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Lady Wanted To Give Up After 2 Years With No Progress, Gym Bro’s Words Helped Her Not To Quit
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Lady Wanted To Give Up After 2 Years With No Progress, Gym Bro’s Words Helped Her Not To Quit

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How do you feel about gyms? For a lot of people, going to the gym for a good workout sounds like torture. Not because they hate exercising, but because of the toxic gym culture where instead of being allowed to exercise in peace, people who are not in the shape of Greek gods often get ridiculed or made fun of. Stephanie has been working out at her local gym for a while and had received not the most pleasant comments until one day, a stranger completely turned her day (and gym experience) around.

More info: TikTok

Due to health reasons, Stephanie had struggled with weight loss. She had been consistently working out for two years

Image credits: stephanies_adventures

The gym can be a great place to visit after a long workday to let out the steam after answering one too many annoying emails or dealing with co-worker drama. Exercising helps to cope with stress, improves endurance and ensures you will never have to ask anyone to open pickle jars for you. Sounds fabulous, right? Unfortunately, most people have only experienced the dark side of the gym experience.

People on the heavier side get the worst of it. They get made fun of for trying to stay healthy and improve their cardiovascular health. She had been battling with numerous health issues and after the side effects of medication shut her liver down, she decided it was enough and it was time to do something to improve her health.

The medication made it difficult for Steph to lose weight, but the young woman wasn’t going to give up. Sadly, her determination to get better was often dampened by cheeky gym bros who decided it was appropriate to comment on her body and make fun of her.

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The young woman had received many nasty comments from “gym bros” who made fun of her body

Image credits: stephanies_adventures

During one of her regular sessions, Steph was approached by a “hardcore” gymgoer who she described as looking “super tough”. She got nervous when he came to her, preparing herself for more nasty comments. However, what came next blew her mind.

“I’ve seen you in here every week, almost every day. I’ve seen you in here every week—and I’m proud of you,” said the gymgoer.

And it was just what she needed to hear. After numerous mean comments, days when progress seemed impossible as her medication made her body hold onto weight, some kind stranger noticed her immense efforts to get healthier.

Steph was getting more and more disheartened as she saw no progress until a “hardcore”-looking gymgoer approached her

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Image credits: stephanies_adventures

Steph then went to TikTok, where she shared her raw reaction to what just had occurred. The video went viral, garnering an astounding 15.4M views. She was emotional and couldn’t stop the tears flowing from the utter kindness she had just experienced from the most unexpected person. What makes it even more special is that these words came exactly when she needed them the most. At this point, Steph has been working out regularly for 2 years, but nothing seemed to change.

“I’d already been struggling lately, especially with my progress over the last few weeks,” she shared.

Of course, a few words of encouragement cannot take away years of negative experiences but it is certainly a push in the right direction. I believe that in a few years, Steph will look back on her health and fitness journey and remember the kind comment as a breaking point which marked the beginning of her best days.

Instead of making mean comments, he told her exactly what she needed to hear in that moment

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Image credits: stephanies_adventures

“There are a lot of thoughts through your head being a bigger woman in the gym because there is, like, all sort of ages in there. Different body types, like super fit, not fit, and it kind of messes with your head, especially me being an over-thinker,” Steph shared in her emotional TikTok. She revealed that she had internalized a lot of shame regarding her weight and how the world perceives her.

But at the end of the day, she believes this encounter will help her – it already has.

“You have no idea how people going through something appreciate kindness. Because he didn’t have to say it. He doesn’t even know what I’m going through. He changed my day. I’m grateful for people like you guys who encourage us.”

“I’ve seen you in here every week, almost every day. I’ve seen you in here every week—and I’m proud of you”

Image credits: stephanies_adventures

Steph’s experience resonated with thousands of people online who shared that they too had experienced negativity in gym spaces. Everyone recognized the importance of support, especially the kind that comes from the most unexpected places.

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“People do not realize how one person can change everything,” wrote one TikToker.

