The Debate: Should Filming be Banned in Gyms?

In recent years, the trend of filming workouts in gyms has gained immense popularity, with fitness enthusiasts, influencers, and regular gym-goers capturing their sweat sessions to share with their online community.

However, this practice has sparked a heated debate within the fitness community about whether filming should be allowed in gyms or if it poses privacy concerns and disrupts the gym environment.

Those for filming in gyms say that most of the people who partake in the practice are doing it for their own records. They use it as a means to watch form and track progress although the reality is most of these videos inevitably end up on Instagram or TikTok.

Those against filming in gyms argue that it ruins gym culture, puts people’s safety and privacy at risk not to mention distracting. There have even been cases online where people are seen to be publicly bullying fellow gym goers for merely walking in front of a camera lens by accident.

And let’s not forget about the 2017 viral video of fitfluencer Dani Mathers eviscerating a 70 year old woman showering all because she was older and larger, publishing her uncensored naked body without consent for all the world to see. Dani was ordered to carry out community service as a result of the incident.

Now, a growing number of gym chains are considering a crack down on the use of phones and filming equipment putting rules in place if you wish to film if not restricting the practice entirely.

So, should filming be banned, or are these gyms taking it a step too far? Let's delve into the intricacies of this controversy and explore the pros and cons of filming in gyms.

For many individuals, filming their workouts serves as a source of motivation and accountability. Knowing that their training sessions are being recorded can push them to perform better, maintain proper form, and stay consistent with their fitness goals.

Additionally, sharing workout videos on social media platforms can inspire others to lead a healthier lifestyle and join the fitness journey.

Filming workouts can also have educational benefits, especially for those looking to improve their exercise techniques or learn new workout routines.

By filming themselves, individuals can review their form, identify areas for improvement, and seek feedback from fitness experts or personal trainers. This self-assessment can lead to more effective and safe workout practices.

Plus, let’s not forget that many people have coaches and personal trainers based online and filming workouts is a vital part of that coach/client relationship.

Personally, my coach is based over 60 miles away from my gym and I film my workouts at very specific angles. This is in order for him to provide constructive feedback on form and technique which, in turn, allows me to improve my lifts and continually work towards my goals.

Without this feedback, my training goals would be much harder to achieve.

In the digital age, sharing workout videos has become a way to connect with like-minded individuals, build a community of fitness enthusiasts, and support each other in achieving health and wellness goals.

Gym members filming their workouts can inspire and motivate others, creating a positive and encouraging environment both online and offline.

One of the primary issues raised against filming in gyms is the invasion of privacy. Many gym-goers value their personal space and may feel uncomfortable or self-conscious being filmed during their workouts.

Moreover, unintentionally capturing other individuals in the background of a workout video without their consent can infringe upon their privacy rights.

There has also been a disturbing increase in the number of videos appearing online where people are being bullied for how they look, what they’re wearing, the exercises their performing or their form.

Thankfully more people are being called out on such behaviour. It was just earlier this year that influence Jessica Fernandez issued a public apology for calling a man a “weirdo” for simply glancing at her prompting a huge online backlash.

Filming in gyms can sometimes lead to disruptions in the workout environment. 

Setting up cameras, adjusting lighting, and focusing on capturing the perfect shot may distract not only the person filming but also other gym members trying to concentrate on their exercises. This distraction can impact the overall gym experience and hinder the workout intensity.

There also seems to be a rising number of entitled individuals who believe that the gym is their own personal studio when filming having little to no respect or regard for others in a public space.

While it may be frustrating when a person walks in front of your camera, you do not have the right to shout, berate or bully those individuals. It’s also embarrassing for you to publish yourself rolling your eyes or making faces when someone does happen to get in your “oh so important shot”.

At the end of the day, YOU are not the main character in their story. Nor are you the main character in the gym. You simply cannot tell someone where to walk in a public space.

Also, we know you enjoy a good old TikTok dance, but ask yourself, really ask yourself is the gym the best place to do this? Really? Really, really?

Capturing workout videos can pose safety risks if individuals prioritise filming over proper exercise form and technique. In an attempt to record visually appealing content, some may compromise their form, lift heavier weights than they should, or perform risky stunts, increasing the likelihood of injury.

Safety should always be the top priority in any fitness setting.

Furthermore, things like tripods and light rings clutter up the gym floor making an already hazardous environment even more so.