So, there’s this video making rounds on TikTok where a guy is being hailed by fans for being totally cool about his girlfriend’s gym anxiety.
Lily, the girlfriend, was feeling quite uneasy at the gym, and her boyfriend picked up on it. The video captures the sweet moments as more than 1.2 million viewers witnessed her boyfriend boosting her spirits with kisses, a pep talk, and some good laughs.
It’s worth mentioning that a simple act of kindness can go a long way. The heartwarming video that Lily shared on her TikTok account has garnered almost 110,000 likes and moved some to tears. “Why am I crying? This is so lovely,” expressed one of the comments.
Anxiety at the gym is something many face. An online survey by My Protein, a sports nutrition company, in 2022 revealed that 38% of Gen Zers fear judgment at the gym, while 30% are anxious about their performance and 42% about their appearance.
Lily’s experience of gym anxiety isn’t unique. Many people struggle with “gymtimidation,” a term used to describe feelings of anxiety and insecurity at the gym. It’s interesting to note that Georgians have the least gymtimidation (23% below the national average), while Oregonians top the list with 22% higher than the national standard.
California seems to have the lowest gym anxiety levels, with Oregon neighbors experiencing more. The contrast between these two neighboring regions is quite surprising.
In tough times, we all need our own personal “hype man” like Lily has.
Studies have shown that the saying ‘a couple that sweats together stays together’ is more than just a saying. Researchers at Kent State University found that exercising with a partner can enhance the exercise experience and overall well-being. Working out with a romantic partner leads to increased positive feelings during workouts and throughout the day, as well as greater relationship satisfaction.
It seems like the boyfriend’s thoughtful actions haven’t gone unnoticed. Over 140 viewers have commented on the heartwarming video.
One user wrote, “Lils, he’s a keeper. You’ve got this—keep pushing!” Another concurred, praising supportive partners.
A third commenter shared, “I love it. Love means being attentive and caring.”