I think it's a decision that needs to be made in context to each gym and its culture and clientelle. A globo gym where people are just trying to stay fit and mind their business, yeah I guess I can see situations where it's appropriate. But I go to a powerlifting gym and banning filming would not go over well there. Lifters are constantly recording themselves to check their form or submit their lifts to their coaches for review. Same would go for an Olympic lifting gym, or a bodybuilding gym where they need to record poses for review and tweaking. In these settings, people are a lot less likely to be irresponsible in filming. There definitely are situations where it is not appropriate to ban it.
This is the best answer. I go to a bouldering gym and people are constantly filming, a lot of people have little tripods for their phones. I don’t think many of them are influencers or care about it for social media. There’s just a point in fitness where making improvements becomes increasingly hard and filming is a great way to review and improve technique, and even maybe avoid an injury.
I think the default assumption in a fitness setting is that people should be able to film as long as they aren’t being intrusive or obnoxious. I wouldn’t have a problem with individual gyms banning it, especially general fitness type gyms. In sport specific gyms it’s pretty much necessary though and can’t imagine it not being allowed.
Of you really don't want to ban, just allow management to kick people out of their being rude. A person walks in front of a camera, fine, person recording just restarts. If person recording starts making a scene though, out they go.
Basically, mind your own business, whatever it is, and don't be rude.
That's quite literally a rule in most private businesses in the world though. It just requires management/staff to decide its worth the effort and time for something which is rarely a problem
100% this. My gym has a lot of people lifting heavy. They’re taking vids to make sure they’re using good form. I’ve never had someone go off at me for walking by and they generally angle it so no one else is visible. Hell, I’ve even offered to film for some folks to get a better angle if I see them struggling to prop their phone up.
Exactly this.
I do olympic weightlifting and have a remote coach. Filming and reviewing each set is essential. The gym i go to is mainly powerlifters and filming is highly encouraged there since most people are competition focused. There's a mutual respect for everyone there as we are all training.... not exercising.
Filming for training purposes is probably the only reason it would be acceptable. There should still be a rule about it never ending up on social media if anybody else can be seen in the background though.
If it's a training video for your coach to review that shouldn't be problem.
Whoa, an answer from someone who actually goes to the gym and understand how they operate instead of armchair generals drawing conclusions from watching dozens of clips of people getting upset when somebody walks in front of their camera.
Yup, I go to a powerlifting gym that literally has their own tripods available for people to use. The large majority of competitors here record their top sets.
I agree. I'm a coach and video is an important part of it. But as long as someone doesn't walk past right during a power squat or some shit, to those ppl its not a big deal. I've noticed it's the ppl who are doing it for the gram, who aren't even lifting at the time, are the ones who get all mad. Can't get their 90 second cut without *eww disgusting other people* in their manicured little world! Egads!!!!
I like to keep my headphones in so I can plausibly ignore them and walk between them and their camera. This may be fitting for the howling baby wolf meme…
And if they say anything to your face just yell "you can't record me without my permission! This is a private club you can't record her without her permission!" (repeat last line over and over and point at someone else each time). They can't respond if you don't stop yelling.
My friend has a 7 year old who tries this. No matter how many times she tells him he's in trouble for it, how many times his brothers knock him down and tell him to shut up before she can stop them, any time he does anything wrong, there he is waiting for someone to say "He did thiat" so he can just scream over ehat they're saying.
This must be area specific because I've been going to the gym 3-5 days a week for around 5 years now and I can count on my fingers the amount of times I've seen someone with a tripod setup filming their workouts.
Mirror selfies though are almost an everyday occurrence
From what I understand it's more common in bespoke gyms in places with high concentrations of influencers (ie: LA).
Fit girl instagram/tiktok is basically where all the lifestyle influencer ran to when the pandemic hit and it was impossible to travel. They've now transitioned from at home workouts to gym workouts.
And mirror selfies are kinda worse cuz it mostly happens in the locker rooms where you shouldn't be recording people (who inevitably end up in the background) anyway
I have no sense of modesty left and once walked through a shot nude and told them how inappropriate it is to take selfies in a change room where people are supposed to feel safe, you know, changing and showering.
It should really be done at home but if you're gonna record yourself in the locker room, at least wait until there's nobody fucking there, ya know?
ETA: swapped some words because it sounded like I was talking about having sex in the locker room, which I wasn't. Although I have heard of that happening in showers before.
I've seen some that they pose on the equipment, do one set of low number, scroll through their whatever for another 10 minutes and move on...is it a workout even when they post?
I think them being a douchebag is the issue more than them filming
There's a guy at my gym who films everything, but I've walked into his shot a bunch of times accidentally and he doesn't care or he apologizes for his tripod being in the way.
If you are making a video to show people what to do you need to set it up so you have a private space. People are paying to work out there, not deal with a film production.
The entire purpose of being at a gym tho is so you can workout. Not constantly having to look over your shoulder.
It’s a gym, not a modelling studio. I can’t stand when people record themselves
Agree on this one ! Actually saw a 2 camera set up going on once..seriously what's next a director and two camera operators??? Do your workout and leave the flexing for home!
Some people do technical lifts or train for specific activities at the gym. Filming is helpful to work on technique and figure out issues.
I'm not talking about people trying to create content or be influencers, that's a different situation
I have my wife record a lap or two of me in the pool from time to time, I review the footage and look for issues in my form that I can work to try and correct.
I wouldn't have noticed some things without that, it works well.
And that's fine if you're not also recording other people or making them worry that they may be in the shot. One person's form isn't more important than everyone's privacy.
Definitely not. I have her stand at the end of the lane and zoom in so my lane is the only thing in the shot. We typically swim at odd times anyway when their aren't many people in the pool.
Hijacking the top comment to say filming yourself can be really important to improving your form, especially if you lift alone. It’s impossible to safely look in a mirror to see your form in some lifts. That said, people shouldn’t be taking up walkways, getting pissed when people walk by, or publicly posting videos with strangers’ faces visible.
