Gyms — also known as health clubs, fitness clubs, fitness centers, or health spas — are places where we all try to go for exercise. Whether it is to build muscle or lose fat, our goals vary widely. Nowadays, it’s also the place people go to create hashtags, dazzle Instagram, and check-in on our frenemies on social media!
In our age of vanity, the realities of the modern gym are well documented with photo evidence.
A Night Out
This picture goes two ways: Maybe she's addicted to working out, and we all know someone who is.
Or perhaps she has some time to burn until her date! Why not burn some time by burning calories and pumping up those muscles? You go girl, seriously.
See why pain is weakness leaving the body:
She Must Be Desperate For Likes
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking the reason this photo was fuzzy was that this woman managed to hold herself up for a split second. Given the amount of upper body strength a person needs to strike the pose, it wouldn't be out of the question.
But upon closer inspection, you can see that she had more than a helping hand here. It's not an optical illusion — she is just cheating, people! The lengths we go to get reactions on social media. Tsk, tsk.
McLift
We have always wondered how Ronald McDonald manages to stay lean despite following a diet from the pretty unhealthy chain he represents.
After seeing the famous mascot putting in the minutes at this gym, we have to take the clown more seriously. It takes dedication to stay fit despite living on a diet of fast food! Respect, Ronald.
Extra Motivation
Well this was sure to get a rise out of this guy. Anyone who lifts weights will tell you having a spotter helps motivate you to push yourself to the limit. And a pretty girl doesn't hurt!
This couple has figured out a unique way to motivate one another, without a care in the world for wandering eyes. Very brave, you two.
Something Is Wrong
Someone should tell her that she's doing it wrong. Or should they?
In a good gym, you'll find a machine for every part of your body. Ideally, you will never find yourself in awkward situations like this in front of the crowd! Why work on a body part with the wrong machine? Wasting time, for sure!
Twin Gym
Do you know Lucy and Jenny West? Let's begin with the fact that they're twin sisters, okay?
Yes, they're both bodybuilders. And they have now gained almost half a million followers on social media! They have many funny videos and posts, and we can't help but admire these two for keeping each other on track at the gym. Everyone needs a great workout buddy, and these two are as compatible as it gets!
Fake News
This photo might show us more about how gyms around the world sell their services. Do you find this compelling?
At first glance, something seems out of the norm! Photographing a woman with her hands behind her back, and a bodybuilder behind her gives the impression of a very muscly girl, and it is a picture that will make you look twice. At second glance, the truth is obvious. She's really not quite there yet, is she?
Working High
Another woman, another stiletto weightlifting photo. Is this even possible? Those shoes should break under the sheer pressure!
Her stilettos are fabulous, though. If this dumbbell is the real deal, out hat is off to this lady trying to keep her balance on those things!
Walk This Way
A treadmill has a few functions, which can be summed up by two words: Walking and running. So what strategy is this girl trying to employ here? We are at a complete loss.
Reverse training could be an interesting concept, but it doesn't look entirely safe. Let's at least hope she isn't trying this newfangled technique on a high speed today!
Tuck Me In
These days gyms are used just as much for posting photos on social media as they are used for actually working out. Is this a good thing, though?
Case in point: the woman in the green top helps her friend display fit abs on Instagram by squeezing and pulling her skin. A total fraud! That's what friends are for at the gym, it seems.
Focus On Me
Every selfie has the potential to show us in a good light. Perhaps a better image than reality, if we're lucky. But this woman seems to have missed a very distracting detail in the shot. We bet you haven't!
If you love yourself too much, you might miss out on other details that could literally save you from yourself. Life lesson, you're welcome.
Shrek day
You might not be green, big and smelly. But are you short, grey, and on all fours? If so, you might be Shrek's friend. You might be Donkey!
But pray tell, what would Donkey be doing at the gym? The short shorts really do seem out of character, but we're not sure we have any problem with it. We bet you don't either!
Sweat Dreams Are Made Of These
Many people come into the gym before they begin their jobs in order to kickstart their metabolism for the day. Perhaps the type A's among us?
This lady decided to kill two birds with one stone, however. We can't be perfect all the time, so she decided to catch some extra z’s mid-workout. Multi-tasking for the win!
