What is Vabbing at the Gym? Nasty Trend Disturbing TikTok Users: TikTok users never fail to come up with strange and sometimes bizarre trends, and the latest one, known as “vabbing,” has certainly raised eyebrows and sparked intense reactions online.
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In early July, the peculiar trend of “vabbing” emerged on the platform, leaving internet users labeling it as nasty, disgusting, and downright bizarre.
Vabbing has quickly become a viral sensation on social media, with young people participating in this unusual practice even at the gym, which has further fueled the debate and provoked strong reactions from the online community.
The concept of vabbing gained attention after sexologist Shan Boodram revealed that she engages in the practice before a night out, and it soon went viral on TikTok in 2022. However, recent reports of vabbing at the gym have intensified the disgust and disapproval among internet users.
If you’re not familiar with vabbing and prefer to remain in the dark about it, you might want to steer clear. But for those who can’t resist their curiosity, we’ll provide a full explanation of this peculiar trend ahead.
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What is Vabbing?
Vabbing is a peculiar practice where individuals dab their vaginal fluids onto their body, akin to applying perfume, with the intention of attracting a sexual partner. The term is a combination of ‘dabbing’ and ‘vagina,’ and some people believe that using vaginal secretions on specific pressure points, like the neck, wrists, and ears, will make them more appealing to potential partners and entice them.
While vaginal fluids do contain pheromones, which can trigger a social response in others, the idea of using pheromones to attract partners is more commonly seen in the animal world than in human interactions. The concept of vabbing is not widely accepted among people, and many find it quite distasteful.
TikTok users are vabbing at the gym
A concerning trend has emerged on TikTok, where users are engaging in vabbing, even at the gym. This bizarre practice involves rubbing vaginal fluids on pressure points like the neck, wrists, and behind the ears before a sweaty workout.
The gym, already known for its less-than-hygienic conditions, becomes even more questionable as people embrace vabbing at the facility. With individuals sweating profusely and often neglecting to clean equipment properly, the idea of vabbing at the gym is enough to deter many from setting foot in a public fitness center.
In viral videos, some TikTok users claim that vabbing has led to successful encounters with potential partners while working out. They share stories of receiving attention and even being asked out by someone at the gym after vabbing.
The vabbing trend has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions on social media about its appropriateness and potential consequences. The practice is not without controversy, with many expressing concerns about hygiene, consent, and the public nature of the gym environment.
People on social media think it’s gross
Despite the few who may have found success with vabbing, the general consensus on social media is that the practice is gross and unhygienic, especially when done at the gym. Thousands of people use gym equipment daily, and the lack of proper cleaning after use only adds to the concern.
Twitter users have expressed their disgust, with some even vowing to never return to the gym again due to the vabbing trend. Many find it so off-putting that they’d rather avoid the gym altogether than risk encountering vabbing individuals.
The sentiment on social media seems to be that vabbing is not a socially acceptable practice, and many people are finding it difficult to comprehend why someone would engage in such behavior, particularly in a public setting like a gym.
Does vabbing work?
The effectiveness of vabbing in attracting a partner remains uncertain. According to Karenne Fru, a fertility specialist, there are no controlled trials to validate the effects of vabbing, and anecdotes suggesting otherwise might be mere coincidences. Dr. Fru is skeptical about the idea that vabbing could lead to being approached by potential mates, especially in places like the gym where various scents prevail, making it unlikely that vaginal secretions would be noticed or have any significant effect.
While evidence supporting vabbing’s efficacy is lacking, some research has explored the impact of pheromones on people in general. A preliminary study on the steroid compound androstadienone, found in male underarm sweat, showed that it could improve mood and enhance focus in women.
Dr. Wesley also acknowledges the lack of specific studies on vabbing’s effects but suggests a possible indirect mechanism. She speculates that if the androstadienone in men’s sweat improves women’s mood and focus, it might boost their confidence, potentially making them more attractive to men. However, it’s important to note that this is a hypothetical scenario and not a proven outcome of vabbing. As of now, the science behind vabbing’s impact on attracting a partner remains inconclusive.
Is vabbing safe?
Vabbing may not be entirely safe, and medical experts advise caution when considering this trend. Dr. Fru warns against vabbing as it involves the transfer of bacteria from the vagina to other parts of the body, even if the vaginal fluid is healthy and mainly composed of cells and bacteria. If someone is experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge or suspects they may have a sexually transmitted disease, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
However, if one maintains proper hygiene practices and does not have any infections or health issues, vabbing may be considered “generally safe,” as noted by Dr. Wesley. She recommends thorough handwashing, including the fingernails, for at least 20 seconds before inserting a finger into the vagina. After vabbing to the desired area, washing hands again is essential to prevent the spread of harmful germs to the vagina and other surfaces.
It is important to remember that while following proper hygiene measures can reduce the risk of potential harm, the safety of vabbing remains uncertain, and individuals should exercise discretion and consult a healthcare provider if they have any concerns about their vaginal health.
