and thousands of likes fueling the stars’ online personas. 

However, as more experts and keen-eyed followers call out these deceptions, it raises a critical question: How much of what we see in the fitness world is real, and how much is just for show?

High-Profile Cases of Fake Weight Controversies

The trend of using fake weights isn’t limited to obscure influencers—it’s prevalent even among some of the most recognizable names in the fitness and entertainment world. Here are some of the most notable examples:

Sylvester Stallone (2021): The Viral Lift That Sparked Doubt

In 2021, Sylvester Stallone, then 74, posted a video on Instagram showcasing an impressive, almost unbelievable feat. From a kneeling position, he lifted a 45-pound plate in each hand, grimacing as he stood upright. Despite the dramatic display, not everyone was convinced.

Professional bodybuilder and record-holding powerlifter Greg Doucette, known for his no-nonsense approach, immediately called foul. Doucette attempted to recreate Stallone’s lift on his YouTube channel, struggling even with much lighter weights. “If you thought he could actually do this, you’re a moron,” Doucette remarked bluntly, pointing out the physical improbability of the stunt. While Stallone’s fans rallied to his defense, the controversy highlighted just how easy it is to manipulate fitness feats online.

Other Notorious Incidents: Gracyanne Barbosa, Brad Castleberry, and More

Stallone’s stunt isn’t the only instance of dubious weightlifting making headlines. Fitness model Gracyanne Barbosa faced similar accusations in 2017, followed by influencer Brad Castleberry in 2018, whose lifts often looked more like performances than genuine displays of strength. In 2020, even popular online coach Jeff Cavaliere found himself embroiled in a fake weight scandal. And just this year, eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman was called out, proving that even legendary figures aren’t immune to skepticism.

JJ Watt’s Satirical Take on Fake Weights

NFL star JJ Watt added fuel to the fire when he posted his own tongue-in-cheek video shortly after Stallone’s stunt. In the clip, Watt squats what appears to be a staggering 605 pounds, only to reveal that his plates were a fraction of the actual weight. “Beware the bullshit,” read the caption, serving as a blunt reminder that not everything is as it seems in the gym or on social media.

Why Fake Weights Are So Common in Fitness Content

In an age where likes, shares, and followers can translate directly into income and influence, the temptation to exaggerate physical prowess is hard to resist. From actors to fitness influencers, many turn to fake weights to amplify their performance, knowing that the internet’s craving for spectacle often outweighs its demand for authenticity.

The Pressure to Stand Out in a Crowded Space

Social media is fiercely competitive, especially in the fitness community, where everyone’s trying to one-up each other with the next jaw-dropping lift. The pressure to be bigger, stronger, and more impressive than the next influencer drives some to cut corners. Faking a 600-pound deadlift or an outrageously heavy squat can turn a relatively strong lifter into a perceived superhuman, instantly setting them apart from the crowd.

Attention as the Ultimate Currency

For many, the attention gained from fake weight stunts is worth the risk. Sylvester Stallone’s lift, while dubious, generated millions of views and thousands of comments. More than just a show of strength, it was a masterclass in marketing. Not long after the controversial post, Stallone announced the release of a re-edited version of “Rocky IV,” seamlessly turning the buzz into promotional fuel for his project.

Influencers often deploy similar tactics. Doucette points out that adding even 100 pounds of fake weight to a barbell can transform a decent lift into something that seems almost superhuman. The result? Viral content, increased followers, and more lucrative brand deals, all without the actual effort or risk associated with lifting those weights.

Easier to Deceive Than You Think

Most casual viewers aren’t familiar with the nuances of weightlifting, making it easy for influencers to pass off fake stunts as legitimate. A perfectly clean lift, no signs of strain, or even a slightly lighter-looking plate can be overlooked by an untrained eye. For those in the know, the signs are there: minimal struggle, pristine form under supposedly massive weights, and equipment that doesn’t quite look right. But for the average fan, these performances are often accepted at face value.

Telltale Signs of Fake Weight Lifting

Spotting fake weightlifting stunts can be tricky, especially when the performance is polished and the lifter is a charismatic figure. However, there are subtle but telling signs that can help distinguish genuine feats of strength from staged performances.

1. Too Perfect to Be Real: Minimal Strain and No Safety Gear

One of the most obvious giveaways is when lifters handle extreme weights with little to no visible struggle. Genuine heavy lifts typically involve a lot of effort—think deep breaths, grunts, and sometimes even vocal expressions of strain. Yet, in many fake videos, the athlete moves with an almost casual ease, showing none of the signs of exertion that would normally accompany such a feat.

Additionally, serious lifters use safety gear like belts, knee wraps, or wrist straps when handling near-maximal loads. The absence of this gear, combined with picture-perfect form, can be a red flag. For instance, someone squatting what would be a record-breaking weight without a belt or spotter isn’t just unusual—it’s almost certainly staged.

2. Bars That Don’t Bend Under Heavy Loads

Another key indicator is the barbell itself. When lifting heavy weights, especially in exercises like deadlifts or squats, the bar should visibly bend under the strain. This flex is a clear sign of substantial weight. If a lifter is supposedly squatting 600 pounds and the bar remains perfectly straight, it’s a strong sign that the plates are fake.

