The gym used to be a sanctuary, a place to reach limits you never thought possible. Now it’s a movie production. Tripods up by the equipment, and the sound of weights clinging competes with the click of the record button.

Going to the gym is such a freeing experience, but are the real reasons for going being forgotten?

You will typically find on social media someone who would get frustrated that you walked past whilst they are filming themselves in the gym, not knowing that they are in fact the ones distracting people from working out. It’s ironic, in a place built for focus, attention has become the new currency.

Filming at the gym is fine, but what is the purpose? Is it to inspire others, to educate, or just to flex?

There are influencers such as @osafitness_ whose content primarily focuses on giving clear advice to those on fitness journeys. Then there are creators like @lucasmd.4 who will tell you bluntly what you need to change to live a healthy lifestyle.

These are the creators who add real value. They use their platforms to raise awareness, not just to pose.

But then you have the other side of gym content, people setting unrealistic standards, which has you doubting yourself on whether you’re making any progress because you have not gotten a six-pack after six months of training. The truth is, what they’re showing often is not real; it’s lighting, angles, and in some cases, performance enhancements.

For beginners, it’s dangerous. Many already feel intimidated or embarrassed walking into the gym. If the first thing they see online is impossible physiques and constant critiquing of others’ forms, they’ll hesitate before starting their workout. The content you post must lift others up, not discourage them.

The gym is a place that improves you mentally and physically. The discipline that comes with it is the biggest test of your character. There will be days when you will not have the motivation, but the disciplined mindset is what gets you through the door.

 Months will go by, and the confidence, strength, and mentality will be noticeable. You will feel accomplished. But then some people get to this point and start comparing themselves to others. Jordan Peterson once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

 The only person you should compete with is yourself because you are the only person who knows the discipline and persistence it took for you to reach your goals.

Somewhere along the way, the gym became about proving something to others, instead of proving something to the person you see in the mirror.

By all means, film your sets, track your progress, post your transformations, but always remember why you started. The weights don’t care about the likes or followers. They only respond to consistency. That’s where the real progress lies.