Health
Viral videos show ripped gym bros collapsing during Pilates workouts
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Pilates may have a reputation for being “girly,” but a new social media trend is crushing the assumption that it’s easy.
Male athletes and “gym bros” are being humbled by the challenge of Pilates and sculpt — workouts that are typically dominated by women.
Viral videos show men wincing, clenching and shaking their way through classes, both on mats and on strengthening machines called reformers.
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Melania Antuchas, a Florida-based hot Pilates and sculpt instructor, jumped in on the trend, posting videos of private classes with men that have received millions of views.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Antuchas, who teaches a 50-minute signature class combining strength training and mat Pilates, said that athletic men find the class surprisingly difficult due to their training history.
“We target the tiny muscle fibers, so it’s the muscles that you don’t use in the gym,” she said. “We’re using those big quads in the gym, we’re using heavy weights, but with just your body weight and heel raises and a band and the layering, that is the true challenge. They’re not used to challenging their balance, their mobility, their instability.”
“After I taught that first initial class for all men, every single one of them was asking for the next one because of how much it challenged them,” Antuchas added.
OLDER ADULTS SHOULD TARGET THESE MUSCLES WHEN STRENGTH-TRAINING, SAYS FITNESS PRO
After recently hosting the men of the Raleigh Rugby Club, Raleigh Pilates in North Carolina posted a video where the men appear to struggle through sets of leg lifts, lunges, shoulder presses, abs and stretches on the reformer.
Athletic men are trying out Pilates in a viral social media trend and finding it to be a challenge. (TikTok @raleighpilates/TikTok @fitbyma)
Studio owner Rae Matthews noted that Pilates challenges “stronger people” differently, as athletes and weightlifters typically focus on “big global muscles,” while Pilates asks them to “slow down, stabilize and control movement through full range of motion.”
“A lot of people are surprised because the exercises look small, but they feel really intense because the work is coming from deep stabilizers rather than momentum or brute force,” she told Fox News Digital.
What is Pilates?
Pilates was originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s to help rehabilitate injured soldiers and ballet dancers, according to Brookelyn Suddell, director of group fitness strategy and development at Crunch Fitness in New York.
The method aimed to put muscles under controlled tension to build strength, flexibility and mobility, which is the “foundation for effective movement,” she told Fox News Digital.
Today, Pilates has incorporated more equipment, sculpt techniques for strength training, and heated settings, Antuchas noted.
“It’s a slow and controlled, non-stop, low-impact workout,” she said. “It’s about precision, it’s about control, it’s about core strength.”
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Suddell added that Pilates builds a “special kind” of balanced and functional strength, working the stabilizers around each joint.
“That means your whole body is working in harmony, from your core to your limbs,” she said. “Even our Crunch CEO Jim Rowley — a Marine vet, lifelong lifter and all-around powerhouse — credits Pilates with skyrocketing his core strength and mobility.”
Melania Antuchas, a Pilates and sculpt instructor, has gone viral on social media for her challenging workout videos. (Melania Antuchas)
The experts agreed that men can benefit from the exercise just as much as women, as the practice can improve their overall gym performance, athletic pursuits, posture and longevity.
“I think the key to getting more men involved is reframing Pilates as intelligent strength training and injury prevention, not a soft workout,” Matthews said.
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Words of caution
The primary reason that most people seek strength training and Pilates is to help with lower back pain, according to Antuchas.
The trainer warned that no one should feel pain during a Pilates and sculpt workout, and that modifications should be made as needed, particularly when there is strain in the neck or lower back.
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Antuchas, who teaches all ages ranging from 18 to 70+, said her workouts are intentionally challenging without requiring extra equipment, as the foundational movements are demanding enough on their own.
Pilates is built on principles like breath, control, precision, alignment and flow, according to a studio owner. (iStock)
Those new to Pilates should consult a doctor before starting to make sure it is appropriate for them.
“People should be mindful if they have recent injuries or surgeries; chronic back or neck pain; hip, shoulder, knee limitations; or limited spinal mobility,” Suddell advised.
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Matthews agreed that those with acute injuries, recent surgeries, osteoporosis or pregnancy should work with “well-trained, educated instructors who understand modifications.”
“When Pilates is taught thoughtfully, it’s actually one of the safest and most supportive forms of movement available, but expertise matters so much.”
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America’s youth have been increasingly abusing common over-the-counter medications, according to poison center records.
A health advisory from America’s Poison Centers, representing 53 poison centers across the country, alerted a “concerning rise” in cases of diphenhydramine abuse among teens ages 13 to 19.
Diphenhydramine is commonly found in allergy and sleep medications such as Benadryl and Zzzquil, as mentioned in the advisory.
PEOPLE TAKING COMMON SLEEP DRUG MAY NOT REALIZE THEY’RE TOO IMPAIRED TO DRIVE, STUDY FINDS
From 2024 to 2025, the total exposure to any substance among teens in this age group reportedly increased by 5.1%.
But cases involving diphenhydramine alone increased more rapidly, from 10,068 to 13,284 cases, a 32% spike.
Thirteen percent of diphenhydramine cases in 2026 have been linked to intentional abuse, an increase from 7.3% in 2020. (iStock)
The trend appears to be continuing into 2026, as the first five months saw 6,179 diphenhydramine-only cases in teens — more than double the prior year.
According to America’s Poison Centers, the exposure appears to be driven by recreational misuse rather than accidental over-medication. Thirteen percent of cases in 2026 were linked to intentional abuse, up from 7.3% in 2020.
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Taking diphenhydramine improperly or in large amounts can affect the brain and heart, and can lead to serious or life-threatening effects, the advisory warned.
Diphenhydramine is commonly found in over-the-counter allergy and sleep medications. (iStock)
Some symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm and loss of consciousness.
To avoid overexposure and complications, America’s Poison Centers advises the public to store all medications safely, up high, and out of reach of kids and teens. Label instructions should be followed carefully.
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“Talk with teens about the risks of misusing medications, including serious health effects and poisoning,” the notice suggested. “Be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.”
Those who suspect misuse should contact the local Poison Control Center immediately.
America’s Poison Centers advises the public to “be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.” (iStock)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Benadryl manufacturer Kenvue commented that the “health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority.”
“The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately,” a Kenvue spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to those impacted by the misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products.”
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“We are working with social media platform safety teams to remove these dangerous posts and help stop this behavior from spreading,” they added. “We are also taking action to educate on the safe use and storage of over-the-counter medicines, including those with the ingredient diphenhydramine.”
“The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately.”
Mary Leonard, SVP of communications and public affairs for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, called the recent report “deeply concerning.”
“OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products,” she told Fox News Digital. “When used as directed, millions of Americans rely on OTC medicines containing diphenhydramine for relief from allergies, cold symptoms, motion sickness, minor skin irritations and occasional sleeplessness.”
“Because misuse of any medication can result in serious health consequences, the Drug Facts label clearly communicates dosing instructions, warnings and other important safety information.”
“OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products,” an industry spokesperson said. (iStock)
Kenvue shared the following three steps people can take to help prevent misuse.
- Report content related to this trend on the social media platform where it appears.
- Always store OTC medicines up and away in places children cannot access — preferably in locked cabinets or containers — and never leave medications on counters, bedside tables or in open bags, even temporarily.
- Carefully read and follow the instructions on the label and educate children on safe usage.
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“Dosing instructions and additional safety information are available on Benadryl.com, and always remember to consult a healthcare professional should you have questions,” the spokesperson added.
Fox News Digital reached out to Zzzquil maker P&G for comment.
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