Women Barricade Windows After Men Allegedly Film Minnesota Pilates Class — TikTok Video Goes Viral

Women attending a Pilates class in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, say several men positioned themselves outside the studio and allegedly recorded the session through the windows, prompting attendees to stack Pilates boxes to block the view. A TikTok video of the incident posted by user Lellian (@lifewithlellian) has been viewed more than 5.1 million times.

What Happened

According to the TikTok clip, class participants noticed multiple men outside the studio with phones mounted on stands, microphones and 360-degree cameras. The instructor reportedly confronted the men and told them filming was not allowed while the women were on private property, but the men allegedly continued recording from the sidewalk and nearby grass.

Participants are shown stacking Pilates boxes against the windows to create a makeshift barricade. One of the men is seen raising a phone on a stand to film through a gap at the top of the blockade, while others reportedly remained nearby with cameras aimed at the studio.

"This is not okay. This is extremely inappropriate. No means 'no,'" a class participant is heard saying in the video.

Police Response and Context

The class called police and filed a report; Lellian says the men left before officers arrived. Police told the attendees they had received similar complaints, with reports that the men had targeted women-only Pilates studios, according to Lellian's account.

The New Hampshire Municipal Association (NHMA) and other observers describe this type of behavior as a "First Amendment audit," a tactic in which individuals record in public or semi-public spaces to assert free-speech rights and sometimes provoke reactions for online content. Auditors often post these interactions to social media platforms; when auditors remain on public property and do not create an unreasonable disruption, they are typically protected by the First Amendment. However, filming on private property or engaging in harassment can carry legal consequences.

Public Reaction and Safety Tips

Viewers of the viral video expressed outrage and concern. Many suggested practical responses for studios, including installing privacy film on windows, improving outdoor signage about no-filming policies, and calling authorities immediately when unwanted filming occurs. Advocates also emphasize documenting incidents, filing police reports, and considering civil remedies if privacy or harassment laws have been violated.

While the video has sparked debate about legality and etiquette, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about privacy, consent and the ways people may seek to monetize provocative content online.