It appears no one is immune to the power of Joey Swoll‘s gym positivity movement, and that includes former Mr. Olympia champions. In a recent post published on Instagram, Swoll called out former Men’s Physique Olympia Erin Banks for disrespecting gymgoers while recording a workout. The backlash from his post prompted Banks to issue a sincere apology.
“Even if you’re a Mr. Olympia Physique champ, your filming never takes priority over anyone in the gym,” Swoll shared.
While Joey Swoll’s massive and ripped physique might be imposing to some, his warm-hearted nature and personality outshine any preconceived notions of intimidation, making him a beloved figure among the fitness and bodybuilding community.
For years, Swoll’s mission has been to make gyms not only safer but more welcoming for all individuals. From calling out men who have assaulted lifters to taking issue with influencers who promote negativity, Swoll’s top priority is gym inclusivity.
The latest to fall into Swoll’s crosshairs was former 2022 Men’s Physique Olympia Erin Banks, whose Instagram reel went viral after he made a couple of rude remarks to his fellow gymgoers. Given his record of accomplishments, Swoll was surprised someone of Banks’ stature would stoop to such a level.
Joey Swoll Crosses Paths With Erin Banks, Calls Him Out for Being Disrespectful While Recording at Gym
Considering Erin Banks’ contributions and platform as an Olympia winner, Swoll believes he has a responsibility or duty to set a good example for the gym community.
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Check out his full statement below:
“Keep the grind going unless, of course, somebody walks through your video while you’re filming at the gym. So many people sent me this video today, what’s most disappointing, this is a two-time Mr. Olympia, which means he’s one of the best in the world to do it on stage and in the gym. To this young man, congrats on all your success you have an incredible physique and you’ve won one of the greatest titles there is.”
“But none of that gives you the right to treat people this way or act as if just because you’re filming that you own the gym. You don’t. If anything, you should look at that as a responsibility, better yet a privilege to set a good example for the gym community. You should try to make the gym a safe place for people to come. But instead, you post a video like this, which makes people stereotype us bodybuilders and makes them afraid to even come in the first place. You need to do better. Mind your own business,” Swoll shared.
Erin Banks later posted an apology video in response to the backlash from his recent post that blew up:
“I’m reaching out to express my sincere apologies with my actions from my video if I caused any offense. I’ve been reflecting and processing what I did in that video and I realized that it just wasn’t appropriate. I deeply regret any hurt it may have caused anybody.”
Understand, it was never my intention to upset anyone or create a negative environment. I value my gym relationship and the people in my gym. I’m committed to making amends with all my people in my gym and around my community. I also want to apologize to the people in that video and my gym. I do, that’s a huge apology and from deep down in my heart I do want to apologize there.
To all my fans around the world, just know that that’s not the Erin Banks that I want you guys to know. Going forward, like I said, we’re going to be a little bit more considerate and thoughtful on the approach of the content and like I said, I never intended it to go far left. It is on me. It’s my fault. We all mess up. I’m not perfect but I am here to let you guys know that I’m sorry,” Erin Banks shared.
Joey Swoll’s gym positivity movement is spreading and has caught the attention of some heavy hitters in the bodybuilding community. Recently, former seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger discovered his efforts and laid out plans to work together in the future.
As for Erin Banks, he remains committed to his diet and training since dropping his title to Ryan Terry at the 2023 Olympia competition. He has decided to skip the 2024 Arnold Classic in pursuit of making improvements to his physique for the upcoming season.
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