Arnold Schwarzenegger is arguably the most popular bodybuilder of all time. In a recent issue of The Pump Daily newsletter, Arnold partnered with fitness influencer Joey Swoll to spread his message of making gyms a positive space for everyone.
Former seven-time Mr. Olympia winner Arnold Schwarzenegger dominated the bodybuilding stages during his prime. His lead role in the 1977 docudrama Pumping Iron alongside Lou Ferrigno helped boost the sport’s popularity. Following a decorated career, Schwarzenegger found success in Hollywood and became a bona fide superstar with multiple blockbuster hits under his belts.
Fitness influencer Joey Swoll is leading the charge against the ‘toxic gym culture’ or poor gym etiquette. Recently, a female TikToker mocked fellow gym-goers for grunting loudly while working out. Swoll took issue with her for judging people in public who are trying to better their health. He also called on the woman, who claimed she was a personal trainer, to help create a safer space for everyone.
Swoll had a health scare last month after finding out there were genetic irregularities with his heart. Fortunately, he identified the issue at the right time, and it saved his life. He encouraged his 2 million followers on Instagram to be considerate of their health and get regular checkups for any discomfort.
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Last month, Swoll made headlines for his rebuke of a female TikToker who cursed out a man online for allegedly looking at her while training at the gym. She labeled him a “feral” and a “creep” for offering to help her add weights to the barbell.
Swoll’s callout motivated her to apologize for making false allegations. She expressed remorse for exaggerating the issue and thanked Swoll for giving her the wake-up call she needed.
Arnold Schwarzenegger & Joey Swoll team up to make gyms a positive space for everyone
In a recent edition of The Pump Daily newsletter, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joey Swoll announced their partnership to promote positivity at the gym.
Check out their Q and A below:
“You may have seen me tweet about Joey Swoll,” wrote Arnold. “I’ve been really impressed at how he pushes positivity in the gym and encourages people to be welcoming while also teaching some basic human etiquette. I wanted to ask him a few questions since this newsletter is my positive corner of health and fitness.
Q. Joey, why did you start this whole push for positivity in gyms?
“I started to push for positivity because I was seeing so much toxic gym culture on social media, shaming, bullying, and arrogance, and I know that’s so far from the truth of how the gym community truly is. The gym is a brother and sisterhood. I’ve been training for almost 20 years now, and I’m so grateful for the gym, the people in it, and everything it’s done to help me become a better man physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. It’s very sad to see negativity highlighted so much on social media to try and take away from that and discourage people from starting their fitness journey. I wanted to do something to help people see true gym culture and have the courage to go to the gym to better themselves, knowing there are so many great men and women there that will support them and have their back.
Q. What’s your message for people who have been training for a long time?
“My message to people that have been training for a long time is to take lead in the gym and on social media. There are so many people starting their journey that have gym anxiety and are so intimidated by the gym and all of us in it. Befriend these people, greet them, show them kindness, and make them feel welcome. If they need help or ask questions, take a second to help them. Remember what it was like to be new in the gym and be the person you had or wish you had when you first started, and NEVER bully or shame anyone for being new. Be the reason they stay and succeed, NOT the reason they quit.
Q. We have a lot of people just starting out with their training who subscribe. What do you want beginners who might be a little intimidated by gyms to know?
Joey Swoll added, “To those starting out, please don’t judge the big, strong, scary men and women in the gym. I know we may look intimidating, but 99.9% of the time, we are the kindest people you will ever meet with the biggest hearts. Please ask us questions and ask for help. There is nothing we love more than sharing our passion for the gym as well as our education with you. And if someone does try and bully you or make you feel unwelcome, we will be there to stand up for you and have your back. The gym has done so much for us in life, and we would love nothing more than for you to stay, work hard to better yourself, and have it do the same for you.
Schwarzenegger added that the two would continue to collaborate on more projects in the future.
“Alright, we’ll be getting together soon and spreading more positivity, but in the meantime, I hope that helps a lot of you. -Arnold.”
Schwarzenegger and Swoll had a cordial exchange online last week when one of Swoll’s tweets caught the eye of ‘The Austrian Oak.’ Arnold was complimentary of Swoll for his positive gym movement.
“My team just showed me this. Last time I met you, I ran right over to you because of your body. Next time, it’s going to be because of your mind and all of the positivity you’re spreading in fitness.”
My team just showed me this. Last time I met you, I ran right over to you because of your body. Next time, it’s going to be because of your mind and all of the positivity you’re spreading in fitness. https://t.co/KeWT2lWgyS
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) January 26, 2023
Joey Swoll recently went viral for his criticism of a female TikToker who mocked an old man for the way he was working out at the gym. He went as far as to say that her membership should be revoked and expressed admiration for the other users who called her out in the comment section.
Despite being separated by generations, Arnold and Swoll share the same goal in wanting to make gyms a safer place for all walks of life.
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