CCTV captured the painful moment a 'gym bro' suffered a fractured rib when he droppeda bench press bar on his chest.

Surveillance camera footage captured in a gym in the city of Quanzhou, in Fujian, south-eastern China, shows the wannabe weightlifter getting ready to lift the heavy barbell on January 31.

But the second he attempted to do so, he failed to sustain his grip on the metal bar and dropped it, causing it to slam onto his chest as he twitched in pain.

He was then observed-tensing and placing his hand on his chest to alleviate the discomfort, while another gymgoer went over to offer help and move the bar away.

A third person then rushed from the other side of the room to assist.

Chinese media reported that the fitness fanatic was later taken to the hospital for treatment after reportedly suffering a fractured rib.