Gym Harassment: A Modern Social Media Expose
In an age where social media serves as both a mirror and a magnifying glass for societal issues, one TikTok user’s experience has sparked important conversations about women’s safety in public spaces. Hannah Trenches recently shared footage that was initially meant to document her reading progress on a treadmill but instead captured something far more disturbing. While filming herself reading at her local gym, Hannah inadvertently recorded two men behind her, one of whom made an inappropriate gesture directed at her without her knowledge. “I’ve had mainly really good experiences in gyms so I was a bit in disbelief when I was editing this back last night,” Hannah explained in her caption, noting that because she was using her back camera to film, she wasn’t aware of what was happening at the time. Her decision to share this footage wasn’t made lightly, but rather came from a desire to highlight the uncomfortable reality many women face when simply trying to exercise in public spaces.
What makes Hannah’s story particularly resonant is her thoughtful approach to the incident. Anticipating dismissive comments that might label the man’s behavior as “harmless banter,” she clearly articulated why such actions are problematic: “No woman should go to the gym and worry that men will do that behind her back. Surely these men have wives, daughters, nieces who would feel disgusted if this happened to them? We go to exercise, build good habits, help our mental health. Not to be sexualised!” Hannah’s words cut through potential excuses and place the incident in a broader context of respect and dignity. She emphasized that women’s desire for female-only exercise spaces isn’t about excluding men but rather stems from the discomfort and unease that some men’s behavior creates. “It’s reasons like these that women prefer women-only spaces,” she noted, “Not because they want to ‘exclude men’, but because some men have made them feel uncomfortable to be there.”
The response to Hannah’s video reveals much about public sentiment regarding such incidents. Commenters rallied around her with messages of support and understanding, with many sharing similar experiences. “The way even the other man looks slightly uncomfortable but obviously won’t call it out. Makes him just as bad. I’m sorry this happened to you,” wrote one user, highlighting the role of bystanders in perpetuating problematic behavior. Another commenter thanked Hannah for her bravery: “Thank you for being brave and sharing. I actually have a fear of going to the gym because of the constant sexualisation of women in sports. This needs more attention and it needs to change.” Many viewers encouraged Hannah to report the man to gym management, suggesting that his behavior warranted consequences. “Show the gym this footage! And if you’re feeling strong enough, confront him in person,” advised one commenter, suggesting that such men “will crumble if you confront him.”
Hannah’s experience is unfortunately far from unique. Social media has become a platform for many women to document and share similar encounters, with hashtags like #GymWeirdo and #GymCreep amassing millions of views on TikTok. Another user named Mav recently shared footage of a man choosing to use the elliptical machine directly beside her despite numerous empty machines being available. “He knows I’m recording him… there are so many empty ellipticals and you pick the one right next to me,” she said in her video, questioning, “What was the reason?” However, Mav’s attempt to call attention to this behavior met with mixed reactions, with thousands of viewers accusing her of overreacting and unfairly shaming the man – precisely the kind of response Hannah anticipated she might receive for sharing her own experience.
The prevalence of such incidents is supported by research. A 2021 study found that 76 percent of women feel uncomfortable exercising in public due to harassment, while a survey by Run Repeat reported that 56 percent of women experienced harassment during their workouts. These statistics paint a troubling picture of the obstacles many women face when simply trying to maintain their physical health. What might seem like isolated incidents to some are actually part of a pattern of behavior that affects how comfortable women feel in public spaces designed for everyone’s use and benefit. The widespread nature of these experiences contradicts those who would dismiss them as overreactions or isolated incidents, pointing instead to a systemic issue that deserves serious attention.
What makes these social media exposés so powerful is that they transform what was once a private, isolating experience into a public conversation. Before platforms like TikTok, women might have experienced harassment at gyms without a way to document it or connect with others who had similar experiences. Now, these videos not only provide evidence of the behavior but create communities of support and validation. They also challenge gyms and other public facilities to consider how they might better ensure the safety and comfort of all patrons. Hannah’s decision to share her experience, despite anticipating some negative reactions, exemplifies how social media at its best can shine a light on societal problems and foster greater understanding. As more women come forward with their stories, perhaps we’ll see greater awareness, accountability, and ultimately, change in how people behave in shared public spaces like gyms.
