Imagine a guy who wakes up before dawn to hit the gym, then heads off to sell cars all day, comes home to play with his kids, and still finds time to run his own gym business. That’s not some superhero from a movie that’s Simon Campbell, the real-life force behind the Instagram handle @srcampbell89.
Simon’s story isn’t about flawless abs or endless sponsorships. It’s about showing up every single day, even when life gets messy. He’s a dad, a powerlifter, a car salesman, and the owner of GymLifeNI in Northern Ireland. Through his posts, he reminds thousands of followers that strength isn’t just about how much you can lift it’s about carrying your family, your responsibilities, and your dreams without breaking.
How It All Start Finding Powerlifting Young
Simon didn’t wake up one day and decide to become a powerlifter. The pull toward strength training started early. As a kid, he loved the feeling of pushing his limits, of seeing progress you could measure in pounds and reps. Over time, that hobby turned serious. He competed, trained hard, and built real strength.
But life has a way of shifting priorities. Like many of us, Simon hit a point where training took a back seat. Work picked up, family came along, and the gym visits became rare. That’s when he noticed the changes extra weight, less energy, the slow drift away from the strong version of himself he once knew. It happens to the best of us, right? The difference is what Simon did next.
The Transformation That Changed Everything
Back in 2020, Simon made a decision that reshaped his entire journey. He’d gone from competitive powerlifter to carrying what he called a “dad bod,” gaining weight during a period when training stopped completely. In a raw YouTube video titled “Natural Transformation From Fat To Fit (Simon Campbell) 40lbs,” he opened up about dropping over 40 pounds naturally no shortcuts, no magic pills.
He went back to basics: consistent training five times a week, smart eating, and patience. The result? He reclaimed his strength and then some. This wasn’t just about looking better; it was about feeling capable again, being the energetic dad his kids deserved, and proving to himself that comebacks are always possible. Many articles skip this chapter of his story, but it’s the heart of why people connect with him. It shows that even someone who once competed at a high level can fall off and get right back up stronger.
Building GymLifeNI From the Ground Up
Out of that personal comeback came something bigger: GymLifeNI. Simon didn’t just want a place to train he wanted a community where people felt supported. Today, GymLifeNI is a thriving gym in Northern Ireland that welcomes beginners and seasoned lifters alike.
It’s not one of those intimidating spots with mirrors everywhere and loud music. It’s a place built on trust and encouragement. Simon coaches there, shares programming tips, and creates an atmosphere where everyone feels like they belong. Members often say it’s like a second family. Seeing what he’s built from his own passion is proof that when you chase something meaningful, good things follow.
Fatherhood The Role That Keeps Him Grounded
If you scroll through Simon’s feed, you’ll spot plenty of family moments mixed in with the gym content. He’s a proud dad to his boys, and he makes no secret that they come first. Posts about family outings—like a recent trip to an activity centre or Christmas celebrations show the softer side of this strongman.
He talks openly about how being a father fuels his fitness. He wants to be around for his kids, to have the energy to play, and to set an example of discipline and joy. It’s refreshing in a world where some influencers hide their personal lives. Simon proves you don’t have to choose between being a dedicated parent and staying committed to your health.
Simon’s Training Approach: Simple, Effective, Sustainable
Simon keeps his training straightforward. He focuses on the big compound lifts squat, bench, deadlift because they build real-world strength. He believes in progressive overload (gradually adding weight), proper recovery, and listening to your body.
Unlike trendy programs that promise overnight results, Simon preaches consistency. He’s hit personal bests like a 120kg clean, and he shares technique tips that help everyday lifters avoid injury. His message is clear: train with purpose, recover well, and enjoy the process.
| Year/Period | Milestone | What It Meant for Simon |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years | Discovered powerlifting | Built foundation of discipline and love for strength training |
| Competitive Phase | Competed at high level | Achieved serious strength gains before life shifted priorities |
| Around 2018-2019 | Training slowed, gained weight | Realized the impact of inconsistency became the spark for change |
| 2020 | 40+ pound natural transformation | Major comeback that rebuilt confidence and energy |
| Recent Years | Launched and grew GymLifeNI | Turned personal passion into a community that helps others |
| 2025 | Still posting daily, balancing everything | Shows long-term commitment family outings, PRs, and steady motivation for followers |
FAQs
Who exactly is @srcampbell89? Simon Campbell—a dad, powerlifter, car salesman, and owner of GymLifeNI in Northern Ireland.
Did Simon ever compete in powerlifting competitions? Yes, he reached a competitive level before taking a break and making his comeback.
What was Simon’s big transformation about? In 2020, he lost over 40 pounds naturally after gaining weight during a less active period, getting back to peak strength.
How does Simon balance family and fitness?
He prioritizes both, including his kids in his life openly and using fatherhood as motivation to stay healthy.
What kind of gym is GymLifeNI?
It’s a welcoming strength-focused community gym that supports everyone from beginners to serious lifters.
Does Simon share workout tips?
Absolutely he posts about compound lifts, recovery, consistency, and practical advice anyone can use.
Is Simon’s content only about heavy lifting?
No, it mixes powerlifting with family moments, work life, and honest motivation.
How can I start following his journey?
Head to Instagram and search @srcampbell89. You’ll find years of real, relatable posts waiting.
Why do people find him so motivating?
Because he’s honest about struggles, celebrates real progress, and shows that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary balance.
Has Simon’s approach changed in 2025?
He’s stayed consistent still training hard, enjoying family time, and building his community stronger than ever.
Final Thoughts
Simon Campbell, or @srcampbell89, isn’t chasing fame. He’s chasing a better version of himself and inviting everyone along for the ride. His journey shows that strength, family, and personal growth can coexist beautifully.