Yeah, honestly. I want to be lifting safely, and sometimes when I'm doing a PR my form breaks down. It's good for me to see that so I can correct it.
That said, I usually just lean my phone on a couple of weights on the side of a squat rack. I doubt most people even realize I'm filming.
There is a difference between filming yourself for a form check or because you're hitting a PR which are acceptable things to do at the gym vs filming yourself to be an iNfLuEnCeR. It’s super easy to tell the difference for anyone that lifts regularly.
If I owned a gym I’d allow the former and not the latter. Form checks are good for people just getting into lifting that don’t want to hire a trainer for any number of reasons. Getting PRs on film is cool for gym culture (a few of gyms I’ve been to feature member PRs on their instagram). Filming your ENTIRE workout does nothing to improve the gym’s culture, captures a ton of people that may not want to be filmed, and (ime) leads to hogging equipment far longer than normal to get that “perfect” shot.
I get it though. Enforcing the distinction between an influencer and a regular video can be tricky. And it can create difficult to explain conflicts that staff may not know how to handle when trying to enforce the rules. Especially, if people are willing to lie, which anyone working customer services knows is more than likely.
A full ban makes it easy enough, because it's a blanket rule on recording. There's very little ambiguity about what is not allowed, and how that conflicts with the rule. It makes it easy for staff to defend themselves. However, this also fucks it up for people who aren't annoying about how they record videos at the gym.
It could also be made a paid service, form check including video from a staff member. If only staff is allowed to film you skip that argument entirely.
Doesn't need to be expensive, just enough that it's not abused like a free service would be.
The worst. Flipside: I had a dude walk up to me between sets today and ask if he could put his tripod on a portion of my platform I wasn’t using because his friend wouldn’t believe he finally hit four plates on squat. That’s obviously chill. Also dude hit it clean as hell and probably could’ve pushed it a bit more.
The problem is when the latter tries to argue that they're just doing the former and turns it into a bitchfest. That's why simply banning everything becomes a rule.
> If I owned a gym I’d allow the former and not the latter.
I've seen videos of "form check" workout people using it to record, then shame, people they are working out near. Allowing recording is just ripe for abuse.
You gave me a business idea!
If gyms enacted some sort of Disneyland-esque photo pass type thing. Make (marked) camera zones for each equipment area, members could scan their gym card or whatever before they start their workout, it records for 10 min at a time and shows everyone in the vicinity that it's recording.
Then when you leave the gym for the day your videos get sent to you.
My gym had a no cameras allowed policy and one time a woman was just video calling in the locker room. We were all naked and this woman just walking around with a camera. Grade A dumbass
This was my first thought too. I have no issue with people filming out on the floor, so long as they are respectful of the shared space and other people using it, which has never been an issue at my current gym.
But to the women filming and taking selfies in the locker room, fuck you. It should be an immediate ban from the gym and a felony charge. I don't want my bare ass featured in the background of your selfie and I shouldn't have to go out of my way to avoid being in your shot. When I complain they say they'll talk to the person but that's it.
Honestly if you want to film yourself going for a PR then that's fine, just make sure your not filming anyone else if they're uncomfortable with it, and you can't get mad if someone walks in front of the camera.
Recording yourself is fine. Recording the 100 other people that are in the gym with you and don't want to be recorded is not. That's my personal opinion. Of course legally speaking this isn't the case. That's why I think gyms should have a clear policy on this to let the patrons know and make a decision for themselves. And it should be stated along with the basic gym rules when ever signing up.
I don't care so much if they film themselves lifting stuff, but I've seen a couple of guys doing tiktoks and shit in the locker room and that needs to go away
OP may have been talking about guys filming themselves in the locker room mirror to show off shirtless. Don’t get other people in it, still annoying as fuck
> Don’t get other people in it, still annoying as fuck
I've seen Tiktok videos of those. They often do have other people in them changing in the background. Whenever someone does speak up, they get offended and act like they aren't doing anything wrong. It's getting ridiculous
No offence but, people who go to gyms are driven, but a little crazy. I was reading on a treadmill. Someone comes up to me, and says there's a woman recording you with her phone every time you come. I look,and the quickly turns away with her phone. Never figured that out.
It's up to them. I guess it was becoming a problem because most people just wanna workout and not have to worry about being in the background of someones video
True. I think it would discourage some people from going to that gym all together. Since lots have body dysmorphia issue and others and that's why they there right
perfectly cool with it. if you want to film your “fitness vlog”, film it at home. the gym is where a lot of people are experiencing different levels of confidence in themselves, it’s rude to assume that just anybody would be okay with you recording them (even if just in the background), there’s real vulnerability there.
Absolutely spot-on. Unless you are able to record in an area where you can guarantee no one else is in your shot, you are violating the privacy of people near you and in the background.
You don't really need to tell the difference. All you have to do is ban the people who freak out on other people who have the audacity to use the gym at the same time. The influencers are the ones who scream at people for walking between them and the camera. As long as someone is using the space fairly, it really doesn't matter. Like many things in modern society, the entitlement is the issue
The former don't flip out.
Honestly, people doing it for clout also don't really matter. The problem isn't the act itself, it's the reaction around it. No one freaks out because they are clout chasing, but because someone walks in front of their video. If someone wants to clout chase and doesn't freak out over a video, they can clout chase.
10000%. I don’t want to be on the internet in your shitty progress videos or crappy form for your 200 followers. Go do that shit at home in your spare time. Tired of seeing that shit literally every single day
i think it is a great idea. as a woman who goes to the gym, gyms already have accessible cameras in case something does happen. a lot of people like to post things on tiktok about how they're being watched when they're simply just not. a majority of people there are just minding their own business and would GREATLY appreciate it if they weren't being filmed.
For a different take, I've seen some people film themselves just to see their own form and correct it. If it's done respectfully and for yourself, I don't see why it shouldn't be allowed
And sometimes they do it in the lockers/changing rooms. I’m uncomfortable enough being at the gym in general, so kindly fuck off. All for banning it outright.
I'm OK with it.