Booty Training
Some might go to a surgeon to get these body parts, but not this woman. It seems she did it all by herself with squats, squats, squats!
Well, to be fair — a lot of people claim that they got here naturally these days. Surgeries have become more discreet, and it can be hard to tell the real apart from the fake at a distance. Pending an investigation, any secrets she has are safe with her!
Fitness Leotard, You're Doing It Wrong
What’s crazy about this photo is that not only did this lady fail to notice her wardrobe malfunction, no one had the decency to point it out to her.
She’s so focused on her workout, she’s literally sweating her pants off. Honestly, our hat goes off to her! This is harder work than most of us did today!
Save Our Soles
This is either one brave woman who won’t let her lack of suitable footwear get in the way of her exercise regime or someone who doesn’t know how to dress for the occasion. What's your best guess here?
Lifting weights while wearing stilettos requires talent. It ruins your balance, and possibly your ankles. Not recommended, people!
Heel One’s Legs
Something tells us this lady wanted us to focus on something other than her weightlifting technique. But what, you ask?
Why her high heels, of course! What were you thinking? Something tells us she wore them just to take this photo. There is no way she could carry those weights without those stilettos snapping. She did it for the likes!
You Can Never Be Overdressed They Said
Oscar Wilde once said, “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”
While the second part is true, we have to question the first part on the evidence of this photo. Clearly, you can be overdressed. Or at least inappropriately dressed, like this treadmill fiend! From living solo to hurting her sole, oh no.
Promises, Promises
After she and her spouse made a deal where they each would join the other for one hobby of choice, this lady decided she would comply with his wish to check out the gym.
While she technically kept the agreement and showed up at the facility, all she did was sit down t9 read a magazine. What's more, she did this while consuming a sugary cupcake. It's almost sinful, really.
Great Segway
Segways were invented to help people commute around urban areas instead of walking or running for long distances. They do look a bit silly, which is why they haven't overtaken the bike market!
Treadmills allow people to go great distances inside without ever going very far. These two concepts are polar opposites, yet this lady tried to combine the two! About as self-defeating as eating fast-food while working out, isn't it?
Today Is Mental Day
When you really get into the workout lifestyle, you know that every gym visit has a different muscle group focus. Sometimes that can really wear out the body part of the day!
Allegedly, this lady exercised her legs yesterday. Now, the implication is that she needs robotic assistance up the stairs! We've all felt like that sometimes after a particularly hard workout, honestly.
Grannies Do It Better
Well, well. What do we have here? Just a grandma at the gym sipping casually from her salted rim martini glass. Does this seem like an energizing pre-workout drink?
When the doctor said she should get more exercise, this canny granny decided to work out one arm. Lift and sip, people. Rest and repeat!
How Cathletic!
What’s new pussycat? As much as we respect the comfort and versatility of wrestling singlets, the graphic here couldn’t look less harmless. What is the message this guy wants to send on the mat?
Honestly, the shock factor alone could give him an advantage. And think of the confidence he must have to show up to a match like this! His opponents will have to think twice before underestimating him.
Never Stop
Hope is what makes humans tick, so they say. And for all the chronic couch potatoes out there, this woman is a real inspiration!
Some people say age is just a number, and we think she might agree! Despite her age, she made it to the gym today. Be honest have you been there yet?
Spot On
Being your friend's spot is full of responsibility. If the weights get too hard to lift, there is supposed to be someone by your side ready to help. This guy seems a bit distracted, though!
Serious injuries are a real risk here, and it might be time these two had a heart to heart about their gym partnership. Yikes!
Bicep Curlers
Everyone can benefit from exercise, and many hope to achieve their ideal body aesthetics beyond health concerns. This woman looks pretty goal-oriented!
This grandma is multi-tasking her way to the top, and many of us may wonder why we haven’t thought of doing this sooner! Yes, time is limited. But efficiency can always be improved, right?
"I Can Do... D'Oh!"
This fella wanted to impress his buddies at the gym claiming he could lift more than them.
He almost had it until the last part of the lift. Finally, he realized he was in deeper than he could handle! Man's struggle against the barbell is an everyday sight at the gym, but it's important to stay safe!
Tough Workout
"Honey, it's my time at the gym. Don't call me." Truthfully, we all need some time to ourselves. But is this gym patron really working out?
