Gym Creep and Gym Weirdo hashtags are trending on Instagram and TikTok and men are not happy
The hashtags are showcasing videos with inappropriate behaviors by men like casual remarks about a woman's body or outfit, prolonged stares and groping. (Photo: dailyO)
Women have always talked about the unwanted attention they get while working out in a gym. They have always been disgusted by it and it often leads to serious anxiousness for them.
Videos with the hashtags #GymCreep and #GymWeirdo, mostly seen in the UK and US over the last 18 months, have received over 100 million views on TikTok.
What does gymcreep mean?
According to USA Today, the tag #gymcreep, showcasing videos with inappropriate behaviors by men like casual remarks about a woman's body or outfit, prolonged stares and groping, has over 76 million views on TikTok.
Related hashtags like #gymweirdos and #creepygymguystories have over 2.8 million views. Instagram is also seeing the trend of gym creep picking up, with women calling out men who stare and make them uncomfortable.
Why is #gymcreep trending?
Women on TikTok have started filming their workouts in an effort to catch predatory guys at the gym. They are then posting it with the #Gymcreep and #Gymweirdos hashtags.
The craze peaked when American influencer Gina Love posted a video on TikTok of a "creepy" man who was standing close to where she was exercising with weights.
However, several users also are pointing out that some men are actually trying to be nice and are actually helpful in the gym and recording sometimes is an invasion of their privacy.
Men are getting uncomfortable
But, this trend is upsetting a certain group of men. These men are now uploading reels on Instagram, and videos on TikTok opposing this trend.
Check out some reactions:
I feel so violated #gymcreep #gymcrush #mirin #lol #jokes #gymhumor #gymmemes #QuakerPregrain #weightlifting #olylifting #gymculture pic.twitter.com/qZqeapUehP
— Blake (@blakelifts_) February 1, 2023
The real question?
Trends like these will come and go as women call out creeps, but the real question is why do women have to face harassment even in 2023?