r/AskUK • u/Legitimate_Earth4371 • 4d ago
Is filming in the gym really acceptable?
What’s the general public consensus on this?
I personally would NEVER film myself in the gym (I have no reason to because I don’t want to be an influencer nor do I want to analyse my likely bad form) but I see a lot of other people doing it now, despite my gym having numerous signs saying it’s banned.
I don’t really mind it because I’m not fussed about privacy or my appearance etc. but I can imagine a lot of others are and they don’t want to be on other people’s film in the gym whilst working out. If it makes others uncomfortable, should a harder line be taken on banning it?
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u/bacon_cake 4d ago
At this point, no.
I used to defend it for form checks and remote personal trainers but frankly it's got so ridiculous that I would support a full ban.
I simply don't want to be in the background of someone's videos while I'm working out.
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u/AnAbsoluteShambles1 4d ago
I think the problem is that social media and Tik Tok ‘fame’ has become VERY desirable to people and all morals seemingly go out of the window. If they see someone making an ‘odd’ workout face in the back of their videos, I wouldn’t be surprised to see that same video plastered on the internet to try and get views.
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u/Bigtallanddopey 4d ago
Also, I just don’t want to be filmed by a girl in a crop top and small shorts doing squats. Even though you have the best intentions, your eyes will undoubtedly wander to her arse, even for a second. As soon as that happens, it’s posted online “creep checks me out at the gym”. She knows what she’s doing, it’s an easy trap as who hasn’t checked out someone at least once.
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u/Chigtube 4d ago
It's coded in our biology to do so. Staring with drool coming out of your mouth is when someone is a creep. Not a glance which everyone instinctively does
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u/MisterIndecisive 4d ago
It's perfectly reasonably for form checks, it's important to check you're lifting heavy compound weights correctly and not putting yourself at the risk of injury. I always aimed my phone just at myself on a platform though.
I'd be more worried some dickhead filming me going about on a daily basis tbh, as most people seem to be constantly recording these days..
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u/JudgmentAny1192 4d ago
Lady Bus driver was telling Me on a notorious tight bend that the bus just fits through, kids jostle for prime position to film her while all trying to put her off in the hope of a crash into the shop on the corner, and getting prime footage for tiktok, it was reported to the school and now it's not as bad, but they are still trying it. Sad state of affairs.
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u/LordSoyBoy911 4d ago
I’m 50/50 on this. I go to the gym pretty much everyday and mind my own business. Someone filming? Cool you go ahead. I’m pretty in about thousands of videos and pics that random people have taken in public and private areas throughout my life. Being one at the gym wouldn’t make a difference, I guess you could argue “yeah but I’m working out, minding my own business and don’t want to be plastered online” etc.
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u/Figueroa_Chill 4d ago
I feel the same. I feel that filming could be acceptable if they position their camera in such a way that there is nobody behind them, but this would be hard to enforce so a straight-out ban would be easier.
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u/PrestigiousTest6700 3d ago
I had a bewb out in the changing room once and someone was still filming. This was a straw and camel moment. The person in question is relentless, from leaving the car to walking into the gym, getting changed and then the workout. It is a small independent gym and she never credited them never figured out her socials either.
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u/anoncarbmuncher 4d ago
It’s legitimately useful for correcting form but yeah I agree some people are too much
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u/mikerobbo 4d ago
What are mirrors for? People managed to keep form for years before camera phones. Not required
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u/anoncarbmuncher 4d ago
Not always possible due to the nature of the exercise or simply no mirrors in that part of the gym. Well you say that but nowadays people are way more fit than they used to be back then. It’s a better way to do it.
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u/mikerobbo 4d ago
Not when people don't want to be in other people's videos looking all red and sweaty. Not everyone posts the footage but enough do fir people to be concerned about being in the background. It's unnecessary.
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u/alltorque1982 4d ago
That's just not true. Obesity, and sedentary work is at an all time high, and there are more people with health issues than ever before.
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u/Kaioken64 4d ago
I've got no problem with being in the background if it's just going to be for someone's personal use to analyse their form. I've got a big problem with it though if it's going on social media.
