El Henry, a well-known Cuban content creator on TikTok under the handle @itss_henryyy_, has once again captured the attention of social media audiences with his latest humorous video. This time, he shares his experiences from his first day at a gym in Cuba. The post, which quickly gained over 2,200 reactions and dozens of comments, is part of a series of viral videos where he humorously and candidly portrays everyday life on the island.
In the entertaining clip, El Henry is seen leaving his home with a backpack, picking up his cousin, and heading to the gym on a bicycle, making the commute his first cardio exercise. Once at the gym, he jokes about his cousin making him do all sorts of "weird" exercises, but none targeting the pelvis, which he humorously claims is "what I really need." After a brief, impromptu speed competition between the two, he ends his day with a shower and his now-famous phrase "dog searching for fitness food," which has elicited laughter from his followers.
The video was warmly received by his community, with comments pouring in from both inside and outside Cuba. Some users reminisced about attending the same gym, while others joked about the "sugar mama," the exercises, using a bicycle as a daily routine, and the lack of equipment. Greetings were also sent from Paraguay, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands. One follower quipped, "Don't slack off, the sugar needs to see you in shape," while another joked, "Let me know when you find the pelvis exercise because I need it too." El Henry responded with gratitude and his signature laid-back style.
This latest content adds to El Henry's collection of viral videos, which have earned him recognition on TikTok for humorously documenting his day-to-day life in Cuba. In March, he showcased his day as a bicycle messenger, covering miles between Guanabacoa and Sevillano, dodging potholes, power outages, and even a motorcycle accident. Days later, he went viral again with a clip about the challenges of withdrawing money from ATMs in Havana, ultimately “resolving on the side” through an informal transfer. In another post, he demonstrated what one can purchase with a Cuban minimum wage, highlighting that the little over 2,000 CUP barely suffices for basic groceries.
El Henry's video also ties into recent content exploring the conditions of gyms in Cuba, sparking debates on social media. In September 2024, Spanish rapper Erin Castro faced criticism for "promoting Cuban misery" after showcasing his visit to a gym in Old Havana. Similarly, Argentine influencer Melina Moriatis ignited heated discussions by revealing that gym entry costs 1,200 Cuban pesos amid poor conditions and unlit dressing rooms.
Unlike foreign creators, who face accusations of romanticizing poverty or trivializing Cuba's crisis, El Henry succeeds in depicting these challenges from a local perspective, blending critical insight with comedy. Some users have described his videos as a fresh way to chronicle Cuba through the lens of cycling and sweat, avoiding victimization or propaganda.
Insights into El Henry's Viral TikTok Journey
What makes El Henry's gym video stand out on TikTok?
El Henry's gym video stands out due to its humorous take on everyday challenges in Cuba, relatable content, and the creator's ability to connect with both local and international audiences through comedy and a critical lens.
How does El Henry differ from foreign content creators?
El Henry differs from foreign creators by offering an authentic local perspective, using humor to critique and highlight the realities of life in Cuba without romanticizing poverty or trivializing the country's challenges.
What other viral content has El Henry produced?
El Henry has produced viral content such as his experiences as a bicycle messenger, challenges with ATM withdrawals, and showcasing the limitations of a Cuban minimum wage, all portrayed with humor and critical insight.