In a surprise twist of events on the social media platform TikTok, a trend among seemingly straight men is sweeping the platform, known as “Locktober” and “Locktober Fest”. Dating back about a decade, the term “Locktober” carries a very different meaning in certain circles, specifically among fetish communities. However, TikTok’s “Locktober” is about setting and achieving personal and fitness goals, with daily updates and challenges to motivate participants.
This new TikTok fitness trend was essentially started by Brendan Ruh from Santa Cruz Medicinals who announced the beginning of the “Locktober challenge”. The challenge includes abstaining from processed foods for an entire month, hitting certain protein goals, reading at least one book before the month’s end, and engaging in vigorous workouts. In addition to these, the challenge also encourages its participants to let go of destructive habits like drinking and using drugs. This entire idea revolves around self-improvement and encourages its followers to strive for a better version of themselves. It operates much like other well-known personal betterment periods like Lent or Dry January, in which individuals consciously leave behind their unhealthy habits with the aim to reach their self-improvement goals.
Meanwhile, the original Locktober event, which was documented as far back as 2015, is very different from the new trending challenge on TikTok. This original event involves a fetish where for the 31 days of October, individuals commit to wearing a locked device on their genitals. This practice is often considered to be a test of focus and willpower, incorporating elements of dominance and submission. Some participants in the original Locktober challenge commit to refraining from orgasms for the entire month, while others only abstain from penile stimulation, thereby allowing them to explore other forms of pleasure.
Like the newly popular TikTok version, the original “Locktober” also features regular social media updates. Participants from the fetish community provide updates on social media platforms. Some of these updates include tracking progress through photos, while some, who have ‘keyholders’, may be subjected to random cage checks where they are expected to take photos in the chastity device within a specific timeframe to ensure compliance.
Interestingly, both versions of “Locktober” share a focus on physical fitness. While participating in the original “Locktober” event, some of the individuals report that going to the gym and staying active can help distract and help vent energy built up due to the unusual restrictions.
As the new fitness trend sweeps TikTok, many are amused and intrigued by this turn of events, and even suggest that this could be a doorway to the more original understanding of the term. All in all, it seems that both versions of “Locktober” can lead to a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and improvement – either in the form of better physical health or understanding and exploring one’s desires – regardless of whether they’re in the gym or the bedroom.
So, as “Locktober” continues, only time will tell how this unique social media mishap will evolve and what new awareness and experiences it might unlock for its participants.