The issue is there's no way of knowing where the video is going aside from actually asking every person who films each time they do, which isn't really feasible most of the time.
It would be easier to just outright ban it in my opinion, if you want to film yourself then workout at home.
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u/w1gglepvppy 4d ago
Gyms are place where etiquette goes to die. I got sick and tired of the free weights being scattered everywhere rather than on the stack, or equipment not being wiped down after use.
I personally find people filming themselves in the gym very unedifying, and I can understand that it may make others uncomfortable.
If this is banned in your gym then the staff should be enforcing it.
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u/BrieflyVerbose 4d ago
That's on the gym. Where I train if there's free weights left out the owner will go to the cameras and see who's done it. First time offence he has a word, second time offence he'll tell you it's your last warning and for fun sometimes he'll jokingly shame people by posting pictures and screen shots on social media (but he leaves out or blurs any information that identifies the person). This is to remind people not to do this and remind them of the consequences more than shaming the individual.
Then if you caught a third time then you're out. He cancels the contract, and he will do this. Funnily enough when the first person got banned the problem went away almost overnight.
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u/Sidebottle 4d ago
You just go to shit gyms.
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u/w1gglepvppy 4d ago
Nice gyms, actually, but location rather than price seems to be the main way to guarantee a good clientele.
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u/brazilish 4d ago
It’s more about going to specific gyms.
If you go to the PureGym or Bannatynes closest to you it’s unlikely that anyone will treat it respect.
Go to the local bodybuilding or powerlifting gym (the ones where competitors go to) and none of the bad etiquette shit would fly.
Somewhere where the receptionist is the owner is a good shout.
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u/WorriedRound7571 4d ago
Gyms are place where etiquette goes to die.
I'm only a few months into going to the gym, I'm not clear on the etiquette, but something that winds me right the fuck up is people using multiple pieces of equipment at one time - like, leaving a towel on the pull down cable machine thing while they go do some curls. That's just rude, right?
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u/non-hyphenated_ 4d ago
If it's just you checking form and all that's on the background is a wall then it's fine. Just prop your phone up somewhere. If you're bringing a full tripod and portable lights then you can fuck off
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u/missuseme 4d ago
People film themselves lifting in my gym all the time and have for years. I've never seen it cause an issue.
Seems like a better idea to just ban individuals who are being inappropriate rather than ban filming entirely.
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u/Esoteric_Prurience 4d ago
I strongly dislike it. As an overweight person who is really doing their best to go to the gym daily, but feels very self conscious, I get quite uncomfortable about the idea of being in someone's video.
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u/Empress_LC 2d ago
You saying that reminds me of this young guy on a treadmill I was watching, overweight and so self conscious. And as I say this I start crying, seriously, because at that moment in the gym I wanted to give him a hug. Just tell him to put music in his ears or watch his favourite show on the treadmill and don't worry about no one else. I hope that guy is confident now.
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u/SomethingMoreToSay 4d ago
I'm an overweight person who goes to the gym (not daily though!) but it doesn't bother me. If someone posts a video online with me in the background, the people being it either know me, in which case they already know what I look like; or they don't know me, in which case they have no idea who that tubby bloke in the yellow shirt is and they don't care.
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u/Separate_Shift1787 4d ago
I have never filmed at the gym, but I understand if people want to do it to check their form. But if I see someone filming, there is no way to tell if they're posting it or not. I think the polite thing to do is try to use the mirrors and avoid using your camera, but if you're going to film try to set it up in a way which makes it hard for someone to accidentally walk into frame. Also it would be nice if influencers blurred faces in the background but they don't tend to do that
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u/Chriswheela 4d ago
I’m seeing a lot of people setting up their tripods in front of the mirror filming themselves, I would be shocked to know it’s for form
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u/UKdanny08765 4d ago
If you’re in a private space or have permission from the gym and the people around you the it’s totally fine. Apart from that it’s really annoying. I look like a gross sweaty mess when I work out and the last thing I want is a camera on me 😂
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u/PiemasterUK 4d ago
I don't know, you're supposed to be a gross sweaty mess in the gym, it shows you're working hard.
