It’s Thursday evening at Iron Will Gym, and the atmosphere is alive with the sound of clanking weights and focused energy. In the middle of it all stands “Oljemannen,” preparing for another intense bench press session. But tonight’s workout took an unexpected turn, one that left the entire gym buzzing.
The Incident
Like many gyms during peak hours, the benches were fully occupied. Among the lifters was a skinny young man, barely weighing 55 kilograms himself, with just 30 kilograms on the barbell. But his attention was far from his workout—his phone seemed to hold more weight than the bar. Minutes passed as he scrolled and texted, oblivious to the growing line of frustrated gym-goers waiting their turn.
That’s when “Oljemannen” stepped in.
Grabbing the man’s arm, he declared, “Away with you kid, here I’m going to show you how to load a barbell!” In one swift motion, he lifted the man off the bench and set him aside. The startled young man dropped his phone but was otherwise unharmed.
Wasting no time, “Oljemannen” loaded the bar with 185 kilograms and performed his trademark 5×5 bench press, resting just two minutes between sets. His display of power and efficiency drew a crowd, with many silently nodding in approval of his actions.
A Lesson in Gym Etiquette
While the man may not have been physically injured, his pride undoubtedly took a hit. But as I see it, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Gym etiquette is an essential part of the culture, and distractions like phones have no place on the workout floor.
As a personal trainer, I’ve always emphasized the importance of focus and respect for shared spaces. When you’re at the gym, you’re there to lift, improve, and push yourself—not to scroll through social media. “Oljemannen” may have delivered his message with a bit more force than most would, but the lesson he taught was a valuable one.
The Bigger Picture
This moment highlights the dichotomy of “Oljemannen.” On one hand, he’s an extreme example of unconventional strength. On the other, he embodies a raw, old-school dedication to the gym—a reminder of why we’re here in the first place. Love him or criticize him, there’s no denying that he has become a symbol of discipline, focus, and sheer power.
Moving Forward
To all gym-goers, let this be a reminder: respect your time, respect others, and respect the equipment. Leave your phones in the locker and immerse yourself fully in the process. As for “Oljemannen,” his story continues to unfold, and I, for one, can’t wait to see where it leads next.