3. Mismatched or Odd-Looking Plates

Fake plates often look different from standard gym equipment. They might be thinner, have different coloring, or lack the markings typical of real weights. In some videos, the plates used don’t match those seen elsewhere in the gym, raising suspicion. Influencers may source these props online, where fake weights resembling real ones are readily available, allowing them to easily mislead their followers.

4. Unusual Struggles During the Lift

In some cases, the way an athlete struggles—or doesn’t struggle—can be telling. For example, struggling at the start of a bench press but smoothly pushing through the heaviest part of the lift is abnormal for a genuine heavy press. These inconsistencies, though minor, can be major indicators that something is off.

Criticism and Community Response to Fake Weightlifting

The rise of fake weightlifting has sparked a wave of backlash from within the fitness community. From seasoned athletes to everyday gym-goers, many are quick to call out what they see as blatant dishonesty. This criticism is not just about protecting the integrity of the sport; it’s also about safeguarding the public from unrealistic expectations and misinformation.

A Growing Chorus of Critics

Professional athletes and fitness influencers are often the first to sound the alarm. When Stallone’s video went viral, critics like Greg Doucette didn’t just dismiss it—they used their platforms to educate viewers about the physical limits of the human body and the tricks used to deceive them. Videos debunking fake lifts often rack up millions of views, turning these call-outs into viral content in their own right.

For some creators, exposing these frauds isn’t just about setting the record straight; it’s an opportunity to attract an audience eager for authenticity. Influencers like Doucette, who pride themselves on transparency, capitalize on these moments to build trust with their followers, positioning themselves as reliable sources in a landscape crowded with deception.

Public Skepticism and DIY Investigations

As fake weightlifting stunts become more notorious, social media users have grown increasingly skeptical of any content that seems too good to be true. It’s common to see comment sections filled with accusations, amateur analysis, and even recreation attempts by fans trying to determine whether a lift is legitimate. This collective scrutiny can be relentless, particularly for high-profile individuals whose every move is dissected online.

In some cases, these community-driven investigations have led to outright exposes. Influencers and fitness enthusiasts will break down videos frame-by-frame, highlight inconsistencies, and even recreate the lifts with real weights to prove their point. This grassroots fact-checking effort reflects a broader demand for honesty in fitness content—a demand that grows louder with every new fake weight scandal.

Why Fake Lifts Persist Despite Criticism

Despite the backlash, many influencers continue to stage fake lifts because the consequences are often minimal. Brad Castleberry, for example, faced years of accusations but still managed to maintain a massive following and a profitable brand. For many, the potential rewards—attention, sponsorship deals, and online fame—outweigh the risks of being caught.

In an era where controversy can boost an influencer’s visibility as much as genuine achievements, the line between authenticity and performance continues to blur, leaving audiences to navigate a fitness world where not everything is as it seems.

The Appeal and Lack of Consequences for Fake Weightlifters

Despite the widespread criticism and frequent call-outs, many influencers using fake weights face few, if any, real consequences. In fact, the scandal often plays to their advantage, allowing them to maintain or even grow their following. The allure of easy fame and the minimal repercussions create an environment where bending the truth is seen as a worthwhile gamble.

Boosting Fame and Engagement with Little Effort

For many influencers, fake lifts are a shortcut to instant online fame. What might take years of dedicated training to achieve can be faked in a single, well-staged video. These stunts don’t just attract casual viewers; they draw in fitness enthusiasts, critics, and fellow influencers alike, all eager to dissect, debate, and discuss the content.

Brad Castleberry is a prime example. In 2017, he posted videos of himself bench-pressing 675 pounds with ease—a weight far beyond what he had officially lifted in competition. Despite being repeatedly challenged to prove his strength on a legitimate platform, Castleberry dodged every offer. Rather than fading into obscurity, he thrived in the controversy. Today, he boasts nearly a million followers, many of whom seem undeterred by the ongoing doubts about his authenticity.

No Real Penalties for Faking It

Unlike professional sports, where cheating can result in suspensions, fines, or bans, the social media landscape lacks formal oversight. Influencers who stage fake lifts don’t lose contracts, face legal issues, or suffer significant career setbacks. In fact, the controversy itself can be a boon—fueling endless debates, content collaborations, and even increased sponsorship opportunities as brands seek to leverage the influencer’s heightened visibility.

The lack of consequences is further highlighted by the continued success of individuals like Castleberry, whose low engagement rates suggest that a significant portion of his audience might be bots rather than genuine fans. Despite questionable numbers and public skepticism, these influencers continue to secure lucrative deals, proving that authenticity is often secondary to popularity.

Controversy as a Business Model

For many influencers, controversy isn’t just an occupational hazard—it’s a deliberate strategy. Fake weightlifting stunts spark engagement, draw attention, and keep their names in circulation, allowing them to dominate social media feeds and remain relevant. Even when caught, the fallout rarely outweighs the benefits.

As long as views, likes, and shares remain the currency of social media success, the trend of fake weightlifting is likely to continue, with influencers betting that the potential rewards are worth the calculated risk of being called out.