Everybody wants that alone time to read the newspaper, as well. The world is a complicated place, and we all need to keep up! Maybe things are too noisy at home to enjoy reading stories over breakfast?
No Pain, No Vein
If you ever wanted to see how a live human brain looks, all you need to do is become a brain surgeon. If that isn’t to your liking, then you can just watch this guy whenever he visits the gym.
So clear are the outlines on his head, it looks like you are peering right into his skull. He should consider auditioning for the role of “Thing” for any Fantastic Four productions! But seriously, why all the veins?
Too Big To Handle
Endurance is one of the better qualities of the human spirit. This gym goer really seems to be pushing things to his limit. Look at his read face!
He looks like he is exploding from within, and maybe he should have a spotter! Injuries at the gym are no laughing matter, as any trainer will tell you. This isn't looking good, friend.
Sleepless In Seattle
Everyone knows that a tough workout can be exhausting, but we are not sure if this man has even started the program. Frankly, it seems like he just snuck in the facility to safely get some Z's in public.
The other members will need this machine in their routine soon, so it's bound to be a short nap!
Too Tired To Work Out
Another sleepy head found at the gym? This seems like a pattern, but we have no clue what is behind the trend.
It's not like the gym bench is that comfortable. Without a pillow or blanket, how soothing can this nap really be? And it's bound to be covered in germs! Different strokes for different folks, some say.
Never Miss The News
This guy got a call from one of his friends saying his house was on the news while he was getting changed. But why?
Fire, everybody! Instead of getting dressed, he left the changing room to stand on the treadmill watch it all go up in smoke. Absolutely horrifying! At least he is far away from the blaze. safe and warm.
Weird Flex But Okay
While we admire this gentleman’s commitment, we have to fault him on his method. What is he doing with his head?
There is a right way and a wrong way to use gym equipment. And this person clearly needs some assistance with machine safety. There is no sane reason to put such strain on your neck, sir!
Tread At Your Own Risk
We certainly have to give this guy points for using the treadmill creatively. However, he clearly has little sense for hygiene, eating these snacks from a surface that has seen thousands of dirty shoes!
Admittedly, this would be a fun game to play for those who aren’t germophobic. But snack at your own risk, people!
"I Give Up"
The treadmill was an important invention in the exercise world. It finally allowed people to run long distances without ever leaving a warm and safe indoor place.
This patron thought it was a good idea to sit on a chair on top of the machine. Lady, you're doing it all wrong! There's way more to get out of this raised platform if you simply turn it on!
Self-defeating
A gym with escalator seems like a carpark with a bicycle lane. Who thought this design made any sense?
We understand if maybe one lift was made available for disabled people, but two escalators at the entrance to the gym seems unusual. Taking the stairs is a great way to get in shape! Perhaps the building used to be another business?
Slow Workout, Fast Food
What’ the point of working out if you can’t indulge in food once in awhile, right? Fair enough, but few people indulge in sugary treats while working out!
Maybe these folks can say they are burning off the calories they are consuming, but that still leaves them at square one! Not recommended in the slightest.
We Can Fix That For You, Sir
This makeshift gym doe not seem to have ceilings high enough for this elevated machine. Maybe the elliptical is just not meant to be!
To accommodate patrons of all sizes, someone has removed a tile from the ceiling. The employee of the year? Or an owner in denial? Time for a total gym redesign, honestly.
Weighing Him Down
This little boy adds extra weight, but we cannot advise you to risk the safety of your bundle of joy this way!
It's a cheeky photo though, that's for sure. We are all wondering if he did it for the likes! People go to crazy lengths these days for social media attention, but this might be crossing the line.
Never Skip Leg Day
This guy jacked up his upper half, and we congratulate his for all the hard work. But it looks like he forgot all about working on the bottom half!
This is why people say you should never skip leg day! From the looks of it, our man here has skipped quite a few for a very long time.
Dumbell On Dumbells
This is simply an accident waiting to happen. And the worst part about it is that his friend appears to let the young man risk serious injury. You should not lift weights by standing on weights, people!
Who needs enemies, when you have friends like this? We hope it all worked out, and no hard lessons were learned.
Lean On Me
When a group of girls challenged this group of guys who mocked their yoga exercises, the boys took them up on it.
