Woman Visits Gym Every Week, but There's a Twist: 'Need This'

Newsweek

a day ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A savvy woman has shared the only reason she goes to the gym once a week—and it isn't to work out.
The TikTok clip, shared by @almillishit, has gathered 4.6 million views and 316,400 likes. It shows a spray tan machine, and the text overlaid explains that she pays $25 a month for a fitness membership "just to get a weekly spray and never actually work out."
The Delaware-based woman told another user: "I'm genuinely so lucky [and] grateful."
Some users expressed their envy, and said: "So jealous. Mine only has tanning booths!!!"
Many users are impressed with the woman's money-saving hack, as the average cost of a spray tan is generally between $25 and $60, according to The Knot.
"That's cheaper than the tanning bed I pay for at the salon each month," said one user, and another wrote: "Damn. I just paid $40 for one level 1 spray tan."
"This should be it instead of the tanning beds," suggested a third user.
In the comments, the woman tells another user that she is "scared" of sunbeds, most likely because sunlamps and sunbeds—including tanning beds and booths—are classified as known human carcinogens.
A stock image of women using her phone in a gym.
A stock image of women using her phone in a gym.
Oscar Gutierrez Zozulia/iStock / Getty Images Plus
Are Spray Tans Safe?
According to the American Cancer Society, the amount and type of ultraviolet (UV) radiation a person receives from tanning beds depend on several factors: the type of lamps used, the duration of exposure, and the frequency of use. Most tanning beds primarily emit UVA rays, with a smaller proportion being UVB, which is a risk factor for all types of skin cancer.
As a safer alternative, many people opt for sunless tanning methods such as fake tan products or sprays. These products work by interacting with proteins on the surface of the skin to create a temporary darkening effect, mimicking a natural tan. Like a real tan, the color gradually fades over several days.
Most sunless tanning products contain an FDA-approved ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a color additive used specifically for external application.
When used correctly, these products are generally considered safe. However, the American Cancer Society cautions that DHA should only be used on the skin's surface and not:
Inhaled through the nose or mouth.
Ingested.
Applied to areas with mucous membranes (such as the eyes, nose, or lips).
If you're considering using a sunless tanning product, consult your doctor—especially if you have sensitive skin or health concerns. It's also important to note that most of these products do not provide sun protection.
Even if a product contains sunscreen, its effectiveness typically lasts only a few hours.
To reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer, continue using broad-spectrum sunscreen and wearing protective clothing when spending time outdoors.
Newsweek has reached out to @almillishit for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.
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