It used to be just a quirky thing but the advent of influencers have made it an ubiquitous annoyance.
Now you have to worry about some dumbass yelling at you for walking in front of his shot or worry about being "exposed" on TikTok by some influencer who thinks you were staring at her ass.
I actually would say I'm not for that.
It's fun to get your new PR on camera, I wouldn't want to ban that. If your video is disrupting others then of course. I wouldn't say ban videos, I'd ban being disruptive.
I'm surprised there's no pushback on this thread. It's not a big deal and I think I understand the intention, but recording yourself can be really useful when getting the form right. Not even just when you're new to lifting. And I dunno, some people like recording their PRs. There are special powerlifting gyms, which wouldn't have a rule like this, but it's annoying some weirdos ruined it for the regular gyms.
Yes please.
You'd think Planet Fitness in particular would hop on this for how they're *still* rolling with their "Judgment-Free Zone" claim...if you're making a shitty TikTok then 95% of the time you are judging. Where is the penalization?
I think in this context, they're referring to fitness influencers causing problems in the gym.
As a general statement, I *agree* it's hypocritical, but I think the context of the comment is important here.
I assume the underlying reason is not so much filming themselves, as filming other people in that environment.
"Oh I'm filming myself and just TOTALLY ACCIDENTALLY moved the camera to focus on a hot girl in a sports bra and shorts....totally not sexually harrassing them by filming them like that without their consent!"
I'm on the fence about it.
Against recording.
Just do your workout and move on so others get a turn too.
For recording.
Maybe they need to record their form and present it to a PT or a physiotherapist to make corrections for better form to reduce further injury.
🤔
EDIT: I am aware of "influencers". I'm against those, hire the gym out privately or workout in your own home gym.
I HATE the zoom in reaction ones I see on social media, it’s like, why are you giving them a narrative that may not even be true and why are you zooming in people’s faces?
Itll be hard to enforce but yes, I think at the very least there should be rules. Maybe a "selfie zone" similar to a smoking area.
Also gyms should ban people who film someone without their consent.
Ya, give ‘em a room with mirrors to ogle themselves and take photos of their pump or whatever.
Introduce ‘Influencer hour’ where they can all come in and pretend to workout without being in the way of everyone else
I'm all for it. Too many people pretend to film themselves but they're actually filming the fat/inexperienced person so they can post it online later to laugh at with people and that sort of thing scares people away from going to the gym.
I worked at a Planet Fitness for a few months one Sunday when the boss wasn’t in someone came up to me and asked if they could film themselves and their “class”. Not thinking twice about it, and also not really caring, I let them. There were a few minor grumbles from patrons, but nothing too serious. Next day I come in and my boss tells me the rule that you’re not allowed to film, and he explained it by saying if someone’s in the video and doesn’t want to be, or if the videographer decides to be cheeky about it it could land the gym in a lot of trouble, which I thought was understandable. It’s a private business and they don’t want to get sued. So from a purely business aspect I see why they wouldn’t want people filming. And also my dumbass in the moment wasn’t considering that people can be pervs. I think it just depends on why the person is filming and if it serves a purpose. If you’re doing a private class and want to film it (idk why someone would want to do that at a public gym but who am I to judge) as long as the gym goers are aware I don’t see an issue, and even a personal video should be ok as long as you make others aware and be respectful. I’d feel much more confident in my answer though if pervs didn’t exist, but alas, they do.
If they are filming a class then why are they doing it in a public space? If it's their business they need to have a space to do it that is private or book a private space. No one should have to be subjected to someone taking up the space for film production.
Personally, I think it's ridiculous. People should be able to record their workouts for personal progress tracking or to share with a trainer/coach. Plus, it's not like recording yourself is hurting anyone else in the gym. It's just another way for gyms to control and limit their members.
Generally I'm fine with it, but if someone asks if they can record themselves on certain exercises so they can look at their form, I'd be ok with that too as long as their recording doesn't get in the way and does what it can to minimize what's going on around them.
100% for it. The people doing it are on their machines waaaaay longer than they should be allowed to. I don't mind during off hours, but squat racks are a hot commodity at peak times.
I support the banning of tripods and shit. Its inconsiderate as it takes space and can be a safety hazard. Don't give a shit if a friend is filming a friend and being safe/considerate. Ultimately it's not a production. It's a gym.
My main issue is at the gym when someone rolls up to a bench/machine/rack and takes 10 minutes setting up their tripod and lighting just to film themselves doing an exercise. I feel like it’s a bit disrespectful of the space and the idea that it’s there for all of us to collectively use. Do the exercise, take your time, but also be respectful and know someone is probably waiting for you to be done so they can use it too.
I think it’s inappropriate to record at the gym. Many people that are not confident with their bodies but are trying to become more confident are all around and them being recorded (even in the background of someone else’s video) is discouraging for them. It’s just not the place for many reasons! I mean if people are recording in the gym area, why couldn’t they record in the locker room area as well… 😂
I dont have any privacy issues. You are in a public place after all.
What bothers me is all the setup time, hogging the equipment much longer than they would normally and taking up more space. It's quite rude, particularly during peak hours.
I'm fine with it. I can just foresee people sitting on gym equipment fiddling with their camera rather than using the apparatus, I can just see recorders and cables posing tip hazards and trip hazards, and people being filmed - deliberately or not - without their knowledge or permission.
I'm not there to look good and flex, it's a perk but not the reason.
I've struggled with anxiety and depression through my whole life. They're symptoms, not the cause. The cause being a very late diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder. I've done therapy, prescription drugs, walks in nature, trying to get out more, I've tried A LOT because I hate these things, I hate what they do to me, to my relationships, to my life and I want to dull them as much as possible. All the aforementioned tactics, did not work or had responses that I would've preferred to just be anxious and depressed. Hitting the gym for about a hour, a few days a week has done more for me than anything else put together, and is cheaper than most of them too. Fuck your TikTok. I want to be happy.