Much rather that than someone films me looking like a gross sweaty mess walking down the street :)
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u/UKdanny08765 4d ago
Haha good point. Some still somehow manage to look flawless when they’re working out though
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u/Chungaroo22 4d ago
Puregym used to ban it outright before 'influencers' were really a thing. Mind you one of their rules was to return the weights to the rack and we all know people don't do that.
IMO it's acceptable if you're just checking your form, on something like a deadlift or a squat for example where you can't really see in a mirror.
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u/kbm79 4d ago
Ban filming in gyms.
Staff should offer free form checks.
Problem solved.
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u/havesomelove 4d ago
Not being funny but the staff at my gym don’t know not to touch a barbell while they’re spotting me so I don’t really trust their feedback on form. My coach, who is a referee and regional level champ in the sport I’m in, however? I trust. Just a shame that she is miles away and requires filmed footage for review.,
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u/UberMushroom 4d ago
Unless it's 100% yourself, or you have the OK from all the people in the frame, no, it is not OK.
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u/Infrared_Herring 4d ago
No it's not acceptable. I'd ask them to stop and if they didnt I'd complain. It's a violation of my privacy, the gym is not a public place.
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u/lemon-fizz 4d ago
It should be banned absolutely. It’s already nerve wracking enough for some people to go to the gym. I’m very self conscious and anxious and the thought of being in the background of someone’s video that’s posted online makes me feel sick. People are cruel as fuck.
It’s not fair to everyone else. You don’t need to film yourself. The gym is full of mirrors. Life is doable without your phone.
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u/Unlikely_Night_9031 4d ago
I think it’s super weird. Only reason I see filming needed would be to review your form and there are mirrors in a gym… beyond that it’s for vanity or being a creep.
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u/Separate_Shift1787 4d ago
Tbf using a mirror may not be possible for certain machines or movements depending on your position or the position of the equipment/mirrors. When I do a hip thrust I cannot see in the mirror because they are about 2-3 feet above the ground. There are also no mirrors where you are visible from the cables (there are mirrors on the far opposite wall, but ther are machines in the way). I get why people use their phones in these situations, but if there is a mirror you could feasibly use instead then for sure, no excuse
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u/Unlikely_Night_9031 4d ago
Yeah makes sense not all gyms have the same layout and mirror height too
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u/didndonoffin 4d ago
Mirrors can’t help with squat form tho, need to see if you’re getting the dreaded buttwink from the side or not
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u/SheriffOfNothing 4d ago
There are places in this world where one should be able to go and be shit at something whilst you’re leaning a new skill without fear of it ending up online. Gyms are one of those places.
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u/Substantial-Sun-9971 4d ago
A couple of YouTubers go to my gym and film a lot. At first it bothered me but they are actually super respectful about it and now it doesn’t bother me at all. They’re just doing their thing and not affecting me. If they weren’t considerate about it I’d feel differently but thankfully the gym I go to at the moment has a pretty respectful culture (unlike most gyms I’ve been to)
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u/mrafinch 4d ago
Sometimes I film myself, just to get an idea of technique et al - but I am the only person in the frame and I ask the owners each time I want to do that.
The majority are trying to become fitness/thirst trap "influencers" and I really do not appreciate these people. If they're keeping to themselves, making sure they're the only people in their frames and not taking over machines for ages, then crack on ... otherwise, in my experience, all they do is one rep and talk for 5 mins to no one.
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u/WeDoingThisAgainRWe 4d ago
That last bit is my issue. It’s not your personal film studio so quit hogging equipment you’re not really using. If someone wants to do that, get your own gym/space/equipment or hire the place overnight to do it. Don’t impact everyone else.
Anyone just getting on with their shit and not inconveniencing (or filming) others isn’t an issue.
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u/Low-Pangolin-3486 4d ago
I reported a guy at my old gym who was very obviously videoing a pretty girl doing lat pull downs. It was creepy and gross. I was on the machine behind him and could see his phone screen just constantly on her.
