A personal trainer was recording the last seconds of her workout on the treadmill when a woman called her out on the amount of noise she was making while sprinting.

Zahra, who goes by the username @zahrafit.cpt, posted the now-viral video on TikTok with the overlay text reading, “How would you have reacted?” 

Judging by the replies to the clip, which has now been viewed by almost 10M people, many folks thought the stranger’s comment was unnecessary.

A workout influencer was recording her workout on the treadmill when she was yelled at by a stranger for running too loudly

Image credits: zahrafit.cpt

In the video, after Zahra had stopped running, a woman in headphones could be seen walking over while seemingly yelling, “Hey! Can you stop this? It’s so loud. I can’t even hear my music — you’re crazy,” before leaving, visibly annoyed.

Smiling, Zahra glanced back and let her legs dangle above the still-moving platform before dismounting. 

Her caption read, “It’s funny, but it also reminds me how often we’re all in our own worlds, with limited awareness of what’s going on around us. And I get it — the media, the fast-paced life — it’s easy to feel disconnected.

“I definitely didn’t mean to mess up anyone’s vibe! We’re all there to improve ourselves, and who knows what someone else is going through. So, my approach? Don’t react. Let it roll off. The best we can do is laugh it off and keep going.” 

Zahra posted a follow-up video later on, admitting the brief interaction affected her more than she would have liked

Image credits: zahrafit.cpt

@zahrafit.cpt When you’re just trying to get a solid sprint in but someone’s not thrilled with your playlist choice…😂 It’s funny, but it also reminds me how often we’re all in our own worlds, with limited awareness of what’s going on around us. And I get it—the media, the fast-paced life—it’s easy to feel disconnected. I definitely didn’t mean to mess up anyone’s vibe! We’re all there to improve ourselves, and who knows what someone else is going through. So, my approach? Don’t react. Let it roll off. The best we can do is laugh it off and keep going (even if I laugh nervously sometimes 😅). What about you? How do you handle situations like this? 👀 #GymCommunity #StayKind #FocusOnYou #KeepRunning #JoeySwoll #KillThemWithKindness #LifeAintSoSerious @Joey Swoll ♬ original sound – Zahra

Two days after the viral video was posted, Zahra cleared the air in case of any confusion.

She opened by saying the confrontation was giving her “major anxiety” — normally, she would be “very hyper-focused” on her workouts on the treadmill, but today, she kept looking around, worried the same woman would show up. 

“I don’t like feeling this way, I really don’t,” she said. “I really hope I could talk to this lady and have a civil conversation. I really truly do hope I can get that chance.”

Image credits: zahrafit.cpt

@zahrafit.cpt Replying to @syd I wouldn’t wish this upon anyone. 🥲 This is my final take on all of this. I know I shouldn’t feel bad, as I was doing what I have every right to do at the gym. But the fact that I was yelled at, and that it’s now affecting me in the back of my mind, is what bothers me. Why am I sharing this? Because I believe it’s important for us all to work on how we react to things. Instead of approaching situations emotionally, we should take a moment to think before we act. Yelling never helps. Please be mindful of how your words might affect someone before you approach them. We need more kindness in this world. #Mindfulness #KindnessMatters #ChooseCompassion #StayGrounded #GrowthMindset #LeadWithKindness #GymLife #PositiveVibes #MentalWellbeing ♬ original sound – Zahra

The influencer later added, “Nobody should ever have to feel this way when they go to the place that brings them peace.” 

But Zahra clarified that her intention of posting the video was not to “shame” the woman, but more so to educate others on “people dealing with mental health.” 

Viewers shared their hilarious thoughts on what they would have done if they were in Zahra’s place

Image credits: zahrafit.cpt

@zahrafit.cpt Replying to @callmefluffy I want to clarify that my post was never meant to cause harm. I always make a point of respecting people’s privacy by editing others out of my videos before sharing them. One thing I’ve noticed, though, is that certain environments can foster a particular mindset—working in North Scottsdale, or “Snottsdale,” as some locals call it, you start to see this firsthand. There can be an attitude that, if you don’t fit the mold, you’re often treated differently. My training style is unique and may not look like the typical workouts people here are used to seeing, especially when it involves treadmill sprints. Ultimately, my intention wasn’t to provoke but to share and encourage conversation. Sometimes, choosing not to react is the best option. I wanted to highlight that reactions are optional—and maybe we can all benefit from pausing and reflecting before making judgments. #KeepSprinting #Privilege #GymTok #Discussion #Gym #MentalHealth ♬ original sound – Zahra

Comments in the original video poked fun at the situation, with the consensus that the woman had no right to call the personal trainer out.

“How DARE you make noise in a SHARED space?!” someone wrote. 

Another joked, “I would have sprinted for the next hour.”

“Wait I thought your music was too loud. She’s complaining about your running being too loud?! In the gym?! I’m sorry what?!?!” a user asked in disbelief. 

One person mentioned the equipment, writing, “those treadmills are loud as hell when going fast but it’s always so nice to hear them tbh it’s nice knowing someone is putting in work.” 

“This one is crazy to me,” someone replied

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