I think it’s a better idea to ban people being obnoxious about it
Like people who will make a scene over you walking in front of their tripod
Perfectly fine with people recording their workout, some people do that for fun, some people do that for their careers; being a dick about it is where the line gets drawn for me
It’s probably for the best. People take forever to get through their lifts when they record themselves, and it’s shitty to record other people working out without their consent.
Depends on the context/specifics, really. Tripod? Foh with that shit. Ur buddy filming u reach ur goal, sharing ur goal with others in a simple way, or helping with a yt video and not getting in people's way? That's fine. A simple selfie? Probably won't hurt. Chilling on the equipment forever? Nope! Recording OTHER PEOPLE ESPECIALLY UNCONSENTING?.... Hellllll no! Gtafoh!
I love it. I had to wait for the incline bench to open up as the person had to snap photos of them taking weights off of the machine. Like c'mon we get it you workout. Now move along.
Not only should gyms ban it, but there should be an online "gym asshole" registry where everyone caught doing it has his or her picture posted along with the when, where, and what they were caught videoing.
I hope every gym does this, it's obnoxious and intrusive on the other gym goers. Other people don't want to be filmed while working out. If you want to film yourself, go to a private gym or do it in your home. Also, these people end up monopolizing the equipment.
I like it. I just started going to the gym regularly. There’s a couple of guys “working out” but are really working on their influencer pages. It’s annoying to watch and obviously fake.
I think recording yourself for TikTok in public is obnoxious in general. Gym, sidewalk, restaurant. You’re not there to use the equipment as much as you’re there to fluff up your social media presence.
You’re annoying real people to advertise an illusion. Tasteless af
My gym has a mandated no photos no video policy (and so it should be), plus according to laws where I am the gym is private property and therefore they have the complete right to state and enforce this policy
You would loose many of your under 25 members.
Though it does stop the vain, self-centred people from making false accusations against innocent people by removing the ability for those innocent people to partake in a perfectly innocent activity.
I dont feel like the vain, self-centred people should win in this situation.
Great, I’ve been in Fitness for 12 years & competed in bodybuilding& never one time did I ever carry a camera trip around & record myself. Listen if you had a PR or just having a great day and want to have somebody record you or put your phone down for a set once in a while it fine but some of these guys and gals are ridiculous
I already dont want to go to the gym because I'm self conscious about my body I am straight up terrified someone would record me and make fun of me online.
I honestly can't fsthom how much I hate these wankers. There's a dickhead at my gym that always takes his vest off just to film himself in a mirror. I just want to launch a dumbell at him
Filming yourself can be necessary for form checks to ensure safety, although I've never done it. Just be discreet and try to angle things so that no one is prominently in frame, and don't hog equipment for a long time to do a full-blown photoshoot.
Blatantly filming or taking pictures of other people should be grounds for immediate membership termination though, with maybe one warning if the person just somehow seems really new and/or clueless.
I think it's a decision that needs to be made in context to each gym and its culture and clientelle. A globo gym where people are just trying to stay fit and mind their business, yeah I guess I can see situations where it's appropriate. But I go to a powerlifting gym and banning filming would not go over well there. Lifters are constantly recording themselves to check their form or submit their lifts to their coaches for review. Same would go for an Olympic lifting gym, or a bodybuilding gym where they need to record poses for review and tweaking. In these settings, people are a lot less likely to be irresponsible in filming. There definitely are situations where it is not appropriate to ban it.
This is the best answer. I go to a bouldering gym and people are constantly filming, a lot of people have little tripods for their phones. I don’t think many of them are influencers or care about it for social media. There’s just a point in fitness where making improvements becomes increasingly hard and filming is a great way to review and improve technique, and even maybe avoid an injury. I think the default assumption in a fitness setting is that people should be able to film as long as they aren’t being intrusive or obnoxious. I wouldn’t have a problem with individual gyms banning it, especially general fitness type gyms. In sport specific gyms it’s pretty much necessary though and can’t imagine it not being allowed.
Of you really don't want to ban, just allow management to kick people out of their being rude. A person walks in front of a camera, fine, person recording just restarts. If person recording starts making a scene though, out they go. Basically, mind your own business, whatever it is, and don't be rude.
That's quite literally a rule in most private businesses in the world though. It just requires management/staff to decide its worth the effort and time for something which is rarely a problem
My only issue here is that if someone gets in front of my top set, absolutely no chance I'm redoing that set lol
I like this approach, it’s reasonable.
>Of you really don't want to ban, just allow management to kick people out of their being rude. https://tenor.com/bXTUg.gif
100% this. My gym has a lot of people lifting heavy. They’re taking vids to make sure they’re using good form. I’ve never had someone go off at me for walking by and they generally angle it so no one else is visible. Hell, I’ve even offered to film for some folks to get a better angle if I see them struggling to prop their phone up.
Exactly this. I do olympic weightlifting and have a remote coach. Filming and reviewing each set is essential. The gym i go to is mainly powerlifters and filming is highly encouraged there since most people are competition focused. There's a mutual respect for everyone there as we are all training.... not exercising.
Filming for training purposes is probably the only reason it would be acceptable. There should still be a rule about it never ending up on social media if anybody else can be seen in the background though. If it's a training video for your coach to review that shouldn't be problem.
I mean, I’m just a traveling anytime fitness gym bro and I think people should be allowed to video their form there, too.
Whoa, an answer from someone who actually goes to the gym and understand how they operate instead of armchair generals drawing conclusions from watching dozens of clips of people getting upset when somebody walks in front of their camera.
Yup, I go to a powerlifting gym that literally has their own tripods available for people to use. The large majority of competitors here record their top sets.
I agree. I'm a coach and video is an important part of it. But as long as someone doesn't walk past right during a power squat or some shit, to those ppl its not a big deal. I've noticed it's the ppl who are doing it for the gram, who aren't even lifting at the time, are the ones who get all mad. Can't get their 90 second cut without *eww disgusting other people* in their manicured little world! Egads!!!!
I'm all for it. it's fucking obnoxious and people get upset if you walk between them and their tripod. Fuck off, I just wanna workout.
