What is ego lifting? The gym habit that can wreck your joints and your gains
Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert
Dec 19, 2025 · 12 min read
Ego lifting is when you chase a number on the bar that your body cannot control with solid form. It can feel powerful in the moment, but it often trades long-term strength, muscle, and joint health for a short-term hit of validation. “If the weight forces you to cheat the movement, you’re not training the ...