A man from the U.S. couldn’t believe the response from his in-laws after he sent his weekly gym progress to the family group chat.
Micaela Huang (@micaelajhuang), shared a reel on Instagram of her husband Ryan Baudin using a barbell in the gym when moments later, her parents responded with a video of their own weightlifting progress.
Micaela told Newsweek that watching her parents—Enzo Mariano, 55, and 50-year-old Sabrina—start their fitness journey has answered her prayers.
“All I’ve wanted for them was the ability to be strong and not be afraid of aging or feeling older,” she said. “I think with lifting, they’re able to feel empowered and confident knowing that they know how to move their body and maintain strong muscles and dense bones.”
The 24-year-old explained that the family group chat includes herself, Ryan (also 24), her brother and her parents.
It was created as a way to stay connected after her brother left home for university and after Ryan officially joined the family following their wedding last summer. Over time, it became a space for sharing everyday updates—including gym progress.
Those fitness updates, it turns out, sparked something bigger. Inspired by their children and son-in-law, Enzo and Sabrina decided to prioritize their own health. The motivation wasn’t about aesthetics or competition, but longevity.
“After my husband and I got married, my parents wanted to make it a priority to stay healthy, strong and active to ensure they have energy to support their future grandchildren,” Micaela explained. “I think they also saw the health benefits regarding exercise which is why they got into it in the first place.”
The benefits they’ve noticed go beyond the physical. Micaela said the biggest shift has been mental. As her parents lift heavier weights, their confidence grows, encouraging them to continue challenging themselves.
“They love the challenge that lifting brings to them,” Micaela said. “Furthermore, resistance training has helped my parents feel less cold. They are able to regulate temperature much better.”
Micaela’s reel has been viewed more than 640,000 times. It also drew praise from across the fitness community in the comments.
“I f******* love this. Staying healthy as we age is family self care,” one user wrote.
Another called it “family goals.” Many others found it inspiring to watch.
Micaela said she’s been overwhelmed—in the best way—by the supportive and uplifting responses.
“It shows how uplifting the gym community can be as we all support one another and motivate each other through messages, shares, likes, and comments,” she added.
