Goth Gains: Building Strength in Black Eyeliner, Fishnets, and Heavy Metal
Goth Gains is a bold, alternative fitness movement that fuses gothic aesthetics—black eyeliner, fishnets, and heavy metal—with strength training. It celebrates individuality, dark style, and raw power by turning traditional workouts into expressive rituals.
Fitness isn't one-size-fits-all — and for those who live and breathe black eyeliner, vinyl boots, and romance for everything macabre, mainstream fitness culture can be… so lacking. Enter: Goth Gains.
This is not merely a trend — it's a movement full-bore where heavy lifting and heavy metal converge, and where your own records at squat are as neat as your winged eyeliner.
Goth Gains reimagines what strength can look like within the realm of aesthetic subcultures. You don't need to leave your identity at the door of the gym — you can instead improve it.
What is Goth Gains?
Goth Gains is a fitness aesthetic driven by lifestyle — goth fashion, emotional honesty, creative rebellion — combined with strength training, mental toughness, and unbreakable individuality.
It's for the outcasts, graveyard shifts, and daydreamers who desire to be powerful without losing themselves. Consider:
Deadweight lifting in fishnet gloves
Pumping Black Sabbath on barbell squats
Stretching in candlelit shadows to Bauhaus playing low
Combat boots and lunges? Why not.
The Heavy Metal Motivation Factor
Science confirms music affects physical performance — and there's nothing to get the blood flowing on a deadlift like a high-BPM guitar solo. The unbridled, energetic power of heavy metal revs up adrenaline and aids concentration and endurance.
Top Goth Gains Workout Tunes:
Rammstein – Du Hast
Nine Inch Nails – Closer
Type O Negative – I Don't Wanna Be Me
Evanescence – Going Under
Motionless in White – Voices
Pro Tip: Make a "Goth Gains Gym Mix" to psyche up your brain before each session. Black eyeliner optional — but strongly encouraged.
Developing the Goth Gains Workout Routine
You don't require a pentagram-shaped dumbbell (but that would be awesome) — you just need determination, purpose, and a dash of drama.
Weeks 1-4: Gothic Strength Building
Deadlifts – 4x5
Overhead Press – 3x8
Barbell Rows – 4x8
Walking Lunges (combat boots optional) – 3x12 per leg
Pull-ups (strict or band-assisted) – 3 sets to failure
Week 5-8: Dungeon-Core Conditioning
Circuit:
1 min Jump Rope 1 min Kettlebell Swings 1 min Plank-to-Pushups 1 min Goblet Squats 1 min Rest
→ Repeat x 4
Week 9-12: The Gothic Power Phase
Back Squat – 5x5
Bench Press – 4x6
Trap Bar Deadlifts – 3x6
Face Pulls – 3x12
Hanging Leg Raises – 4x10
Bonus: Gothic yoga for recovery — pair slow flows with ambient metal and incense.
Goth Fitness Psychology
Fitness isn't just physical — it's about identity, recovery, and empowerment.
Goth Gains has to do with:
Darkness as empowerment – Seizing pain and making it power.
Ritualized discipline – Ritualizing training. Community – Staying strong with people who live on the periphery of convention.
Style Guide: Goth Gymwear 101
Item
Goth Gains Upgrade
Tank Top
Mesh black crop with band logos
Shorts
Faux leather bike shorts
Leggings
Skull-printed or spiderweb-patterned
Sneakers
Matte black with blood-red laces
Accessories
Chokers, black wrist wraps, eyeliner, fingerless gloves
Real Goth Athletes to Follow
Kari King (@karikingfit) – Gothic powerlifter & alternative health coach
Jared Reddick (@reddfit_gothstyle) – Muscle + darkwear = aesthetic achievements
Luna Shadows (@lunashadows) – Not a gym rat, but her gothic-inspired movement is motivational
Conclusion: Your Gains, Your Way
Goth Gains is not just a goth-themed fitness trend — it's a health nonconformity revolution. Whether you're curling velvet or banging out PRs to the beat of thunder, you're rebelling against the world and showing that strength comes in many forms — and some of those forms are wearing black lipstick.
The world can keep their green smoothies and neon leggings — we'll drink our protein shakes out of goblets and lift like vampires.