The Truth Behind the Gym Girl Aesthetic: Muscle Mommy Culture, Tripods & Real Empowerment
Description
Are you lifting for your glutes… or for your grid? 👀
In this episode of Giggles & Glutes, Zoë and Donaé pull back the curtain on the gym girl aesthetic and muscle mommy culture—from matching sets, slick buns and tripods, to the quiet pressure to “look like you lift” before you’ve even picked up a dumbbell.
We chat about:
• How activewear brands (like Gymshark & co.) sold us an identity, not just leggings
• Why the muscle mommy aesthetic can feel empowering and suffocating at the same time
• Tripods in the gym, filming etiquette, and why everyone needs to chill 😅
• The rise of modest activewear, inclusive sizing & more relaxed fits
• Becoming a critical consumer of fitness content (and protecting your mental health)
• Redefining your “why” so you train for you, not for the algorithm
Whether you’re rocking a full matching set, oversized tee and baggy joggers, or your oldest t-shirt—this conversation is about taking your power back in gym culture and making fitness something you do on your own terms.
🎧 New episodes every week – subscribe for honest, unfiltered chats on women’s health, fitness, and everything female.
👩🏽⚖️ Disclaimer:
We always strive to share the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. However, some of the content in this video reflects our own research, experience, and opinions. The views expressed are for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.
⏰ Timeline:
00:00 Do you dress for the workout… or for the ‘gram?
00:40 Gym girl aesthetic, muscle mommy & welcome to Giggles & Glutes
02:20 The “production” of going to the gym & the unspoken club
04:30 How activewear brands sold us an identity (Gymshark & co.)
07:20 Female-founded brands & why their communities look like them
10:40 The pressure to “look the part” before you even lift
13:30 Rule #1 – Performing for the camera & tripod etiquette
16:50 Community, motivation & when the gym turns into a competition
19:30 Modest activewear, inclusive sizing & clothing that actually works
22:40 Phases of gym style: from tight sets to oversized tees
25:00 Voice-of-reason influencers & redefining your “why”
27:10 Final empowerment message & what real fitness culture could look like
📺 Watch on YouTube
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gigglesandglutes
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE this with a friend who’s ready to build a body they love. 💪
Hang out with us on our socials!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giggles.glutes/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gigglesandglutes
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GigglesandGlutes




