gym rat

Definition

A person who spends a significant amount of time at the gym, treating it as a second home and making fitness a central part of their lifestyle and identity.

Example Usage

My roommate is a total gym rat—I barely see him because he's always at the gym.

Origin

The metaphorical use of 'rat' meaning a habitué or frequent visitor dates back decades; applied to gym culture by the 1990s.

Fun Fact

Unlike 'gym bro,' gym rat is more neutral and can apply to any gender or fitness motivation level.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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