A brief 21-second video uploaded to TikTok on June 8 has drawn the attention of millions by exposing the stark reality of fitness facilities in Cuba. The video, credited to Ismael | Fitness Cubano (@ismael.dominguez925), has amassed 2.2 million views, 74,500 likes, and over 15,400 shares on the platform.
The footage reveals a gym with a metal sheet roof, unfinished concrete block walls, and a bare cement floor. The equipment is old, worn-out, and makeshift: pulley machines fashioned from recycled metal, weight plates scattered on the ground, and towels draped over the apparatus.
Despite these conditions, the gym is bustling with activity. A large group of individuals, primarily young women in athletic wear, can be seen energetically working out. In the background, a man wearing a black T-shirt emblazoned with "NO PAIN NO GAIN" likely serves as the gym's trainer.
"While others make excuses, they train like this. Real Cuban fitness. Unfiltered training, effort, and discipline," Ismael wrote in the video’s caption, which quickly garnered 2,913 comments.
The clip has elicited two distinct reactions from viewers: admiration for the determination of those exercising with minimal resources, and criticism of the structural conditions that necessitate such improvisation on the island.
This is not the first time a video of this nature has gone viral. In September 2024, Argentine creator Melina Moriatis showcased a gym in Havana with dark dressing rooms and a 1,200 Cuban peso per day entry fee—about four dollars—a video that surpassed 4.2 million views and generated over 8,000 comments.
In January 2025, a young woman from Matanzas shared insights into her local gym with basic equipment, stating, "It might not be the best, but it has what I need to train, and I’m staying here." Months later, in May 2025, Cuban creator known as "El Henry" went viral humorously recounting his first day at a gym on the island.
This phenomenon underscores a documented reality: more than half of Cuba’s sports facilities are in a state of disrepair, as of September 2023, affecting gyms for wrestling, artistic gymnastics, and rhythmic gymnastics, among other sports.
The country's ongoing economic crisis—characterized by food and medicine shortages, frequent blackouts, and widespread infrastructure decay—has a direct impact on sports facilities. The disparity between private gyms or those located in tourist areas in Havana and the average facilities throughout the rest of the country is stark, with videos like Ismael’s highlighting this divide whenever they go viral.
Understanding the Fitness Scene in Cuba
What challenges do Cuban gyms face?
Cuban gyms often deal with outdated and makeshift equipment, poor infrastructure, and limited resources due to the country's economic struggles.
How do Cuban gym-goers adapt to these conditions?
Fitness enthusiasts in Cuba show remarkable determination and ingenuity, often improvising with available resources to continue their training routines.
Why do videos of Cuban gyms often go viral?
These videos highlight the stark contrast between the struggles faced by ordinary Cubans and the better-equipped facilities in tourist areas, captivating global audiences.