Break the stigma: Unite gyms to combat male muscle dysmorphia and promote rest days. 

Male muscle dysmorphia—an overlooked mental health issue—affects thousands of men, driving them to overtrain, obsess over unattainable physiques, and compromise their emotional well-being. With the support of David Lloyd Clubs, we’ve begun raising awareness, normalizing the importance of rest days, and fostering a healthier fitness culture. But this issue requires a united effort.

We’re calling on gyms and fitness centers worldwide to join this movement, implement mental health initiatives, and promote balanced training practices.

Why this matters? - Ben’s story

Ben spent years chasing an ideal physique. "I worked out every day, ignoring injuries and skipping rest because I felt I wasn’t muscular enough (constantly keeping up with ideals while being at university). I thought stopping would make me a failure," he shared. Eventually, he suffered a severe injury that forced him to pause. "I realized I wasn’t just physically overworked—I was mentally exhausted. Learning to value rest days and balance changed everything."

Ben's story is not unique. Muscle dysmorphia affects many men in silence, worsened by fitness cultures that glorify overtraining. We must create spaces where mental health is prioritized as much as physical fitness

What’s already happening?

David Lloyds Clubs are leading the way by:

• Raising Awareness: Educating gym-goers about muscle dysmorphia through workshops.
• Promoting Rest Days: Integrating rest day reminders into training advice.
• Fostering Support: Training staff to recognize overtraining and support mental well-being.
  Their commitment is a vital first step, but this issue demands a broader movement

What We’re Asking

We urge other gyms to adopt these practices:

Advocate for rest days as part of sustainable fitness.
Educate members on mental health and muscle dysmorphia.
Train staff to identify and support those at risk

Call to Action

Sign this petition to encourage gyms worldwide to join the effort. Together, we can redefine fitness, breaking the stigma around male muscle dysmorphia and creating a culture of balance and support.