Gymxiety: How Harassment and TikTok Culture Are Keeping People Out of the Gym

For many people, the gym is no longer a safe space — it's become a stage. With the rise of gym-related content on TikTok and Instagram, more people are feeling anxious, judged, or even harassed during workouts. Levity's latest survey of 1,000 gym-goers reveals how "gymxiety" (the fear or stress people feel when working out in public) is reshaping fitness habits.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 1 in 5 gym-goers (17%) have skipped workouts or quit the gym due to fear of being filmed without consent.
• 3 in 4 gym-goers say fitness influencers have made gym culture worse.
• 3 in 4 gym-goers support no-film zones in the gym.
• 1 in 2 gym-goers have changed how they dress at the gym to avoid attention or judgment.
• More than 1 in 3 (37%) say fitness content on TikTok or Instagram has made them feel too discouraged to go to the gym.
• More than 2 in 5 women (44%) feel too discouraged to go to the gym because of fitness content on TikTok or Instagram.
• Nearly 1 in 4 women (23%) have been harassed or approached inappropriately at the gym.

Younger Generations and Women Face the Highest Gym Anxiety

• 4 in 5 Gen Z gym-goers (80%) and 77% of millennials have felt uncomfortable or anxious while working out, compared to 68% of Gen X and baby boomers.
• 7 in 10 gym-goers think that people are judging their appearance or performance while working out.
• Gen Z (76%) are the most likely to feel judged at the gym, compared to millennials (71%) and Gen X and baby boomers (66%).
• Women (85%) are significantly more likely than men (67%) to feel uncomfortable or anxious while working out at the gym.
• Gen Z (19%) are the most likely to have skipped or quit the gym due to fear of being recorded, compared to 16% of millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers.

Social Media Pressure and Harassment Are Changing Gym Behavior

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• 1 in 10 gym-goers admit to secretly taking a photo or video that included someone else at the gym.
• 1 in 2 gym-goers have changed how they dress to avoid attention or judgment.
• Nearly 1 in 5 gym-goers (17%) have been directly harassed or approached inappropriately at the gym.
• Women (23%) are twice as likely as men (12%) to have been harassed or approached inappropriately at the gym.
• Gen Z (62%) are the most likely to feel anxious at the gym due to TikTok or Instagram, compared to 48% of millennials and 38% of Gen X and baby boomers.
• Women (26%) are slightly more likely than men (23%) to feel anxious at the gym because of TikTok or Instagram.
• More than 3 in 4 men (77%) and 7 in 10 women (71%) say fitness influencers have made gym culture worse.
• Women (44%) are significantly more likely than men (31%) to feel too discouraged to go to the gym because of fitness content on TikTok or Instagram.
• More than 1 in 3 gym-goers (37%) have felt too discouraged to go to the gym because of fitness content on TikTok or Instagram.
• Nearly 1 in 3 gym-goers (32%) have considered quitting or switching gyms due to uncomfortable experiences like harassment, unwanted attention, or social pressure.

Reclaiming the Gym: How To Feel Confident and Stay Consistent

If gymxiety is keeping you from working out, you're not alone — but you're not powerless, either. Setting boundaries, finding the right gym environment, and wearing what makes you feel good can help you focus on your goals, not outside judgment. Consider fitness spaces with clear no-film or harassment policies, and remember: Your workout is for you, not for social media.

Support and structure matter, especially when motivation dips or anxiety sets in. Working with professionals — from personal trainers to clinicians — can make the process less overwhelming and more rewarding. With the right support system, you can build a routine that feels safe, sustainable, and truly your own.

Methodology

We surveyed 1,000 gym-goers to investigate the rise of "gym anxiety." The average age of respondents was 36; 45% were women, 54% were men, and 1% were non-binary. Generationally, 24% were baby boomers and Gen X (combined), 50% were millennials, and 26% were Gen Z.

About Levity

Levity is dedicated to providing long-term weight management solutions using clinically proven GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, paired with personalized lifestyle support. Our team of US-based experts, including clinicians and dietitians, is committed to helping you reach your goals with confidence and care.

Fair Use Statement

Noncommercial use of these findings is allowed if a link back to the original source is included.