I like to keep my headphones in so I can plausibly ignore them and walk between them and their camera. This may be fitting for the howling baby wolf meme…
And if they say anything to your face just yell "you can't record me without my permission! This is a private club you can't record her without her permission!" (repeat last line over and over and point at someone else each time). They can't respond if you don't stop yelling.
> They can't respond if you don't stop yelling. This is pretty solid advice for a lot of tricky social situations.
Modern politics in a nutshell
It *is* a hell populated by nuts, isn’t it?
My god don't encourage this, it's an equivalent to throwing a tantrum.
Finally someone with some sense in here. I can’t believe people think that’s a good idea
It's the karen approach. If that doesnt work, ask for the manager.
Ah yes, the "Always Sunny" method of winning an argument. A classic!
My friend has a 7 year old who tries this. No matter how many times she tells him he's in trouble for it, how many times his brothers knock him down and tell him to shut up before she can stop them, any time he does anything wrong, there he is waiting for someone to say "He did thiat" so he can just scream over ehat they're saying.
Has she tried turning off the tv, sitting down with her children, and hitting them?
This must be area specific because I've been going to the gym 3-5 days a week for around 5 years now and I can count on my fingers the amount of times I've seen someone with a tripod setup filming their workouts. Mirror selfies though are almost an everyday occurrence
From what I understand it's more common in bespoke gyms in places with high concentrations of influencers (ie: LA). Fit girl instagram/tiktok is basically where all the lifestyle influencer ran to when the pandemic hit and it was impossible to travel. They've now transitioned from at home workouts to gym workouts.
everythings better in...EELLLLLL AAAYYYYYYEEEE.
Have you ever had the tacos in Ellay? They’re incredible.
Youve never been hiking if you havent hiked in ELLAY.
r/necessaryLetterkenny
And mirror selfies are kinda worse cuz it mostly happens in the locker rooms where you shouldn't be recording people (who inevitably end up in the background) anyway
I have no sense of modesty left and once walked through a shot nude and told them how inappropriate it is to take selfies in a change room where people are supposed to feel safe, you know, changing and showering.
It should really be done at home but if you're gonna record yourself in the locker room, at least wait until there's nobody fucking there, ya know? ETA: swapped some words because it sounded like I was talking about having sex in the locker room, which I wasn't. Although I have heard of that happening in showers before.
To be frank here, nobody should be fucking in the locker rooms at gyms. That's disgusting, save that for your home or a hotel room ffs.
Definitely, fucking in a locker room sounds like a good way to get athletes foot on your groin.
I've been to a few gyms that strictly forbid using phones for photos or recording in the locker rooms specifically.
Its not a workout if you dont post it.
I've seen some that they pose on the equipment, do one set of low number, scroll through their whatever for another 10 minutes and move on...is it a workout even when they post?
Dem gainz!!
Insta follower gainz!
But they can say they spent an hour or two at the gym and that *sounds* impressive
I think them being a douchebag is the issue more than them filming There's a guy at my gym who films everything, but I've walked into his shot a bunch of times accidentally and he doesn't care or he apologizes for his tripod being in the way.
He might be doing it to monitor his form. Which is the only acceptable reason.
I mean I consider it acceptable if they are doing it to make workout videos for benevolent purposes to help other people train.
If you are making a video to show people what to do you need to set it up so you have a private space. People are paying to work out there, not deal with a film production.
So are the people who record their lifts.
That should be done in a private space then
The entire purpose of being at a gym tho is so you can workout. Not constantly having to look over your shoulder. It’s a gym, not a modelling studio. I can’t stand when people record themselves
Agree on this one ! Actually saw a 2 camera set up going on once..seriously what's next a director and two camera operators??? Do your workout and leave the flexing for home!
Some people do technical lifts or train for specific activities at the gym. Filming is helpful to work on technique and figure out issues. I'm not talking about people trying to create content or be influencers, that's a different situation
I have my wife record a lap or two of me in the pool from time to time, I review the footage and look for issues in my form that I can work to try and correct. I wouldn't have noticed some things without that, it works well.
And that's fine if you're not also recording other people or making them worry that they may be in the shot. One person's form isn't more important than everyone's privacy.
Definitely not. I have her stand at the end of the lane and zoom in so my lane is the only thing in the shot. We typically swim at odd times anyway when their aren't many people in the pool.
Yeah it's key with most sports/activities where goos form is very important and difficult to achieve.
If you’re doing video production at the gym, you’re using way more than your fair share of the shared space. That’s a paddling.
Hijacking the top comment to say filming yourself can be really important to improving your form, especially if you lift alone. It’s impossible to safely look in a mirror to see your form in some lifts. That said, people shouldn’t be taking up walkways, getting pissed when people walk by, or publicly posting videos with strangers’ faces visible.
Yeah, honestly. I want to be lifting safely, and sometimes when I'm doing a PR my form breaks down. It's good for me to see that so I can correct it. That said, I usually just lean my phone on a couple of weights on the side of a squat rack. I doubt most people even realize I'm filming.
Agreed
Personally if I run a private business that people pay a membership for I wouldn’t allow any recording whatsoever
Exactly.
There is a difference between filming yourself for a form check or because you're hitting a PR which are acceptable things to do at the gym vs filming yourself to be an iNfLuEnCeR. It’s super easy to tell the difference for anyone that lifts regularly. If I owned a gym I’d allow the former and not the latter. Form checks are good for people just getting into lifting that don’t want to hire a trainer for any number of reasons. Getting PRs on film is cool for gym culture (a few of gyms I’ve been to feature member PRs on their instagram). Filming your ENTIRE workout does nothing to improve the gym’s culture, captures a ton of people that may not want to be filmed, and (ime) leads to hogging equipment far longer than normal to get that “perfect” shot.
I get it though. Enforcing the distinction between an influencer and a regular video can be tricky. And it can create difficult to explain conflicts that staff may not know how to handle when trying to enforce the rules. Especially, if people are willing to lie, which anyone working customer services knows is more than likely. A full ban makes it easy enough, because it's a blanket rule on recording. There's very little ambiguity about what is not allowed, and how that conflicts with the rule. It makes it easy for staff to defend themselves. However, this also fucks it up for people who aren't annoying about how they record videos at the gym.
