Insane clip of Aussie at the gym proves common fear doesn’t exist

A jaw-dropping video of a woman doing the unthinkable in stilettos has proven that a common gym experience is unfounded.

'No one cares' Gym excuse torn to shreds

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An insane video of a woman running on a treadmill in stilettos has proven that a popular gym fear is unfounded.

Cassie Leong has always been a fitness fanatic, and as she steps into the space in a more professional setting with the launch of her activewear range — The Kairos Collective — she wanted to highlight a common misconception in the gym.

Research conducted in 2018 by women’s gym Curves revealed 46 per cent of Australians experience anxiety while working out in public.

This is because of fear of judgment, lack of knowledge and queuing for equipment. Australians between the ages of 18 and 24 are the most prone to gym induced anxiety.

Ms Leong, who is based in Sydney, shared a 15 second clip running at full speed on a manual treadmill in platform heels, before getting off the machine and taking a tumble. Two women, including Ms Leong’s best friend, don’t take notice of her — even when she tripped over.

“Proof that literally no one cares what you do at the gym,” she said.

It’s not the first time she’s filmed a video like this either. In 2023, she filmed a similar stunt wearing the platform heels with glitter in them while performing stunts on wooden gymnastic rings.

“I won’t care but I WILL notice,” one social media user said.

Another added: “You ate and left no crumbs guuuurrl.”

“I will notice but I’ll be jealous,” one said.

Ms Leong told news.com.au the previous video had so many comments from young women who were starting out in the fitness community but were experiencing gym anxiety.

Cassie Leong is proving no one is looking at you at the gym. Picture: TikTok/@badgirlcascas

“Knowing I could have that kind of impact on someone’s journey is so empowering to me. It may seem small, but it’s the small habits built up over time, that create a lasting, healthy lifestyle,” she said.

Ms Leong said it was the entire ethos behind her and her best friend’s activewear line, The Kairos Collective.

“So I recreated a similar video to promote our launch but also as a reminder to be confident, own your space and not worry about what anyone thinks,” she said.

She did confirm that her co-founder was next to her, but at the end of the day her pal didn’t even bat an eye when she fell over in her eight-inch heels.

“I didn’t know the woman at the beginning of the video that was on the treadmill in front of me though,” Ms Leong said.

“She did not react when she saw me running, she just went about her workout as per usual, which further supports the video messaging that no one cares what you’re doing at the gym because everyone is focusing on themselves.

“There were also two other people on the stairmasters, which weren’t in frame, and they were just minding their business too.”

The video from 2023. Picture: TikTok/@badgirlcascas

Similar scenes happened in her 2023 video, where two men were stood beside her chatting and didn’t even look in her direction.

Jarad Hobbs, the founder of Joy In Movement (J. I. M), said gym anxiety is “very real” but it shouldn’t need to hold you back. In fact, he said his entire business was designed with it in mind.

But, how do you get over gym anxiety?

Ms Hobbs suggested working out in a low-sensory environment, and to start small to help build consistency.

Ms Leong and her friend started The Kairos Collective. Picture: Instagram/@thekairoscollective_

“If crowds trigger your anxiety, look for studios or classes during off-peak hours when there’s less traffic,” he said.

“A great playlist can be a powerful tool. It can drown out distractions, lift your mood and help you stay in your own lane.”

“Instead of worrying about how you’re perceived, focus on how you feel after a workout. Each session is a win — and it adds up fast Movement should feel good mentally, emotionally and physically. You don’t have to be fit to start. You just have to start,” he said.

But what does Ms Leong want people to take away from her video?

“I want people to remember that no one goes to the gym to people watch — they’re there to focus on themselves. I want anyone with gym anxiety to think of me making an absolute fool of myself in this video every time they’re at the gym,” she said.

“If it helps them feel even a little less embarrassed about doing an exercise with imperfect form and let go of the fear of being judged, then it was all worth it. I want to remind people to step into the gym with confidence and act as if no one is watching — because they aren’t.

“I want this video to give people hope and inspiration to go to the gym, knowing they belong there just as much as anyone else.”