Cringe-worthy Tik Tok trend? Or motivation to start working out?
We have all witnessed the edits on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and other social media channels showcasing videos of well-built men, including Mr. Olympia champions such as Dorian Yates and Arnold Schwarzenegger, striking some poses accompanied by motivational tunes or quotes playing in the backdrop. A notable source for these clips is Makaveli Motivation on Instagram. However, a newer trend on Tik Tok has many criticizing gym culture, specifically the “psychopathic Winter Arc” phenomenon that has taken over Tik Tok and various social platforms, causing many to mock and avoid the gym as a consequence.
This might seem unfamiliar to some, so let’s delve into this trend and define exactly what a gymcel is.
Understanding a Gymcel
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Tik Tok is undeniably a prominent platform to seek gym content, and influencers like Sam Sulek, the Tren Twins, and Alex Eubank have risen in popularity due to it, which many appreciate since these individuals present clear and honest content, inspiring younger generations. Despite this, there has been a surge in “gymcel” behavior, leading many to negatively view the fitness community.
According to Urban Dictionary: “The term gymcel generally refers to a male who overly dedicates himself to the gym and often has little to show for it.” Although this might seem harsh, it is difficult to argue against.
“Gymcel” is a twist on the term “incel.” It is to the newer fitness generation (usually men aged 17-23) what “meathead” once was to older generations of bodybuilders. Those who failed to grasp the concept of improving one’s body often labeled bodybuilders as “meatheads,” implying they were simplistic and obsessed solely with the gym. Similarly, “gymcel” is now a term used to describe the newer cadre of lifters who make fitness their entire identity, meaning they only discuss the gym, spend countless hours there, avoid interacting with women, and shape their entire lifestyle around their workouts. There isn’t enough pre-workout in the world to energize the antics of these individuals.
While frequenting the gym is beneficial, the image of gymcels is compelling many to stereotype gym-goers into this behavior, tainting gym culture with a negative perception due to the cringeworthy content circulating. Gymcels are typically self-centered, idolizing fictional anime characters and Patrick Bateman from American Psycho. Although they train to enhance their appearance and attract women, numerous memes created by gymcels mock the idea of talking to women.
Tik Tok Phenomena
Numerous Tik Tok trends featuring “gymcels” include “sigma male” edits with montages of heartbreak quotes, body shaming, women-shaming, yelling ‘we go Jim’, clips of Patrick Bateman smiling merged with men posing, and these edits are often drowned in deep-fried filters before posting. Additionally, these videos are completed with loud hardstyle music.
A trending behavior is flexing while wearing Halloween masks in the dimmest lighting possible, then running their thumbs across their necks like a blade. This became popular after the influencer “shizzy” initiated it, but many find it deeply unsettling.
Gymcels also frequently mock others for performing exercises incorrectly, being overweight, interrupting their camera shots, or engaging in uncommon exercises. Joey Swoll has addressed such instances numerous times, and rightfully so, as many people fear visiting the gym due to these viral videos.
This is why influencers like Sam Sulek and Chris Bumstead are well-liked in the gym community; their content is straightforward and relatable to a vast audience. They embody humility, unlike the arrogant behavior exhibited by gymcels, which turns potential gym-goers away.
Don’t Let Gymcels Dissuade You
Although https://fitjourneynow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gymcel.jpg conduct often carries a somewhat negative implication, don’t let it dissuade you from visiting the gym. The gym need not encompass your entire identity, as even elite athletes find pleasure in dining out, engaging in activities outside of the gym, and occasionally indulging in their diets every so often.
Conversely, if you identify as a https://fitjourneynow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gymcel.jpg, there’s no need to cease what you enjoy doing, but remain considerate of others who may prefer not to appear in the backdrop of your footage. Or those who simply dislike seeing you posing in a Halloween mask with the lights completely dimmed. Reflect on this: Is this the type of content you want a potential employer to discover?
The Takeaway
Ultimately, working out at the gym should be an activity everyone can relish without the apprehension of being scrutinized or ridiculed. “Gym ethos” revolves around individuals improving themselves and others fostering that journey. Check out the movie Pumping Iron and observe the gym attendees’ interactions from back then.
Whether you’re training to become the next Mr. Olympia, a marathon athlete, powerlifter, or simply enjoy staying fit — negative perceptions around gym enthusiasts are unwarranted. However, there’s growing criticism with the uptick in “https://fitjourneynow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gymcel.jpg” behavior.
What are your viewpoints on this matter?
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