A personal trainer was branded 'dangerous' after filming himself performing bench presses while his baby son lay on his chest - but defended the stunt by saying it helped build their 'strong bond':
TJ Beckford, 31, has been teaching his clients over Zoom from his home in London during lockdown and 18-month-old son Blu has begun to mimic some of the exercises.
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Wanting to join in with his dad's activities, the toddler even climbs on top of his dad's stomach to join in when he's lying on his back ready to do chest exercises.
A clip filmed by mum Emily Wakefield, 26, saw Blu laying across TJ's chest as the dad lifted a 40kg barbell over his torso - the youngster even put his tiny hands on the weight himself.
In the clip, after lowering the bar to his chest, the personal trainer pushes it back upwards while letting out a groan, which Blu adorably imitates.
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Counting out his final two reps, TJ finally re-racks the bar while his son giggles away, clearly happy to be part of his dad's exercise.
Despite Blu clearly enjoying the activity and a wealth of positive feedback, TJ admits some people think having such a heavy weight over his baby's neck and chest is 'dangerous'.
TJ, from London, said: "There are always people who think we're just playing up to cameras and think it's dangerous because of the weight.
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"I wouldn't put Blu in danger so I make sure I've got it covered. I've been in the fitness industry for over 10 year so it's not like I'm not experienced.
"Whenever I start doing bench press he will climb up and sit on my belly to try and join in - he'll get really excited and bounce along with every rep, so I thought I'd let him have a proper go this time.
"I love having Blu join in and enjoy it too.
"It's a great way for us to bond, and it is definitely something a bit different to pass the time when we're stuck inside.
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"He loves to train with me. I am a personal trainer and he knows all the exercises I give to my clients over Zoom and always joins in to instruct them.
"As soon as he hears my workout music he's doing squats and press ups.
"I was just training for myself and his mum was trying to work, so to avoid distracting her I thought I'd get him involved.
"It didn't really work though as she decided to stop working and film us instead!
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"I'm proud to have such a good relationship with him."
Featured Image Credit: Kennedy News and Media