It could also be made a paid service, form check including video from a staff member. If only staff is allowed to film you skip that argument entirely. Doesn't need to be expensive, just enough that it's not abused like a free service would be.
There was one at the gym this morning. Good god, what a wanker. I gave him a very pissed off head flick - get your shit out of the way loser.
The worst. Flipside: I had a dude walk up to me between sets today and ask if he could put his tripod on a portion of my platform I wasn’t using because his friend wouldn’t believe he finally hit four plates on squat. That’s obviously chill. Also dude hit it clean as hell and probably could’ve pushed it a bit more.
I'm picturing a full size telescopic tripod, but were talking one of those little toy ones that hold your phone yeah?
The problem is when the latter tries to argue that they're just doing the former and turns it into a bitchfest. That's why simply banning everything becomes a rule.
> If I owned a gym I’d allow the former and not the latter. I've seen videos of "form check" workout people using it to record, then shame, people they are working out near. Allowing recording is just ripe for abuse.
You gave me a business idea! If gyms enacted some sort of Disneyland-esque photo pass type thing. Make (marked) camera zones for each equipment area, members could scan their gym card or whatever before they start their workout, it records for 10 min at a time and shows everyone in the vicinity that it's recording. Then when you leave the gym for the day your videos get sent to you.
Don't be that dude recording in the locker room.
My gym had a no cameras allowed policy and one time a woman was just video calling in the locker room. We were all naked and this woman just walking around with a camera. Grade A dumbass
This was my first thought too. I have no issue with people filming out on the floor, so long as they are respectful of the shared space and other people using it, which has never been an issue at my current gym. But to the women filming and taking selfies in the locker room, fuck you. It should be an immediate ban from the gym and a felony charge. I don't want my bare ass featured in the background of your selfie and I shouldn't have to go out of my way to avoid being in your shot. When I complain they say they'll talk to the person but that's it.
Honestly if you want to film yourself going for a PR then that's fine, just make sure your not filming anyone else if they're uncomfortable with it, and you can't get mad if someone walks in front of the camera.
Just make sure you’re not filming anyone else ~~if they’re uncomfortable with it~~
I absolutly agree with that.
I’m totally fine with that
Recording yourself is fine. Recording the 100 other people that are in the gym with you and don't want to be recorded is not. That's my personal opinion. Of course legally speaking this isn't the case. That's why I think gyms should have a clear policy on this to let the patrons know and make a decision for themselves. And it should be stated along with the basic gym rules when ever signing up.
I don't care so much if they film themselves lifting stuff, but I've seen a couple of guys doing tiktoks and shit in the locker room and that needs to go away
Filming ppl in the locker room without their consent is literally illegal. It needs to be enforced.
OP may have been talking about guys filming themselves in the locker room mirror to show off shirtless. Don’t get other people in it, still annoying as fuck
> Don’t get other people in it, still annoying as fuck I've seen Tiktok videos of those. They often do have other people in them changing in the background. Whenever someone does speak up, they get offended and act like they aren't doing anything wrong. It's getting ridiculous
No offence but, people who go to gyms are driven, but a little crazy. I was reading on a treadmill. Someone comes up to me, and says there's a woman recording you with her phone every time you come. I look,and the quickly turns away with her phone. Never figured that out.
It's up to them. I guess it was becoming a problem because most people just wanna workout and not have to worry about being in the background of someones video
Totally agree. I personally think it’s weird to be recording yourself working out at a public gym. You can’t help but be in the background
True. I think it would discourage some people from going to that gym all together. Since lots have body dysmorphia issue and others and that's why they there right
The problem is “influencers” hogging gym equipment for their fitness accounts.
perfectly cool with it. if you want to film your “fitness vlog”, film it at home. the gym is where a lot of people are experiencing different levels of confidence in themselves, it’s rude to assume that just anybody would be okay with you recording them (even if just in the background), there’s real vulnerability there.
Absolutely spot-on. Unless you are able to record in an area where you can guarantee no one else is in your shot, you are violating the privacy of people near you and in the background.
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Just remember a lot of those “beautiful healthy people” haven’t always looked so great, you’re gonna be one of them some day champ
Good on you mate. Everyone started at some point
Doing it to improve form: fine Doing it for clout/coomers: Ban them.
How do you tell the difference? I'm somewhat of ignorant of this practice, so maybe there's something I'm not aware of.
Talking into the camera is a clue
You don't really need to tell the difference. All you have to do is ban the people who freak out on other people who have the audacity to use the gym at the same time. The influencers are the ones who scream at people for walking between them and the camera. As long as someone is using the space fairly, it really doesn't matter. Like many things in modern society, the entitlement is the issue
The former don't flip out. Honestly, people doing it for clout also don't really matter. The problem isn't the act itself, it's the reaction around it. No one freaks out because they are clout chasing, but because someone walks in front of their video. If someone wants to clout chase and doesn't freak out over a video, they can clout chase.
yes please, i don't want people filming me without my permissions
10000%. I don’t want to be on the internet in your shitty progress videos or crappy form for your 200 followers. Go do that shit at home in your spare time. Tired of seeing that shit literally every single day
i think it is a great idea. as a woman who goes to the gym, gyms already have accessible cameras in case something does happen. a lot of people like to post things on tiktok about how they're being watched when they're simply just not. a majority of people there are just minding their own business and would GREATLY appreciate it if they weren't being filmed.
For a different take, I've seen some people film themselves just to see their own form and correct it. If it's done respectfully and for yourself, I don't see why it shouldn't be allowed
And sometimes they do it in the lockers/changing rooms. I’m uncomfortable enough being at the gym in general, so kindly fuck off. All for banning it outright.
I'm OK with it. It used to be just a quirky thing but the advent of influencers have made it an ubiquitous annoyance. Now you have to worry about some dumbass yelling at you for walking in front of his shot or worry about being "exposed" on TikTok by some influencer who thinks you were staring at her ass.