They wanted to prove to the girls that their heavy lifting gave them the strength to balance on top of each other horizontally. Let’s just say bench presses and squats beat out aerial yoga on this occasion.
No Weights Needed
Lifting the same weights day in, day out can get mentally tiring sometimes. A change in your routine can always help keep you on track!
In this case, a nice girl walking by serves as the stand-in for a dumbbell. It actually seems a bit harder, in terms of grip and proper form. Good luck, you guys!
Run Flat
We all have that friend who will try too hard to get in shape quicker than most of us. Steady wins the race, but not everyone understands that timeless advice.
As much as it's amusing to watch people fail on the treadmill, it can be quite dangerous. This photo caught a man in mid fall, and we may laugh from afar — but it's no joke for him!
Balancing It All
Now, this is one smart man. When he got a job demanding more hours than he had in the day, he realized he needed a new strategy to maximize his workouts.
Working and working out is either super efficient, or half as efficient on both tasks. What do you think? Being productive and healthy is such a challenge in our modern world!
Serious About Leg Day
After someone jokingly teased this gentleman about his calf muscles, he decided it was the last time he would ever be mocked about his noodle legs.
So, he piled on as many weighs as he could muster while using the leg press. Even the passing bystander looks stunned by his level of commitment!
Nothing Will Stop Him
This fella wanted to train for a cycling competition but found that his bicycle was out of order and needed repairs that day.
So instead of taking a rest day, this fine gentleman re-recreated the feeling of riding a bicycle by using the gym’s cycling machine. Here he rides in his competition getup, sunglasses, helmet, and more. Now that’s extreme!
Multitasking
Gyms are places where you’re bound to see all kinds of people. With variety, however, comes weirdness as every person has their own method for concentrating.
This person is knitting while he uses the treadmill! Judging by the length of the piece, we’d say he’s been on for a while. Clearly, it works. Much respect, sir.
iPad For The Win
Many people have a playlist they like to listen to while they exercise at the gym. Reasons include helping them concentrate, guiding the time they spend on exercises, and feeling the tempo to adjust their workout's speed. But when your media player is out of order, what do you do?
Obviously, you shove your tablet down your pants, plug in your earphones, and continue!
So Uncultured
We understand that everyone has their first time at the gym, so there should be a little leeway for people who are clueless about machine function.
But there’s also basic decorum for etiquette which shouldn’t require any explanation. Take this case, with a barbarian putting his dirty shoes on the handle of the weights. Yuck, buddy!
New Years Resolution
While we admire anyone trying to make a permanent lifestyle change, this picture doesn't look promising. Not the best way to start out the new year, ladies!
How many people are out there who go to the gym actually work out the entire time? Put your hands up! And down. And up again. And down.
Human Hamster
We’re surprised no one thought about this sooner. If it works for hamsters, why not us?
Little critters do run on these wheels all the time, and this low-tech option is probably cheaper than a personal trainer. Where can we purchase this? We have checked the pet store, but everything seems a bit too cramped!
Makeshift Trainer
Many gyms today offer personal trainer services to help patrons maximize their time spent at the gym. Achieving desired results has no simple formula!
When there’s a shortage of trainers, you can always rely on your buddy to be your hype man. And unlike conventional trainers, your buddy doesn’t necessarily have to practice what he preaches. Just positivity can go a long way!
Yoga Dog
Don’t you just hate it when your pup outdoes you at the gym? There's no question who gets our attention in this stretchy duo. That dog wins 10 out of 10 times!
This pooch outclasses its master when it comes to yoga poses, but we think he probably still has the advantage on the basketball court. We all have our special talents!
All 'Bout That Cape, 'Bout That Cape, No Trouble
If you want to be the Caped Crusader but lack the motivation to trek up the Tibetan mountains to train with the League of Assassins, your local gym will do.
Wearing your superhero outfit is completely optional. In fact, it is not recommended. Imagine how sweaty this situation is going to get! Ventilation level: zero.
It's Totally Worth It!
This personal trainer wanted to drive home the point regarding the importance of counting calories. It's pretty creative, we must admit!
Here, he allows his client to enjoy his favorite food while exercising to show him how much work he would be required to put in for every calorie he consumes. Food for thought, perhaps?
