You head to the gym, ready to get your workout in – only to find out the machine you are needing to use isn’t being freed up by someone taking videos of themselves. To combat problems like this, some gyms are banning video recording while in the gym. This has brought on mixed reactions from many people – which we cover below.
1. Depends on Context
A contributor says gyms should decide based on context, gym culture, and clientele. Recording videos may not be appropriate in a gym where people are trying to work out and mind their business.
They go to a powerlifting gym, and banning filming there would be over the top. Lifters need to record themselves to ensure they get the form right. It’s also easier for their coaches to review and tweak. People are more responsible in their filming in an Olympic or body-lifting gym.
2. The Gym Is Not a Recording Studio
Several gymgoers agree that the sole purpose of being at a gym is to work out. It’s crazy when you must constantly look over your shoulder to avoid being in someone’s shot. People should work out and leave the flexing for home.
3. Focus on Yourself
A swimmer shares that their wife records a lap or two of them in the pool from time to time. They ask her to stand at the end of the lane and zoom in such that they only film the lane they’re on. Later on, they review the footage to correct their form. It’s helpful as they wouldn’t have noticed some things. They also swim at odd times when few people are in the pool.
4. Influencer Filming Is a Mess
Another says there’s a difference between filming to check your form while hitting a personal record versus filming to be an influencer. For anyone that lifts frequently, it’s easy to tell the difference. They add that they would only allow filming for form checks if they owned a gym.
It’s reasonable, especially for people who do not have a trainer. They’ve been to some gyms that feature members’ records on Instagram. Influencer filming does nothing to improve gym culture.
5. Make People Pay To Film
One gym rat states that filming should be a paid service. Form checking should be a whole service, inclusive of a video from a staff member.
If only staff is allowed to film you, you can skip the argument of whether you’re filming as an influencer or form-checking reasons. The service doesn’t need to be expensive, but asking for payment ensures it is not abused like a free service would be.
6. Introduce Camera Zones
Gym filming is a great business idea. Another gymgoer suggests that gyms should enact some kind of Disneyland-like photo pass. Gyms could mark camera zones for every equipment area.
Before starting their workout, members could scan their gym card, and the camera records for ten minutes. Your videos are then sent to your phone once you leave the gym.
7. Locker Room Filming Is the Problem
Multiple fitness fanatics say they have no problem with people filming out on the floor. However, there should be a no-cameras policy in the locker room. Nobody wants their bare bum appearing in the background of a random person’s selfie.
8. People are Crazy
Another commenter shares that people at the gym may be driven but are a little crazy. On one occasion, they were reading on the treadmill, and someone informed them that a woman was recording them.
She did this every time they came in. After looking in their direction, the woman turned away, and they’d never figured out what that was about.
9. Filming Is Rude
One says that if you want to film your fitness vlog, film it at home. People are experiencing varying levels of confidence in themselves at the gym. It’s inconsiderate to think everyone would be okay with you recording them in a vulnerable state.
10. Ban the Screamers
Finally, multiple gym rats agree that gyms should ban people who freak out when others use the gym as they film. They concur that, in most cases, influencers are the ones who scream at people when they walk between them and their cameras. There shouldn’t be an issue with people who use the space fairly. Entitlement is the real problem.