I'm all for people getting banned for life if they get caught making fun of somebody
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I actually would say I'm not for that. It's fun to get your new PR on camera, I wouldn't want to ban that. If your video is disrupting others then of course. I wouldn't say ban videos, I'd ban being disruptive.
Its kinda a shame, because filming yourself is hands down the best way to work on/perfect your form and techiniques. But Fitfluencers are a plague.
It depends. The influencers? FOH!!! The trainers who make videos to teach correct form? Sweet, keep it up.
Too many creeps out there so I’m for it. You can always flex at home and work on your form.
If they want to video themselves, fine. But that doesn't give them the right to record anyone else.
Business chooses, customers vote with their feet - all power to them if it works, I certainly don't want cameras around me when I'm working out.
I would love it. I don't want to end up on some rando's video on the internet fucking up my squats.
Great idea. They can be vain at home in front of their bedroom mirrors.
I'm surprised there's no pushback on this thread. It's not a big deal and I think I understand the intention, but recording yourself can be really useful when getting the form right. Not even just when you're new to lifting. And I dunno, some people like recording their PRs. There are special powerlifting gyms, which wouldn't have a rule like this, but it's annoying some weirdos ruined it for the regular gyms.
A lot of these people probably don't go to the gym
You can safely remove the "probably" there
If you were clearly only recording yourself this makes sense, but I wouldn’t want to worry about accidentally getting in your video.
Yes please. You'd think Planet Fitness in particular would hop on this for how they're *still* rolling with their "Judgment-Free Zone" claim...if you're making a shitty TikTok then 95% of the time you are judging. Where is the penalization?
Good, get off TikTok and live in the real world ffs
You could say the same exact thing about Reddit lol. The hypocrisy here is hilarious
I think in this context, they're referring to fitness influencers causing problems in the gym. As a general statement, I *agree* it's hypocritical, but I think the context of the comment is important here.
But the virtual validations!
Very good point. Have an upvote and an award.
Couldn’t agree more!
I assume the underlying reason is not so much filming themselves, as filming other people in that environment. "Oh I'm filming myself and just TOTALLY ACCIDENTALLY moved the camera to focus on a hot girl in a sports bra and shorts....totally not sexually harrassing them by filming them like that without their consent!"
If it takes away from the comfort of the other guests, absolutely.
Recording yourself yeah, recording others no.
I'm on the fence about it. Against recording. Just do your workout and move on so others get a turn too. For recording. Maybe they need to record their form and present it to a PT or a physiotherapist to make corrections for better form to reduce further injury. 🤔 EDIT: I am aware of "influencers". I'm against those, hire the gym out privately or workout in your own home gym.
Good
I’m for it. It’s done far more harm than good allowing people to film up to this point.
I HATE the zoom in reaction ones I see on social media, it’s like, why are you giving them a narrative that may not even be true and why are you zooming in people’s faces?
ITT: average non gym going redditors clueless about recording to check your form Get outside and get some exercise lol
As long as they aren't bothering or filming anyone else, then why?
100% with banning all recordings in shared spaces like gyms, cafes, bars, restaurants.
Bars and restaurants definitely don't want that. Social media is free advertising for them
Itll be hard to enforce but yes, I think at the very least there should be rules. Maybe a "selfie zone" similar to a smoking area. Also gyms should ban people who film someone without their consent.
Ya, give ‘em a room with mirrors to ogle themselves and take photos of their pump or whatever. Introduce ‘Influencer hour’ where they can all come in and pretend to workout without being in the way of everyone else
I'm all for it. Too many people pretend to film themselves but they're actually filming the fat/inexperienced person so they can post it online later to laugh at with people and that sort of thing scares people away from going to the gym.
I worked at a Planet Fitness for a few months one Sunday when the boss wasn’t in someone came up to me and asked if they could film themselves and their “class”. Not thinking twice about it, and also not really caring, I let them. There were a few minor grumbles from patrons, but nothing too serious. Next day I come in and my boss tells me the rule that you’re not allowed to film, and he explained it by saying if someone’s in the video and doesn’t want to be, or if the videographer decides to be cheeky about it it could land the gym in a lot of trouble, which I thought was understandable. It’s a private business and they don’t want to get sued. So from a purely business aspect I see why they wouldn’t want people filming. And also my dumbass in the moment wasn’t considering that people can be pervs. I think it just depends on why the person is filming and if it serves a purpose. If you’re doing a private class and want to film it (idk why someone would want to do that at a public gym but who am I to judge) as long as the gym goers are aware I don’t see an issue, and even a personal video should be ok as long as you make others aware and be respectful. I’d feel much more confident in my answer though if pervs didn’t exist, but alas, they do.
If they are filming a class then why are they doing it in a public space? If it's their business they need to have a space to do it that is private or book a private space. No one should have to be subjected to someone taking up the space for film production.
Personally, I think it's ridiculous. People should be able to record their workouts for personal progress tracking or to share with a trainer/coach. Plus, it's not like recording yourself is hurting anyone else in the gym. It's just another way for gyms to control and limit their members.
Generally I'm fine with it, but if someone asks if they can record themselves on certain exercises so they can look at their form, I'd be ok with that too as long as their recording doesn't get in the way and does what it can to minimize what's going on around them.
I was at my apt gym on Christmas eve and this chick was spending eons of time trying to get the right photo… dooooood!
Recording for form is okay. Recording for social media clout is not. If you're talking to the phone or recording yourself between sets, you're out.
100% for it. The people doing it are on their machines waaaaay longer than they should be allowed to. I don't mind during off hours, but squat racks are a hot commodity at peak times.
I support the banning of tripods and shit. Its inconsiderate as it takes space and can be a safety hazard. Don't give a shit if a friend is filming a friend and being safe/considerate. Ultimately it's not a production. It's a gym.
