Influencer tried to shame a man's earnest gym workout — but a bodybuilder wasn’t about to let it slide

Fitness influencers have built massive followings on social media by sharing workout advice, training tips, and motivational content. But sometimes, the desire to go viral leads to content that crosses the line, especially when it comes at someone else’s expense. That’s exactly what happened when TikTok user @nikkii_fitness posted a video mocking a man’s workout, only for it to blow up in a way she likely didn’t anticipate.

Nikki, a bodybuilder and health coach, regularly shared training videos on TikTok, as per Distractify. But in one post, she recorded a man performing an exercise at the gym, questioning what he was trying to accomplish. She showed the video on her TikTok and asked, "What do you think he's doing? What do you think he's working? I don't know either." The video showed the man holding two dumbbells at his sides, lifting them with his elbows flared outward. While Nikki seemed amused by the movement, professional bodybuilder Joey Swoll saw the video and decided to set the record straight.

Swoll, who is known for promoting proper gym etiquette and a positive fitness environment, responded with a clip of his own on his TikTok @thejoeyswoll. "What he's working is his biceps—he's doing what's called a drag curl," he explained. He acknowledged that while the exercise is typically performed with a barbell, the man was still executing it correctly. "Now granted, most people do them with a barbell. He’s doing them with dumbbells, so it may look a little strange, and a little awkward, but it is a great movement. It’s actually a great workout, he said.

After explaining the movement, he also addressed the bigger issue of gymgoers being filmed without their consent for ridicule. “But what’s most important, what he’s doing and working most of all, is minding his own business. The fact that people at the gym take videos of other people to try and make fun of them blows my mind. Be better than that.” Although the original video as well as the account was later deleted, the reaction from Swoll resonated with many, and TikTok users agreed that fear of judgment is one of the biggest reasons people avoid going to the gym.

@cmcurran5 commented, "Imagine being a "health coach" and trashing someone at the gym minding their business." @schmidty007 wrote, "She’s the exact reason a lot of people don’t go to the gym. Because they’re afraid of being belittled and humiliated." @astrojack95 chimed in, "This is why I get so nervous going. It's bad enough trying to make sure I do exercises right.. I don’t understand people that are like that at all." @awnandoff suggested, "Remember guys and gals, don’t be afraid of judgment when you hit the gym. Just worry about yourself, because you’re doing this for you, not for some." Some praised Swoll for his witty response. @oheyguys said, "Explains in detail about the exercise 'but what's most important, what he's doing most of all is 'minding his own buisness' [lol] so true." @mf24886 added, "I love it when he says, he is minding his business."

You can follow Joey Swoll (@thejoeyswoll) on TikTok for more content on gym positivity.