A fitness coach’s gym workout has gone viral after she captured a man allegedly filming her without permission. The incident occurred during a routine training session in Vienna, Austria.

Elena McCarthy, 36, said she was recording a warm-up tutorial for a client. She said she was unaware of what was happening behind her at the time.

“I needed the light and the rest of the room was full, so I was close to the door,” McCarthy told news.com.au. “Honestly, I didn’t even think about it that someone would be looking.”

McCarthy was positioned near a glass door while stretching. She said the placement was practical and not intended to draw attention.

While she was in a bent-over position known as a yoga puppy pose, a man appeared through the glass. The footage shows him removing a phone from his pocket.

McCarthy alleges the man began filming or photographing her from behind without her consent. She said the act constituted a violation of her personal safety.

The video struck a chord with many viewers online. Similar experiences are familiar to many women who use shared gym spaces.

Online response follows viral post

McCarthy shared the footage on social media, where it has since received more than five million views. The video was filmed at a gym in Vienna.

The post included the text, “Not all men… but always a man!” McCarthy said the phrase reflected a broader issue rather than a generalisation.

In her caption, she distinguished between using a public space and being treated as public property. She said consent remains essential in all settings.

“Recording women without permission while they are stretching or training isn’t just ‘creepy’,” she wrote. “It’s a violation of the safety we all deserve in this space.”

She said she expected criticism after sharing the video. McCarthy said the reaction reinforced her concerns.

“I didn’t think there would be such a big number of men defending this guy,” she said. She said that response motivated her to pursue the matter further.

“I feel it happens a lot more than men realise,” she added. She said she refused to accept suggestions she should change how she dresses.

She directly addressed commenters who criticised her clothing. McCarthy said blaming attire excuses predatory behaviour.

“If your first instinct is to critique my outfit instead of condemning the person holding the camera, YOU ARE THE PROBLEM,” she wrote. She said clothing does not grant image rights.

Mixed reactions and accusations

The response to the video was divided. Some users defended the man’s alleged actions.

“But, who in their right mind, in an empty room, sets up in the middle with their a** up facing the door?” one commenter wrote. The user suggested her position invited attention.

Another commenter wrote, “Only crime is he didn’t pay for it.” Others accused McCarthy of staging the incident.

McCarthy denied those claims. She said the incident “absolutely wasn’t” staged.

She said the online backlash highlighted the issue she wanted to address. McCarthy said women are frequently blamed for others’ behaviour.

Industry perspective on gym safety

Sydney personal trainer Max Dimarco also commented on the incident. He specialises in women’s fitness and has worked in the field for 13 years.

Dimarco said he often considers multiple perspectives when workout videos circulate online. He said this case was different.

“There is no possible way of defending the actions of this guy,” Dimarco told news.com.au. He said none of the blame belonged to McCarthy.

He said women should not need to adjust gym behaviour based on men around them. Dimarco described that expectation as unreasonable.

“If she’s making decisions based on the fact that it’s going to make some creepy little man take photos, that is ridiculous,” he said.

Dimarco said many of his clients express anxiety about gym environments. He said online videos contribute to those fears.

“I think a lot of them don’t want to go to the gym,” he said. He said concerns about safety are increasingly common.

McCarthy has reported the incident to the gym. She said she has also submitted an official complaint.

She said she hopes the attention leads to greater accountability. McCarthy said gym spaces should feel safe for everyone.