65 Gym Memes That Perfectly Capture the Pain of Being a Beginner

Flipped through the funniest gym memes of all time and still don’t have any desire to work out? This roundup of funny fitness jokes perfectly captures the struggle of early mornings, sore muscles, and embarrassing beginner moments we all have. Whether ou’re getting ready to tackle a marathon or blast through an hour of crossfit, these memes will help you remember that while funny isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about exercising, humor keeps motivation sky high.

Whether a seasoned lifter or just kicking off your first week, these relatable laughs capture the peaks and valleys of staying active. So whether you’re in need of some comic relief after leg day or just want a reason to smile before you head to the gym for your next set, look through this list of gym memes that hit home.

Gym Memes

1. When You Skip Leg Day

Leg day jokes never get old because, not-so-deep down, skipping squats always comes back to bite you.

2. First Day at the Gym Vibes

The uncertainty and awkward thrill of it all—every wrestling rookie has been there.

3. Weights Heavier Than Life

Looking at the barbell as if it’s your worst enemy just before you go into battle.

4. Cardio? More Like Hard-io

The agony of running those miles when all you want to do is go home—and eat.

5. Protein Shake Overload

Pulverizing half the fridge just to get your macros right.

6. Mirror Selfie Motivation

After all, if you didn’t capture a gym selfie in the mirror, did you even work out?

7. That Post-Workout Soreness

Anybody who has walked downstairs after leg day knows what torture feels like in a loop.

8. Crush Spotted at Gym

Suddenly coming out and doing 2x your max just to look cool.

9. Gym Partner Gone Missing

When you work with your training partner and are forced to push through on your own.

10. Sweat Like a Waterfall

The moment it feels more like a workout than a shower.

11. The Awkward Treadmill Stumble

Which is that whole trying-to-seem-casual thing you’re doing until you awkwardly catch your footing mid-stride.

12. Protein Farts Strike Again

The tragic side effect of working out that every person who goes to the gym knows about but won’t ever cop to.

13. Monday Motivation Gone Wrong

Getting pumped up for something only to hit snooze on your alarm.

14. Gym Bro Advice Overload

When unsolicited lifting advice comes pouring in from all angles.

15. The Never-Ending Warm-Up

If they’re not up to the task of lifting weights yet, they should be warming up for a half-hour at least.

16. Cheat Meal Regrets

Last night, that pizza tasted great… not so much during today’s cardio.

17. New Year Resolution Crowd

Gyms in January: busier than airports during the holidays.

18. The Overly Loud Grunter

That one Port-Monster whose grunts turn the heads of an entire gym.

19. Lifting Face Game Strong

When your face is scarier than the weight.

20. Forgot the Headphones

The real nightmare Exercising without the motivation of music.

21. Overpacked Gym Bag Life

Everything but the dumbbells is in it.

22. When You Can’t Find a Bench

Waiting for your turn as if it’s going to be the dentist.

23. Giant Gallon Water Jug

For hydration is evidently short for carrying around a small tank.

24. Accidentally Taking Someone’s Spot

The stare-down that makes you wish you could disappear.

25. Post-Workout Nap Goals

Pushing through training to pass out at home in gym clothes.

26. Trying a New Exercise

Confidence level: zero. Confusion level: maximum.

27. When the Trainer Is Too Harsh

Like you just signed up for boot camp.

28. Obsessed With Progress Pics

Shooting 99 zany alternate takes for that one great comparison shot.

29. Rest Day Feels Like Heaven

If only you had known earlier, then you wouldn’t have had to feel bad about spending all day in bed.

30. Overcrowded Locker Room

Clothing people in the corner like we’re going camping.

31. Gym Crush Eye Contact

That instant awkward smile mid-set.

32. Lifting With Shaky Arms

When each recess feels like your last breath.

33. The Overzealous Spotter

Helping you so much you feel as if they might be doing the lifting.

34. Post-Leg Day Walk of Pain

Holding onto stair railings simply to stay on the stairs.

35. Protein Powder Everywhere

What trickery is this? Somehow you get it on the counter, floor, and yourself.

36. The Guy Who Lives at the Gym

He is always there whenever you actually get there.

37. When the Wi-Fi Disconnects

All of a sudden the workout playlist comes screeching to a halt.

38. Foam Roller Torture Device

It hurts more than the workout, but also, somehow, it feels good.

39. Flexing After Just One Set

Quick results in the mirror … at least in your mind.

40. Gym Selfie Overload

When all your stuff stored on your phone are poses and flexes.

41. The Treadmill Speed Show-Off

Running beside you like they’re training for the Olympics.

42. When You Drop a Dumbbell

The sound has the entire gym turning to look at you.

43. Stretching in the Wrong Spot

Blocking the aisle in a rather graceless way without noticing.

44. Obsessed With New Gym Gear

The feeling of putting on that fresh pair of sneakers is better than any PR.

45. The Post-Workout Snack Attack

Shredding off 2000 after burning 500 away.

46. Trainer Demo vs. Reality

What they show versus what your body actually does.

47. When You Forget Your Towel

Achingly dry while pinning Sigh – Had to let it air-dry like a boss.

48. Cool on the Surface, Dying Inside

Pumping serious iron with a straight face.

49. Post-Workout Car Flex

I mean, gains are always better under car lighting, obviously.

50. When You Hit a New PR

The thrill of it all—screaming on the inside and out.

51. Leaving the Gym Like a Hero

Leaving with a sheen of sweat and feeling like you could take over the world.

FAQs