A personal trainer’s gym video has sparked controversy after she reacted strongly to an interruption from another gym-goer, prompting criticism and calls for better etiquette within the fitness community.
The trainer, known as @shapedbyshiana on social media, posted a clip of herself performing deadlifts during a workout session. However, the video drew attention for her response when a fellow gym member inadvertently stepped in front of her camera while reaching for weights.
In the video, Shiana is heard saying, “I’m in the middle of a set,” which caused the unidentified man to retreat visibly. Joey Swoll, known for calling out inappropriate gym behavior, shared the video with his sizable following, chastising Shiana for not setting a better example as a personal trainer.
Responding to the criticism, Swoll addressed Shiana directly in a video, condemning her actions and urging gyms to take action against such behavior. He pointed out another post from Shiana’s account that appeared to shame another gym-goer, further fueling the backlash.
Swoll’s video quickly gained traction, garnering over 20 million views and sparking a wave of comments expressing sympathy for the man Shiana scolded and calling for stricter regulations on gym recordings.
Many echoed Swoll’s sentiments, expressing sadness and embarrassment over the incident. Some even called for a ban on gym recordings altogether, citing privacy and safety concerns.
In the wake of the controversy, Shiana’s Instagram and TikTok accounts were deactivated, though she has not publicly responded to the backlash.
The issue of filming workouts in gyms has become a contentious topic, with some facilities taking steps to restrict such activities. One Australian gym, Doherty’s Gym, announced a ban on influencers filming workouts due to privacy and safety concerns, offering a “media pass” for those still wishing to record with certain conditions.
Gym owner Tony Doherty emphasized the importance of respecting members’ privacy and safety, urging individuals to focus on their training rather than filming. The move has sparked debate among gym-goers, highlighting the ongoing tension between social media content creation and gym etiquette.