In an unlikely meeting broadcasted on YouTube, influencers Kenny KO and Joey Swoll talked about performance-enhancing drug use and the Gym Positivity Movement.
Over the last few years, Joey Swoll’s call for a safe and welcoming gym environment has spread like wildfire, all thanks to his sincere and sometimes forward videos about people who record others without their permission.
Swoll has made it his utmost priority to make gyms more welcoming and regularly takes to streaming platforms and social media to advocate for better etiquette. From outright assault to hostile gym goers, he’s seen it all.
In addition to his goal to make gyms more hospitable, Swoll sports a massive and ripped physique, which appeared to pique the interest of Kenny KO, who is known for asking athletes about their ‘natty or not’ statuses.
Joey Swoll and Kenny KO Discuss Making Gyms Better Places and Steroid Use/Harm Prevention
First, Kenny KO started off the interaction:
“The CEO Gym Positivity meets gym negativity. How did you get started on the gym positivity movement?” asks Kenny KO.
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Swoll responded by reinforcing the message he has been spreading all along, which is to make fitness centers a safe place for all.
“There’s no reason for you to film someone in the gym that doesn’t know what they are doing or maybe is doing something to post on social media to make fun of.
And, it just sucks because people outside the fitness community stereotype us and are scared to come to the gym because they see that type of stuff. I just want them to understand they can come to the gym and know it’s a safe space for all.”
As for potential PED use, Swoll didn’t beat around the bush and admitted that he hasn’t been natural since he was competing in his 20s.
“I’ve never said — I tell people that if you find me somewhere where I’ve ever said I’m natural I’ll give you 10 grand.
I’ve never said I’m natural. I haven’t been natural since I started competing in my 20s. But you should do the research and understand that there are risks that you can mitigate but there are going to be risks that come with it.”
Even though Joey Swoll has made incredible contributions to the fitness and bodybuilding community, he has dealt with his fair share of setbacks. Last year, the famous bodybuilding influencer underwent emergency heart surgery, which thankfully, was a resounding success. He later reflected on the harrowing experience one year later, expressing gratefulness for a smooth recovery.
Having made gyms around the world a better place, Swoll will continue to fight for improved gym etiquette, and with names such as bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger joining the charge, there’s little doubt that Swoll won’t succeed in due time.
Watch the full video:
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