A woman shared her “unpopular opinion” online about why she works out, but it turns out it’s more common than she thought.
Camila (@killcamf) filmed part of one of her workout sessions in a video that has racked up 3.4 million views on Instagram so far. The video shows her warming up before using a squat machine.
The text overlay on the video explains her motivation for working out: “Unpopular opinion: I work out purely for aesthetic reasons. You can outlift, outsquat, and outrun me,” followed by “I don’t care, I just want to eat everything and have a flat stomach and a big butt.”
Newsweek reviewed the July 6 clip titled “I’m Just a Girl and I’m Sick of Being Ego-Boosted,” featuring personal trainer Annabelle Smith of Essex, England.
Smith, who has more than 10 years of experience, said people often lift more than they can handle to impress others.
“It’s the leading cause of preventable exercise-related injuries,” said Smith, founder of Annabelle Smith Wellness. “Pulling on too much weight during an exercise often leads to tendon damage and muscle tears, among many other things.”
Personal trainer Annabelle Smith, who spoke to Newsweek about the viral video. Personal trainer Annabelle Smith, who spoke to Newsweek about the viral video. ANNE THOMAS PHOTOGRJOBsNewsHY LRPS
He stressed that there is nothing wrong with training for aesthetics, as each individual has different goals in the gym.
“It totally depends on the individual – some people may want to be the fastest, some the strongest and some the best looking. Aesthetic training is simply a different approach and you have to tailor your diet and workouts accordingly,” Smith said.
According to research firm Mintel, mental health is the top reason Americans exercise. In 2023, 55 percent of the 2,000 adults surveyed said they were interested in exercises focused on mental well-being, such as yoga and meditation. The 2023 U.S. Exercise Market Trends Report revealed other motivators, including weight management, increased energy, and strength gains.
Camilla isn’t the only one working out to improve her looks. Many people have commented on the clip, which has over 152,000 likes, saying they do the same.
“As a man, I feel this way. I want to like what I see in the mirror. Everything else is secondary,” one user said. Another agreed, writing: “Same here lol. I just want to be sexier.”
“When I get asked to lift something heavy at work, I tell them I go to the gym to look good, not to be strong. I can’t do it, but I can find someone!” said a third commenter.
“Girl, this is me! Just because I wanna look like a millionaire. And I’m not ashamed of it. Not one bit!” said a fourth user.
Speaking from experience, one user wrote: “As a former athlete and powerlifter, I no longer train to be the strongest or most athletic. I’ve learned after too many injuries that I’d rather look like the strongest person in the room than hurt myself trying to be that person.”
Newsweek reached out to @killacamf for comment via Instagram. We were unable to verify the details of the case.
Stock image of a woman working out at the gym. A woman went viral on Instagram for being honest about her motivation to work out. Stock image of a woman working out at the gym. A woman went viral on Instagram for being honest about her motivation to work out. Ivan Marjanovic/iStock//JOBs Apply News/Getty Images Plus
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