The young Cuban creator known as El Henry (@itss_henryyy_) has once again taken social media by storm after sharing a new humorous video on TikTok, where he recounts his first day at the gym in Cuba. The post, which has garnered more than 2,200 reactions and dozens of comments, adds to a series of viral content where he portrays, with a sarcastic and spontaneous tone, everyday life on the island.
In the clip, El Henry is seen leaving his house with a backpack in hand, picking up his cousin, and heading to the gym by bicycle, turning the journey into his first cardio workout. Once at the gym, he jokingly comments that his cousin makes him do all kinds of "weird" exercises, but none for the pelvis, which he claims is "what I really need." After a brief impromptu speed competition between the two, he wraps up the day with a shower and his already famous “fitness food dog,” another phrase that has prompted laughter among his followers.
The video was enthusiastically received by its community, which commented from both inside and outside of Cuba. Some users recalled having attended that same gym, while others joked about the “sugar mami,” the exercises, the bike as a daily routine, and the lack of equipment. There were also greetings from Paraguay, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands. “Don’t give up, the sugar needs to see you in shape,” wrote one follower, while another joked: “Let me know when you discover the pelvic exercise, because I need that too.” Henry, for his part, responded with gratitude and his characteristic laid-back style.
This new content adds to other viral videos from the same creator, who has gained recognition on TikTok for humorously documenting his daily life on the island. In March, he showcased his day as a bicycle messenger, covering kilometers between Guanabacoa and Sevillano, dodging potholes, power outages, and even a motorcycle accident. A few days later, he went viral again with a clip about the challenges of withdrawing money from ATMs in Havana, where he had to end up “solving it through informal means” with a transfer. In another segment, he demonstrated what can be bought with a Cuban minimum wage, highlighting that just over 2,000 CUP barely covers a basic purchase.
The video by El Henry also connects with other recent content that has explored the conditions of gyms in Cuba and sparked controversy on social media. In September 2024, the Spanish rapper Erin Castro showed his visit to a gym in Old Havana, receiving criticism for "promoting the misery of Cubans." Along the same lines, the Argentine influencer Melina Moriatis ignited a heated debate by showing that the entry fee to a gym is 1,200 Cuban pesos, amidst precarious conditions and locker rooms without light.
Unlike foreign creators, who face accusations of romanticizing poverty or trivializing the Cuban crisis, El Henry manages to depict those same challenges from a local perspective, with a critical eye disguised as comedy. Some users have described his videos as a new way to chronicle Cuba through pedal and sweat, without falling into victimhood or propaganda.
Frequently Asked Questions about Humor and Reality in El Henry's Videos in Cuba
Who is El Henry and why is he popular on TikTok?
Henry is a Cuban content creator on TikTok who has gained popularity for humorously documenting his daily life in Cuba, addressing topics such as work, exercise, and economic challenges, which have resonated with many users both on and off the island.
How does El Henry portray the conditions of gyms in Cuba?
Henry uses his characteristic humor to highlight the limitations and difficulties of gyms in Cuba, such as the lack of equipment and the poor conditions, but he does so in a way that emphasizes the resilience and creativity of Cubans to stay fit despite the obstacles.
What topics does El Henry cover in his viral videos?
Henry addresses everyday life in Cuba, such as his job as a bicycle messenger, the economic difficulties of withdrawing money from ATMs, and the experience of training in gyms with limited resources, all with a humorous approach that highlights the Cuban reality.
How does El Henry's approach differ from that of other foreign creators in Cuba?
El Henry offers a local and authentic perspective on life in Cuba, using humor to critique daily hardships without falling into victimization. Unlike some foreign creators who may be criticized for romanticizing poverty, El Henry connects with his audience by presenting the realities from within, with a critical and comedic lens.
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