“That man you encountered is what real men do. Encourage. Support. Be human! It isn’t hard!” praised another one.

“Who knows? He may be going through something too and saw a determined, consistent, fellow traveler,” pondered a commenter.

Exercising has many health benefits and those who make nasty comments should just mind their own business

Image credits: stephanies_adventures

Hopefully, Steph’s positive experience will encourage more people to try out gyms they’ve been wanting to visit for a while now. Exercising has a lot more benefits that we are led to believe:

  • Exercising makes you happier as it increases brain sensitivity to serotonin;
  • Improves energy levels – a quick workout works better than a cup of coffee;
  • Reduces risk of chronic disease;
  • Improves sleep – no more counting sheep after a good gym session;
  • Strengthens your bones and muscles – you’ll be dancing well into your 70s!

Also, it’s a great excuse to buy cute water bottle or a yoga mat, listen to a new podcast episode and even find some like-minded friends.

What are your experiences with the gym?

Comments were full of support – people believe that this encounter is the definition of “gym culture” and we couldn’t agree more!

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Margo Butautaite

Margo Butautaite

Author, BoredPanda staff

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Sometimes the world can be a dark place but you just how to know where to look for some good news. Hint: take a garner at my profile. I write about happy things like dogs, good teachers and inspiring elderly people.

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Margo Butautaite

Margo Butautaite

Author, BoredPanda staff

Sometimes the world can be a dark place but you just how to know where to look for some good news. Hint: take a garner at my profile. I write about happy things like dogs, good teachers and inspiring elderly people.

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dayngerkat
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not long ago, I was a gym bro. When I'd see newer (bigger) people, I'd say things like "I see you in here all the time! nice. You inspire me to keep going". Or when you see a new person with a pro trainer, I'd whisper to them off on the side "hey you should take notes on what you do every day. That way you can have a plan for later, when you don't have a trainer". A lot of people get trainers because they don't know what they're doing. Trainers, good ones at least, are expensive

Justme
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just because you can’t see progress doesn’t mean progress isn’t being achieved. Your heart is stronger, your lungs are stronger, you’re building muscle.

Tamra
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's sad when a bit of kindness directed your way makes you cry. It generally means you haven't been the recipient of enough of that kindness and in the moment, it just feels overwhelming. I'm glad this man took the time to be kind, and I hope she gets to experience more of this from other people, too.

William Teach
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Excellent. That's the thing, most gym goers will be supportive. Many of them have been there before. Most want you to succeed.

Jeanette Thompson
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately, there are some real jerks at some gyms. Fat people are damned if they do and damned if they don't. "Get some exercise!" and, then when they do, they get made fun of, insulted, or harassed. Fortunately, they aren't the majority but even running into one can really ruin your whole week.

Load More Replies...
dayngerkat
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not long ago, I was a gym bro. When I'd see newer (bigger) people, I'd say things like "I see you in here all the time! nice. You inspire me to keep going". Or when you see a new person with a pro trainer, I'd whisper to them off on the side "hey you should take notes on what you do every day. That way you can have a plan for later, when you don't have a trainer". A lot of people get trainers because they don't know what they're doing. Trainers, good ones at least, are expensive

Justme
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just because you can’t see progress doesn’t mean progress isn’t being achieved. Your heart is stronger, your lungs are stronger, you’re building muscle.

Tamra
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's sad when a bit of kindness directed your way makes you cry. It generally means you haven't been the recipient of enough of that kindness and in the moment, it just feels overwhelming. I'm glad this man took the time to be kind, and I hope she gets to experience more of this from other people, too.

William Teach
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Excellent. That's the thing, most gym goers will be supportive. Many of them have been there before. Most want you to succeed.

Jeanette Thompson
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately, there are some real jerks at some gyms. Fat people are damned if they do and damned if they don't. "Get some exercise!" and, then when they do, they get made fun of, insulted, or harassed. Fortunately, they aren't the majority but even running into one can really ruin your whole week.

Load More Replies...
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