When I start to feel a little discouraged about my (lack of) progress at the gym, I always scroll through the video folder on my iPhone. In the summer of 2020, I’m doing my first barbell snatch in my PT’s backyard. In the spring of 2021, I completed my first grueling pull-up. First handstand in October. Most recently, I’ve been learning pistol squats and can be seen staggering around my local Pure Gym like a bad tightrope walker.
Ostensibly, these videos are just for my own records, but to be honest, at least half of them are posted on Instagram, and at least half of them have other gym-goers in the background. Have you ever thought about asking permission from your co-star without them knowing before posting? Unfortunately, no, never. And that may be the problem…
According to recent reports, guardiana growing number of gym chains are considering the idea of banning photography or placing strict limits on when and where people can take out camera phones and tripods.
Many companies already have policies in place, but they are not always enforced. PureGym’s website asks members to “not take photos or videos unless you ask for permission,” while Fitness First also asks members to “give prior permission to all individuals appearing in the footage.” I’m asking you to find out. Virgin Active reserves the right to ask members to “see the images they have taken” and, if appropriate, “to ask them to remove the images” if concerns arise.
There’s a growing debate about whether content collection at gyms is getting out of hand. There are downsides beyond basic privacy concerns. Tripods can be a trip hazard and at least a little annoying. Film sets also slow down work. This is especially problematic if you have the squat rack all to yourself during rush hour before work.
It also creates tension where it doesn’t need to be. In a recent social media post, coach and influencer Ben Carpenter wrote, “The fight broke out because someone aggressively picked a fight with my friend and I accidentally passed on the video without knowing it. I’ve obviously seen it come close to breaking out,” he wrote. “I’m not kidding, the guy was so aggressive that the staff had to kick him out.”
But Jim’s content has also produced some mean-spirited tendencies. This means intentionally filming other gym-goers who are seen doing exercises incorrectly or who are the subject of ridicule from iPhone owners. These videos have been rightly criticized by outraged fitness influencers, especially online coach Joey Swoll, which may have the unfortunate effect of further causing damage.can’t get it either started Regarding selfies in the changing room…
Personally, I wouldn’t want to be the subject of a meme after falling off a treadmill or being caught pulling an unattractive face while squatting. But you’ll feel even worse if you accidentally mock the other person by capturing him in one of your snaps or videos.
But of course, there is a flip side to this as well.I Love I’m watching my friend’s training content. I love seeing the shocked look on their faces when they nail a muscle-up for the first time, or the empathetic frustration when they fail a rep. I love “how-to” and “one-cool tricks.”
A complete ban on filming inside gyms risks reversing the democratization of fitness content. That means only those who have access to a private training space can benefit from visibility. And Instagram aside, taking pictures is very useful for checking your form.
But I think we all need to be better at criticizing ourselves and our friends’ behavior when filming in public. If there really isn’t a way to film a set without invading other people’s space, then perhaps we should…?
Despite my vanity, if my gym banned filming tomorrow, I would wholeheartedly support it. And, as much as we hate to admit it, it might even make your training more effective.
Scarlet Wrench is a senior editor at. mens health uk.
With over 12 years’ experience as a health and lifestyle editor, Scarlett has a keen interest in new science, emerging trends, mental health, and food and nutrition.for men’s healthshe has conducted extensive research in areas such as workplace health, men’s body image, contemporary masculinity paradoxes, and school-age boys’ mental health.
Her words are also posted below women’s health, Runner’s World and Sunday Times.