Treadmill Gym Sessions Go Viral
A viral debate emerged defending gym-goers who spend 39 minutes on treadmills, arguing it's not "wrong" but serves multiple purposes including step counting, mental health, and socializing. The discussion generated over 43,000 likes on the original post. Separately, desire for "healthy eating, gym, job enjoyment, love, family time, travel, looking good" resonated widely with 37 likes.
The viral "12-3-30" workout is a prime example of the trend, involving a 30-minute session on the treadmill at a 12 percent incline and a speed of 3 miles per hour. Popularized by social media influencer Lauren Giraldo, the hashtag #12330workout has amassed over 325.3 million views on TikTok, with users praising its simplicity and effectiveness. Another popular treadmill routine is the "treadmill strut," created by TikTok user Allie Bennett. This trend involves walking to a curated playlist of songs, with the walker increasing their speed by 0.1 miles per hour with each new song. The trend gained so much traction that Spotify began creating its own "treadmill strut" playlists. These workouts fall under the category of Low-Intensity Steady-State (LISS) cardio, a form of exercise that is gentler on the joints than high-intensity alternatives. LISS is known to aid in fat burning, improve blood flow, and is suitable for all fitness levels, making it an accessible entry point for those new to exercise. The social aspect of gym-going is a significant motivator for many. A survey conducted by Zumba found that eight out of ten adults go to the gym to socialize with others. The same survey revealed that 84% of people would be more inclined to work out more frequently if they had a workout partner. Working out with a friend can lead to longer sessions, with one study finding that people exercise for an average of 18 minutes longer when they are with a buddy. This social support can increase motivation and make exercise feel less like a chore and more like a fun activity. The focus on walking and lower-intensity workouts aligns with a broader desire for a balanced and sustainable approach to fitness. The popularity of under-desk treadmills for use while working from home further illustrates this trend, allowing individuals to incorporate movement throughout their day. While sharing fitness routines on social media can be motivational for some, research indicates it can also lead to increased weight concern for others, particularly when comparing oneself to peers. The impact often depends on whether the viewer perceives the content as inspirational or as a source of negative comparison.