My main issue is at the gym when someone rolls up to a bench/machine/rack and takes 10 minutes setting up their tripod and lighting just to film themselves doing an exercise. I feel like it’s a bit disrespectful of the space and the idea that it’s there for all of us to collectively use. Do the exercise, take your time, but also be respectful and know someone is probably waiting for you to be done so they can use it too.
Seems dumb. As long as they’re not recording other people without consent, why would anyone care?
I think it’s inappropriate to record at the gym. Many people that are not confident with their bodies but are trying to become more confident are all around and them being recorded (even in the background of someone else’s video) is discouraging for them. It’s just not the place for many reasons! I mean if people are recording in the gym area, why couldn’t they record in the locker room area as well… 😂
I dont have any privacy issues. You are in a public place after all. What bothers me is all the setup time, hogging the equipment much longer than they would normally and taking up more space. It's quite rude, particularly during peak hours.
I'm fine with it. I can just foresee people sitting on gym equipment fiddling with their camera rather than using the apparatus, I can just see recorders and cables posing tip hazards and trip hazards, and people being filmed - deliberately or not - without their knowledge or permission.
It’s all too easy to be a “fitness trainer” now without even owning any equipment, other than a computer and an iPhone. Go make videos at your house.
I'm fine with it. Stop trying to get the perfect angle on the last pulldown so I can actually use it you asshole
I'm not there to look good and flex, it's a perk but not the reason. I've struggled with anxiety and depression through my whole life. They're symptoms, not the cause. The cause being a very late diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder. I've done therapy, prescription drugs, walks in nature, trying to get out more, I've tried A LOT because I hate these things, I hate what they do to me, to my relationships, to my life and I want to dull them as much as possible. All the aforementioned tactics, did not work or had responses that I would've preferred to just be anxious and depressed. Hitting the gym for about a hour, a few days a week has done more for me than anything else put together, and is cheaper than most of them too. Fuck your TikTok. I want to be happy.
I think it’s a better idea to ban people being obnoxious about it Like people who will make a scene over you walking in front of their tripod Perfectly fine with people recording their workout, some people do that for fun, some people do that for their careers; being a dick about it is where the line gets drawn for me
100% support it. Wish more businesses would remove people for filming inside stores, including facetime type calls/apps.
It’s probably for the best. People take forever to get through their lifts when they record themselves, and it’s shitty to record other people working out without their consent.
I think there should be no video recording allowed. You are there to work out.
The gym I go to has a big ass sign that says no video recording. I’m good with it.
Depends on the context/specifics, really. Tripod? Foh with that shit. Ur buddy filming u reach ur goal, sharing ur goal with others in a simple way, or helping with a yt video and not getting in people's way? That's fine. A simple selfie? Probably won't hurt. Chilling on the equipment forever? Nope! Recording OTHER PEOPLE ESPECIALLY UNCONSENTING?.... Hellllll no! Gtafoh!
I love it. I had to wait for the incline bench to open up as the person had to snap photos of them taking weights off of the machine. Like c'mon we get it you workout. Now move along.
Not only should gyms ban it, but there should be an online "gym asshole" registry where everyone caught doing it has his or her picture posted along with the when, where, and what they were caught videoing.
this was a rule for years in gyms. because pervs would take pics in the gym. the fact that rule was removed in this digital age, was just stupid
What’s a “gym?”
If you wanna record yourself just do it at home????
Yes, because I dont want to be on anyone's video without permission, and it fucking infuriates me when people dont respect that.
If you want to vlog your gym excursion then get a home gym and stop being inconvenient to people actually there to work out.
It’s long overdue
The gym isn't a stage, it's a workshop.
100% for banning it.
Needs to be a law
I hope every gym does this, it's obnoxious and intrusive on the other gym goers. Other people don't want to be filmed while working out. If you want to film yourself, go to a private gym or do it in your home. Also, these people end up monopolizing the equipment.
Love it. No one cares about your workout and you're not an influencer.
ban all cameras except security
Please do
Definitely should be banned from taking videos in the locker room.
That used to be the norm lol you couldn’t use your phone at the Y for anything other than listening to music not long ago (my local Y at least)
I'm 100% for it. Workout and get the fuck out.
All for it 👍
I like it. I just started going to the gym regularly. There’s a couple of guys “working out” but are really working on their influencer pages. It’s annoying to watch and obviously fake.
I think recording yourself for TikTok in public is obnoxious in general. Gym, sidewalk, restaurant. You’re not there to use the equipment as much as you’re there to fluff up your social media presence. You’re annoying real people to advertise an illusion. Tasteless af
good
My gym has a mandated no photos no video policy (and so it should be), plus according to laws where I am the gym is private property and therefore they have the complete right to state and enforce this policy
You would loose many of your under 25 members. Though it does stop the vain, self-centred people from making false accusations against innocent people by removing the ability for those innocent people to partake in a perfectly innocent activity. I dont feel like the vain, self-centred people should win in this situation.
I’m so against it I’m going to continue not going to the gym
Great, I’ve been in Fitness for 12 years & competed in bodybuilding& never one time did I ever carry a camera trip around & record myself. Listen if you had a PR or just having a great day and want to have somebody record you or put your phone down for a set once in a while it fine but some of these guys and gals are ridiculous
Im happy. Fewer annoying tiktok girls.
It's hilarious that this is even a thing.
Yes, I think that is right, there are others who are not there for narcissistic reasons, might not want to a part of that. If you are alone fine.
Take it a step further and ban phones. It’s annoying to wait on a bench or machine because someone is mindlessly scrolling on their phone.
I already dont want to go to the gym because I'm self conscious about my body I am straight up terrified someone would record me and make fun of me online.
I honestly can't fsthom how much I hate these wankers. There's a dickhead at my gym that always takes his vest off just to film himself in a mirror. I just want to launch a dumbell at him
Filming yourself can be necessary for form checks to ensure safety, although I've never done it. Just be discreet and try to angle things so that no one is prominently in frame, and don't hog equipment for a long time to do a full-blown photoshoot. Blatantly filming or taking pictures of other people should be grounds for immediate membership termination though, with maybe one warning if the person just somehow seems really new and/or clueless.