Man gets mocked at the gym but a fitness expert turns the moment into a lesson in kindness

Gym culture can be a powerful force for good—offering a space to push limits, build confidence, and find community. But when social media antics and public shaming warp it, it can become a source of anxiety instead. That’s exactly what happened when TikTok user @nikkii_fitness, a self-described bodybuilder and health coach, posted a video mocking a man’s workout. What she likely didn’t expect was the wave of backlash—and the powerful clapback from fitness influencer @thejoeyswoll, who used the moment to teach a vital lesson about respect and gym etiquette.

The video that crossed a line

In the now-deleted video, Nikki filmed a man working out and sarcastically asked viewers, “What do you think he's doing? What do you think he's working? I don't know either.” The man was performing a movement with dumbbells that looked unfamiliar to some, leading Nikki to make a joke out of it for her followers.

But professional bodybuilder and viral gym advocate Joey Swoll wasn’t laughing.

"He's doing what's called a drag curl."

— @thejoeyswoll

Swoll, who’s earned a loyal following by calling out toxic gym behavior, responded with his own TikTok, calmly explaining that the exercise the man was doing was a drag curl—a legitimate and effective movement for training the biceps.

Swol is known for his good vibes, and for reacting to negative commentary. TikTok | @thejoeyswoll

“Now granted, most people do them with a barbell,” Swoll said in his video. “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.”

A bigger issue than form

Swoll didn’t stop at defending the technique—he also called out the deeper issue: publicly shaming others just to get likes or laughs.

"Be better than that."

— @thejoeyswoll

“What’s most important, what he’s doing and working most of all, is minding his own business,” Swoll added. “The fact that people at the gym take videos of other people to try and make fun of them blows my mind.”

The point of the gym, according to Swol, is to be there in the first place. TikTok | @thejoeyswoll

The internet agrees

Swoll’s thoughtful takedown went viral and sparked a wider conversation about gym shaming—and how it discourages people from even stepping into a gym in the first place.

"She’s the exact reason a lot of people don’t go to the gym."

— @schmidty007

TikTok user @cmcurran5 wrote, “Imagine being a 'health coach' and trashing someone at the gym minding their business.” Another commenter, @astrojack95, shared, “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.”

Others used the moment to remind people that the gym should be a judgment-free zone. @awnandoff urged, “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 [critic].”

Swoll’s approach—compassionate, informed, and no-nonsense—earned praise across TikTok. One user, @oheyguys, commented, “Explains in detail about the exercise 'but what's most important, what he's doing most of all is 'minding his own business' [lol] so true.” @mf24886 added, “I love it when he says, he is minding his business.”

Real fitness is about community

This isn't the first time Joey Swoll has stepped in to defend gym-goers from judgment and bullying. He’s built a reputation around flipping these viral "gotcha" videos into teachable moments. In the process, he's become something of a social media watchdog for gym etiquette—calling out bad behavior and encouraging people to focus on their own journey, not someone else’s form.

The conversation reminds us all: if we want to make fitness more inclusive and supportive, we need to protect each other’s space—not mock it. Going to the gym can already feel intimidating, and public shaming only adds to the fear and anxiety.

So next time you see someone doing something different at the gym? Maybe they’re trying something new. Maybe they're a beginner. Or maybe they know something you don't.

Either way, as Swoll puts it—just let people mind their own business. That’s the best workout anyone can do.