After the 2024 election cycle, several Democratic candidates have incorporated fitness-related content into their campaign materials. In late September, Manny Rutinel, a Democrat running for Colorado's 5th congressional district, posted a video showing himself performing bicep curls while the song "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath played in the background. Earlier in September, Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed challenged Senator JD Vance to a squat competition during a Washington, DC appearance. Indiana secretary of state candidate Birch Evans Bayh IV, known as Beau Bayh, released an advertisement featuring weightlifting exercises while stating that "most politicians are weak." Similar content has appeared from other candidates including Cait Conley in New York's Hudson Valley race, former Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner, former Representative Colin Allred, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

These videos often reflect individual candidate personalities. Allred, a former NFL linebacker, has used weightlifting as part of his campaign strategy to connect with voters and reach new audiences. El-Sayed has previously integrated fitness routines into his campaign approach. Some candidates explicitly contrast their messaging with that of Republicans; Rutinel's video referenced Governor Pete Hegseth's form during a workout, while others have referenced broader criticisms of conservative political messaging.

The use of fitness content appears to address concerns about perceived party weakness that emerged following the 2024 election. During this period, Democratic officials and analysts referenced descriptions of the party as "weak and woke" in internal discussions and media appearances. Senator Elissa Slotkin noted a perceived lack of "alpha energy," while Senator Ruben Gallego suggested voters described Democrats as "wussy." Governor Gavin Newsom similarly stated that the party had appeared "weak and meek." These characterizations prompted discussions about party image and voter perception.

Political consultants have increasingly adopted campaign tropes that originated in previous election cycles. The practice of filming candidates engaging in physical activity echoes trends from the Obama era, when candidates occasionally released videos of themselves shooting firearms. Former West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin released videos of himself shooting the cap-and-trade bill during his 2000 campaign, later shooting his opponent's lawsuit regarding the Affordable Care Act in 2018. Similar approaches have been observed in more recent campaigns, including independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar's video involving a Flock camera.

Despite these efforts, Democratic Party polling indicates ongoing challenges with public perception. The party continues to face dissatisfaction with its leadership and ongoing debates about foreign policy, technology regulation, and healthcare. While some candidates use fitness content as part of their outreach strategy, the broader electoral impact remains uncertain.