VIDEO: On most days, you can find the Chattanooga Fire Department's Lt. Michael Battle working out at the Sports Barn.
On a typical day, he will bench press anywhere from 400 to 500 lbs.
While he's been inspiring others in the gym for years, he's now reaching more people on the app TikTok. Videos of his workouts have gone viral. "I was actually working out and somebody recorded me," Battle said. "They put it out and it kind of gained momentum and it kind of took off from there."
People started watching his workouts and feeling encouraged.
"I never thought that me doing something that I love could affect people that much," Battle said.
But he said it's about much more than the weight on the bar, it's about mental health.
"It allows me to clear my mind and I feel better. I feel relieved once I leave here. I'm ready to tackle my day," Battle said.