e Joey Swoll has genuinely discovered his calling. Though he’s been a recognizable figure in the bodybuilding community for over a decade, his recent rise is largely due to his gym positivity videos—better known as anti-workout-shaming content—on TikTok and other social media platforms. He’s been featured in publications like British GQ and the New York Post this year alone. Joey has dubbed himself the “CEO of Gym Positivity,” becoming a prominent voice against workout shaming. But who is Joey Swoll, and what’s his story? Let’s dive in.
On March 8, 2022, Joey posted a powerful message on Instagram along with the photo above: “Eighteen months ago, I was addicted to opioids, suicidal, completely alone, and without any purpose. Today, I’m clean and happy, cherishing every day I wake up, feeling amazing, and once again changing lives and impacting the fitness community. I went from the absolute worst place to the absolute best… If I can, YOU CAN. We got this. ONE DAY AT A TIME.”
How Popular Is Joey Swoll?
Incredibly popular. Joey currently boasts 6.6 million followers on TikTok, 2.3 million on Instagram, 1.2 million on Facebook, 580,000 on Twitter, and 55,000 on YouTube.
What’s Joey Swoll’s Real Name?
His real name is Joseph Sergo.
Why Did He Start His Gym Etiquette Videos?
Joey Swoll began his journey as another fitness influencer, sharing standard content about training and diet. Over the years, he faced significant online criticism for his shirtless posts and gym-bro persona, a name he leaned into by adopting the nickname “Joey Swoll.” His association with the scandal-ridden Shredz supplements didn’t help his image either, leading to a challenging period in his life.
But everything changed on January 7, 2022, when Joey posted a response video to a TikTok mocking a man doing dumbbell drag curls at the gym. Joey explained the exercise and concluded, “What he’s doing, and working most of all, is minding his own business. The fact that people at the gym take videos of others to make fun of them blows my mind. Be better than that.” This video quickly went viral, amassing over 20 million views, 3 million likes, and 46,000 comments, marking the beginning of Joey’s gym etiquette crusade. His #MYOB (Mind Your Own Business) movement took off. Read Also:Mike Mentzer Workout
Since then, Joey has posted over 100 gym positivity TikToks, often calling out those secretly filming others in the gym to shame them for their exercise form, appearance, or alleged inappropriate behavior. Some of his TikToks have garnered over 10 million views, with a few surpassing 20 million. “I’m not doing anything special,” Joey says. “I’m just reminding people of something they already know: treat others how you want to be treated.”
What Is Joey Swoll’s Height?
Joey Swoll stands at 5’6″ (168 cm).
What Is Joey Swoll’s Age?
Joey Sergo turned 40 this year, born on January 11, 1983.
What Is Joey Swoll’s Net Worth?
Joey’s net worth isn’t publicly known, and his income sources remain primarily private. Online estimates are merely rough guesses.
How Does He Make His Money?
Currently, Joey earns through online training and nutritional coaching via his website and through the sales of branded clothing on other sites. Over the years, he’s also been deeply involved with nutritional supplement companies. He likely receives some income from the TikTok Creator’s Fund, though this is a minor source of wealth. TikTok pays about $20-$40 per million video views. If Joey garnered 500 million TikTok views last year (an estimated figure), that would amount to roughly $15,000. This is likely his primary income source, bolstered by his social media fame.
Why Did Joey Swoll Get into Bodybuilding?
Joey Sergo weighed only 140 lbs. when he entered Illinois Wesleyan College as a wide receiver on the football team. He faced bullying from the more prominent, older players. “I didn’t want to go home because I didn’t want to seem like a failure to my mom, so in the second semester, I started living in the weight room and cafeteria,” Joey shared in an interview. “I fell in love with bodybuilding. Started to get compliments on my physique and strength. I loved it. But more than anything, it helped me cope with the stress and anger I felt towards those around me who lacked compassion or respect.
Any problem I had, I could always take it out on the steel in the weight room. No matter how upset, depressed, sad, or stressed out I was, I always left the weight room feeling free. Pushing my body to its limits was a way to balance myself physically, emotionally, and mentally.” He eventually traded football for bodybuilding and has carried a strong dislike for body-shaming bullies ever since.
Does Joey Swoll Compete in Bodybuilding?
Not recently. In his 20s, under his real name, Joey Sergo, he competed in at least two bodybuilding contests but did not win any titles. Like now, his legs were not as developed as his upper body.
Is He Married?
Joey is dating Crystal Reneau, a fellow fitness influencer, coach, and Los Angeles firefighter.
Where Is He From?
Joey was born and raised in Chicago.
Where Does He Live?
He currently resides in or near Los Angeles.
Why Does Joey Swoll Wear a Backwards Baseball Cap?
Because that’s his signature style, and he might call you out for fashion-shaming if you question it!
