Fitness enthusiast stands up for woman called 'stupid' by a guy in gym for filming her workout

It has been said that words have massive power and while they can lift one's spirit up, they can also put someone down in an impactful way. A fitness enthusiast, Joey Swoll (@thejoeyswoll), became a pillar of support for a woman named Emmy (@emmysbakedbeans) when she was verbally harassed for filming herself during her gyming sessions. The woman was recording herself doing one of her sets when a fellow gym member began ridiculing her, calling her "stupid."

“Try spending more time working out, it’ll help a lot more,” the man said, as Emmy deliberately tried to focus on her set. “Sitting there and f***ing video-taping yourself the whole time. It’s stupid, why are you doing it?” the man disrespectfully asked. Emmy finished her set and stopped the video. While the negative comments didn’t affect her and she posted the clip to empower other people who go through the same ordeal, Joey Swoll stitched the video and put the guy into his place for his recklessness. “Listen, I understand why so many people, both men and women, are so upset about filming in gyms,” Swoll said.

“That is never a reason to speak to someone this way and be this disrespectful,” he added. He pointed out that there is no harm in filming in gyms as long as it’s allowed and is being done responsibly and without disturbing others. “There are many influencers who abuse that. However, this young woman, I’ve checked her content. It’s great, it’s informative, it’s done so responsibly,” Swoll said. He highlighted that he noticed that Emma avoids getting people in the background while filming to be respectful of them and not make them feel uncomfortable which is a great practice.

“Em, I just want to say that I'm so sorry this happened to you. Keep up the great work and please know that if I was in the gym when that man spoke to you that way, I’d have your back.” While Emma had received overwhelming support through comments in her video, several others stood by what Swoll said and spoke in her favor. Emma even commented and thanked Swoll for his encouragement, support and message. @ellierue4 said, “It’s never okay to use hurtful words at someone ever.” @horseygurlgem87 said, “Well done to her for staying silent and not responding.”

@just_inhunter said, “Call them out! Need more etiquette in respect in gyms.” @geesegooses said, “I was waiting for you to see this video. My blood boiled when I watched this.” @patrickburke8 said, “That guy needs to learn to have respect. If I were there, I too would have her back.” @leroysmith1989 said, “As much as I’m against filming, I’m okay if they’re respectful about it.” People had many things to say but all in the favor of the woman. @brm6385 said, “I would have also had her back.” @marissa_renee4 said, “I was waiting for your take on this and 1000% agree.”

You can follow Emmy (@emmysbakedbeands) and Joey Swoll (@thejoeyswoll) on TikTok for more content on fitness and gym routines.