Fitness coach Jeff Nippard was involved in a violent gym confrontation. On October 21, 2024, Nippard was assaulted by bodybuilder Mike Van Wyck after being ‘jabbed’ in the throat twice before falling to the ground. Nippard released a statement and confirmed Van Wyck had been banned from the Pure Muscle and Fitness Gym.
Jeff Nippard runs a science-based fitness YouTube channel housing over 5.79 million subscribers. His educative tone and docile nature have made many in the bodybuilding community curious about what could have provoked Van Wyck to attack him in broad daylight inside a public gym.
As of this writing, many believe it’s related to a reaction video Nippard made after Van Wyck questioned the validity of science-based lifting. In Van Wyck’s reel, he asked viewers, “Why are science-based lifters so mediocre?”
Science-based lifting has become a major phenomenon in the fitness world; however, individuals like Van Wyck prefer more instinctual, hands-on methods over evidence-based approaches to exercise and muscle growth. Their philosophies differ, but both offer their respective strengths.
Jeff Nippard Assaulted by Bodybuilder Mike Van Wyck
Watch the video below:
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The night the incident took place, Nippard published an Instagram post, offering details and his thoughts on the ordeal. He received a CT scan to rule out any traumatic brain injuries. His cameraman was also shoved by Van Wyck.
“If you’ve seen the video by now, I want to clarify the incident. First, I just want to give an update that I got a CT scan done and I’m okay. In case you didn’t see it, this is exactly what happened and there were many witnesses. Mike Van Wyck jabbed me in the throat twice in the middle of the gym and then shoved my camera man.”
Nippard stressed that he didn’t approach Van Wyck first and that the gym security footage would prove that.
“There is already a lie going around that Mike asked me to stay away from him, and that I didn’t listen, and approached him first. This is FALSE and @puremuscleandfitness has security footage to prove it. I think they should release it.”
According to Nippard, he was filming a YouTube short before Van Wyck brushed into him and told him “Oh things are about to get real funny.”
“This is exactly what happened. As I was filming bicep curls for a YouTube short, Mike brushed by me and said “sup”. This was our first engagement that day. I chuckled. Mike said “oh things are about to get real funny” as he walked past me. I then asked him “what did you mean by that?” and I made sure my camera man was filming in case he tried any funny business.”
After their first interaction, Nippard, who stands at 5’5″, said Van Wyck told him to turn off the cameras and proceeded to jab him in the throat.
“Then he walked back toward me, he said “turn the camera off” and immediately jabbed me in the throat and I fell onto the floor. Pure muscle and fitness allows filming btw. I stood back up and he told me to never talk about him ever again.”
After Nippard collected himself, Van Wyck, jabbed him in the throat for a second time before pushing the cameraman against a cable machine.
“Then he jabbed me in the throat a second time. Then he turned to my videographer and pushed him against a cable machine. Then he walked away. That is the full story and there is gym security footage to prove it. It’s up to the gym if they want to release it.”
Nippard confirmed that Mike Van Wyck was banned from the gym.
Why Did This Happen?
While he isn’t entirely sure of why Van Wyck assaulted him, Nippard believes it might have something to do with a clip he shared where he responded to his question about science-based training.
“I don’t know why he attacked me other than that he really, really hates my training style. I certainly gave him absolutely no reason to hate me. And even if I did, there’s no excuse to physically attack someone over a disagreement.
My opinion is that it was the result of anger brought on by the clip I posted yesterday responding to his question about science-based training. Pretty wild stuff,” Nippard shared.
The Reaction Video That Led to Confrontation:
Below, you can find Jeff Nippard’s reaction video that might have spurred the violent interaction:
Mike Van Wyck is considered one of the strongest IFBB Pros around, appearing on prestigious stages like the New York Pro and Toronto Pro. He has helped shape and train several athletes and celebrities, including rapper Drake.
Fans React to the Chaos:
Fans and followers of bodybuilding were quick to defend Nippard following the brush-up with Van Wyck.
“Glad to see you’re ok Jeff. It is NEVER ok to put your hands on someone like this especially without a justified reason. I sent you a DM if you get a moment to breathe. No rush. Again, glad you’re ok physically and hopefully mentally as well. 🙏🏼” shared Joey Swoll.
“This is insane and Mike should be banned from the gym faster than last time and where the heck is the @joeyswoll video about this” Greg Doucette wrote.
“ive seen the SECURITY FOOTAGE and witnessed what @jeffnippard described. @dorian_hamilton told Mike to finish his client and leave the gym today at around noon. He was out at around 1pm and is not allowed back at @puremuscleandfitness as of now… glad you are ok Jeff!” commented IFBB Pro Antoine Vaillant.
“Jeff is the 🐐, glad you’re okay.” Jesse James West replied.
“I’m not surprised at all. Mike screams insecure the minute you hear him talk. I’m surprised you were the victim Jeff. I never would have thought your polite, friendly videos would piss someone off that much!! 😂😂” wrote Nick Trigili.
“Imagine being so fucking unhinged you commit physical violence because you were triggered by a video about training style. What the actual fuck.” shared Layne Norton.
“Glad to see you’re okay man. You’re handling this like an adult and showing people how to respond to extremely negative situations maturely 🙏🏾” Russel Orhii said.
“Lets all agree that Jeff was the last person that deserved this.” one fan shared.
“Jeff about to show him the scientific way to press charges 😂 ” another fan wrote.
Will There Be Repercussions?
Fortunately, Jeff Nippard appears to have gotten out of the incident relatively unscathed apart from some bruising and lacerations around his neck. In time, perhaps we’ll hear the other side of the story from Mike Van Wyck. It remains to be seen if Jeff Nippard will press charges following the ordeal.
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