A ripped TikToker who has shot to viral fame after being spotted shirtless across Birmingham says his mission is simple: to 'spread good energy' and 'make people laugh'. Sightings of 'Mr Muscle', a larger-than-life character who has reached cult status, have sent social media into overdrive this year.
Viral clips of the jacked 37-year-old show him dancing at busy junctions, strutting on top of telephone boxes, jiving at the centre of roundabouts, and shadow boxing in front of police officers. Shoppers were forced to move aside for his broad shoulders when BirminghamLive met the smiley TikToker outside Waterstones in the city centre.
The Man Behind the Muscles
Mr Muscle chose not to reveal his real name, instead letting his growing online persona do the talking. He has already been dubbed a 'Birmingham treasure' with some claiming 'you're not from Brum' unless you've seen him in action. When we caught up with him on a sunny morning, he was instantly recognisable in his trademark outfit: bucket hat, sunglasses, sliders, and Nike tracksuit bottoms, and of course shirtless.
The Rock Gym regular explained, while vibrating and flexing his chest muscles and abs on command, how he'd made sure to get a 'good pump in' before our interview. 'I've only had two pieces of toast today,' said the internet star, whose Zeus-like physique is that of three normal-sized men combined.
The Mission
When asked why he's so frequently spotted with his shirt off around the city, the Smith's Wood resident said: 'Because I decided to do what I was born to do: spread the good energy, spread the good vibes. Be out here around the people.' He has been dancing in public places for the 'last year', but it was only recently when he decided to 'go even harder' with his appearances, which may explain the sudden surge in viral clips.
'It's just me enjoying myself,' said Mr Muscle, whose mum was the first to give him the complimentary nickname. 'If people like it, it's a good thing.' Despite the obvious attention, he insisted going viral was never part of a wider masterplan. His focus, he says, has always been on his 'mission'. Asked what that is, he explained: 'Spread the energy; bring back the good vibes. Just like when I was a kid. Everyone used to play together and we all used to laugh and have fun. They were the best days. It needs to happen again. I like making people laugh. If I can make someone laugh, I'm happy.'
Inspirations and Encounters
Growing up, he was inspired by boxing, the Rocky films and TV show Gladiators, which he laughed off with a 'you never know' when asked if he could appear on the revived series. But for now, until he's performing in front of packed arenas, Birmingham roundabouts will have to remain his go-to spots to show off his moves. Occasionally, he admitted, his antics have seen him get into trouble. 'At first they didn't know how to handle me,' he said, referring to police encounters. 'They roughened me up a little bit but they've got used to me now. They know I'm harmless. I'm just having fun.'
During our interview, passing shoppers stopped to tell Mr Muscle how much they 'love' his videos. Others wanted to find out the secrets behind his workout routine. When he first started working out, he made sure to 'push' himself. 'If I didn't feel pain, I knew it wasn't working,' he said. 'Everyone's got to eat healthy,' he added when asked for health tips. 'Everyone's got to start eating more fruit and veg and that.'
Message to Birmingham
Asked if a round of toast is usually how he'd start each day, he said: 'I'm just happy to start the day sometimes so I just have toast and go...and then think about it later on.' For anyone wondering, Mr Muscle doesn't count calories; he simply eats whenever hunger strikes. For the people of Birmingham, the internet star had a clear message: 'First of all, look after their body. And, obviously, enjoy life man. It's not that serious. I want to see people smiling and having fun more. When I was younger, kids were running around and having a laugh and that. You don't see that no more. It's quiet. It's dead. We're all here to love each other and get on. We're all family. We gotta make it work, man.'
