Argentinian journalist and content creator Melina Moriatis (@melimoriatisfit) has once again ignited social media with her latest viral video, this time highlighting the conditions of a gym in Havana, Cuba.
The video, which has already garnered over 4.2 million views, shows Melina touring the gym, where the instructor informs her that the admission fee is 1,200 Cuban pesos (approximately 4 dollars) per day. The footage also reveals the gym's dilapidated locker rooms, which are even lacking proper lighting.
Without offering any commentary, Melina let the visuals speak for themselves. The worn-out weight machines and the overall state of the facility quickly drew attention from viewers, who reacted with a flood of comments exceeding 8,000 in less than 24 hours.
Public Reaction to Gym Fees
One of the most common comments was about the high cost of the gym. “4 dollars a day is outrageous,” remarked one user, while another added, “In Spain, it costs 0.98€ per day with better facilities.” However, some defended the Cuban reality. “That's how gyms are in Cuba, and they still produce top athletes,” one user pointed out, while another noted, “Despite more than 50 years of imperialist sanctions, Cuba has high-level sports representation.”
Broader Socio-Political Context
The discussion also veered into the political and economic context of the island: “120 dollars a month is a dream,” and “It's like stepping back 40 years,” some opined.
Moriatis, who maintains a very active social media presence with over 12 million likes on TikTok, has brought to the forefront not only the challenges of accessing quality sports facilities in Cuba but also the broader impact of the country's economic and political situation on everyday life.
Humor and Criticism
Amidst the humor and critique, users didn't hold back on their opinions: “That fan has been running since 1960,” joked one; “The best part of the gym is the punching bag hanging 4 meters high,” said another, while a more serious comment noted, “It's expensive for what it offers, but it's a reflection of a country still fighting.”
This video is part of a series of content in which Moriatis, a Martín Fierro 2024 award winner, showcases the daily realities of the places she visits. Just a few days ago, she stirred controversy with a video detailing her experience searching for medicine in Cuba, which also elicited thousands of reactions and comments of both support and criticism.