In the world of gym etiquette and social media skirmishes, the recent tiff between fitness influencer Joey Swoll and a TikToker known as @strongbyfelicity has added some extra weight to the debate. Joey Swoll, dubbed the ‘CEO of gym positivity,’ found himself at the center of a viral controversy when he called out Felicity for what he deemed an ‘inappropriate’ workout at the gym.

Credits: Tiktok/@Joey Swoll

Joey, with his 7.4 million TikTok followers, is no stranger to promoting a respectful and positive gym environment. So, when he stumbled upon Felicity’s unique exercise routine, which involved a rather unconventional use of gym equipment for flexibility and mobility training, he felt compelled to intervene, suggesting such content should not be filmed in the gym, especially with minors present.

Felicity’s response? A resounding clapback on her Instagram page. She posted a series of videos promoting self-love and resilience against online hate, asserting her right to share her fitness journey without succumbing to bullying. Felicity, who describes herself as a micro-influencer on the rise, emphasized that her exercise routine, though unconventional, is a legitimate part of her quest for advanced yoga poses and flexibility.

Her workout, which she claims is aimed at conditioning her leg and glute muscles to achieve the ability to place her legs behind her head, has been a part of her fitness repertoire for a long time. She uses the weights not for lifting but as a tool for stretching, a creative approach that she believes has been instrumental in her flexibility achievements.

The online community has rallied behind Felicity, with many encouraging her to stay strong and true to herself amidst the storm of criticism. They remind her that the uproar will pass and commend her for not letting the opinions of others, regardless of their follower count, dictate her self-worth or gym routine.

This gym drama serves as a reminder that the fitness world is as diverse as its participants, and what works for one may not suit another. While gym etiquette is essential for a harmonious workout environment, so is understanding and respecting individual fitness journeys, even when they take a path less traveled—or in Felicity’s case, less conventional.