Daily Routine
When you're trying to get through your to-do list in record time, you combine items on the list. Perhaps working out and going through your mail?
Obviously, you put all the bills in a pile on a public floor. What could go wrong? We think it's just a matter of time before the trainers tell him he cannot create such slip hazards willy nilly.
The Truth Is Within You
This guy has quite a selection of entertaining shows today. The gym can be tedious, but not when there's quality TV to distract you!
Perhaps the only reason this dude goes to the gym is to catch up on the latest soap operas. He can't really tell his family that he loves Days of Our Lives can he?
Breakdance Training?
Now this is a really novel way to work out. Admit it, you've never seen this before. And you may never see it again!
Maybe all leg training machines were occupied? If this theory is true, our guy just found an ingenious way of not missing leg day. If not, we have no way to explain this upside down madness!
Meditation Training
The gym is usually a place where people sweat and grunt. Today, this man has other plans.
He seems to be doing some type of mental training or Tibetian meditation. Could this be a real monk that has shown up to the gym? Everyone needs to exercise, even the clergy among us. Setting a good example, it seems!
Leg Day - You're Doing It Wrong
What's wrong with this guy? Is he trying to invent a new use for a perfectly good machine?
Well, we stop people's experiments. Hopefully a trainer will walk by soon to show him the user manual. It looks silly, but it also seems like it could cause a neck injury! We don't think this guy shows up to the gym to lose physical mobility, so hopefully this was the first and last time with this technique.
Motivation Level: Grandmaster
This guy's personal coach put his phone in the weight rack! How dare he, we say. How can anyone entertain themselves on the stationary bike without checking Facebook?
Maybe it's actually the dumbbell phase, and a genius way of making sure he's doing every last rep without distraction! Something to think about for next time, right?
"I'm Still Using It"
Don’t you just hate it when you have to wait for your dog to finish doing its workout before you can continue your set? We do too.
This pup is committed to being top-dog and won’t let any other canine steal his title. Hurry up before there’s a dogfight over the bench press, Mr. pooch!
6-pack Of Buns
When you try working out, you might expect instant results at the beginning of your journey. But as it turns out, a full-on six pack is no easy thing to achieve.
Thus man found a creative short cut. A six bun pack is not exactly the same, and it's probably not fooling anyone. But it does make us laugh, so we give him credit for that! Thanks, bun dude.
Outdoors Workout
The media might make us think we need to look like Brad Pitt in those Fight Club peak fitness years, but most people don't know how to get to that level on their own. These guys figured out a trick!
Are you fooled by these fake suits? Unlikely to work, but it might be a funny prank to hide under their shirts with their wives tonight!
Couch Potato?
Some people do not work on their physiques in a serious way. They may start to resemble a potato after awhile, but this situation seems quite literal at the gym!
When you’re actually Mr. Potato Head, the challenge of finding your ideal shape becomes even more confusing. Without his signature round shape, will the fans stick around for a french fry?
I Wanted To Use The Equipment, Actually
Many ladies should really invest in a singlet like this. There is nothing worse than being disturbed while you’re focused on your workout regimen!
There’s a time and a place, gentlemen. We all know the gym is the best hotspot for fit and trim people in your area, but that will only be the case if we all have time to crunch those biceps in peace. Needless to say, it goes both ways, ladies.
Fly My Pretties
Gymnastics isn’t for everybody. Judging by this young lady’s expression, she realized this too little, too late.
Not only does she have to hold on for dear life, but she also needs to wait until the flying rings stop swinging before landing safely on the floor. This photo was snapped the exact moment reality came knocking. Yikes!
Pink Is The New Black
Though you might think that black makes you appear thinner, this woman here clearly disagrees. But maybe it's not really the pink that makes her thinner than us. Not the pink suit or the pink equipment!
It seems this young lady has simply put in the hard work necessary to show off her toned physique in such a suit. Maybe we admit we need the crutch of black clothing, but not everyone does!
Squeezing In A Workout
This lady probably has very little spare time during the day, and most working people can sympathize to some extent. Maybe she lacked the minutes to go home and change before and after her workout, but she is bound to be a sweaty mess if she actually meets with her friends or a date after this!
Nevertheless, this didn’t stop her from being sneaking in a few minutes on the treadmill before her rendezvous out and about. Now that’s commitment!