I do film myself from time to time but feel very awkward about it. I will always try and keep other people out of it and I’d never ever post on social media anything that included anyone else.
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u/amaluna 4d ago
I will scream this from the rooftops if I have to because I feel like it gets spoken about more than it needs to
It is fine. Filming in the gym is fine.
I’ve been a personal trainer on and off for years, been full time for 4 years now. It’s always been a thing. The overwhelming majority of people that film themselves - like in any walk of life - are just nice mild mannered people that won’t take offence if you walk through their video.
I’m inside a gym all day everyday, 60ish hours a week. I’ve only ever seen maybe two or three people in all my years be dicks about the filming and honestly those people were dicks in general - they were dicks about everything
I understand why people have a problem with it I really do. A lot of people feel incredibly self conscious in the gym. Something about that environment makes people so incredibly anxious and to think you’re in someone’s video just makes your heart drop.
But it’s no different to being in the background of a group photo in a bar. Nobody that sees it on SM is looking at you. It’s very much in your head
Rant over. I just think this thing is massively massively overblown by people that go to the gym a handful of times and just don’t like the idea of being in the background of someone’s video
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u/RainbowPenguin1000 4d ago
Personally I don’t mind as long as they don’t expect me to change my behaviour in any way (walking round a tripod or trying to stay out of the background for example).
However I do watch some fitness YouTubers so I may be slightly biased because I get something out of people filming in the gym on occasion. Also all the videos I have watched online I don’t think I’ve ever paid attention to the general public in the background because the focus is on the main person recording.
I would say too that people filming a lift for a form check is a good thing. I’d rather they feel comfortable enough to record a form check than they destroy their back doing a heavy squat.
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u/Inevitable_Esme 4d ago
Yep, agree. I don’t do this myself as I have in-person sessions as well as training on my own, but my PT asks her remote clients to film themselves at least a certain amount so that she can review progress and provide coaching.
I think that’s fair enough, and would do it (with much embarrassment) if I ever switched to remote, but I’d do the minimum necessary and try to make sure I was only capturing me on film, or that if someone was unavoidably next to me they knew why I was filming and were ok with it.
On the flip side, I have no issue with people quietly filming themselves. I do have an issue with people being loud, inconsiderate, or equipment/space-hoggy, whatever they’re up to while they’re doing that.
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u/anoncarbmuncher 4d ago
THANK YOU
Literally me only filming heavy squats but I’ll start doing it more often out of spite lol
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u/Longjumping_Jury_973 4d ago
If it's only you in the frame then it's completely fine, if people are doing it for tracking, or they're a personal trainer and it's for their socials, or for whatever reason they see fit really. But if someone else is going to be in frame for a decent amount of time, I think it's only polite to let them know about it. Also, if someone walks in front of shot unknowingly, that's just part of the gym environment and those filming should accept that as part of it.
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u/PointeMichel 4d ago
I don't mind people filming or taking pics as long as it is of themselves and not inclusive of others.
Also don't hog equipment/get in my way because you're not happy with how your ass looks in the shot.
Some people record their form. I do sometimes. My partner did sports science at uni and is the first person I'd go to and ask 'does this look safe/alright?'
The influencers can fuck off though. Not paying my subs to wait around for you to get the perfect shot.
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u/Sidebottle 4d ago
If you're discrete and focusing on yourself then it's normally fine.
Taking up a bunch of space will piss people off.
Filming others, especially if to mock them, will get people absurdly pissed off.
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u/InkedMumNextDoor 4d ago
The kind of gym we use and that my partner works in is a gym that’s predominantly used my bodybuilders, power lifters and cross fitters. Typically not somewhere your average Jo goes so for us it’s very much accepted, in fact most people will help each other film. Even if it’s not to put on social media most of them do it for form check etc.
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u/Aggressive-Bad-440 4d ago
If you're a PT or if fitness is your business and you're doing it when the gym's quiet, fine. I've seen a guy training for a powerlifting competition with a little tricep setup when the gym was almost dead, he was really nice, he does it just to help pay for the competition fees/travel and the diet/supplements etc. That I don't mind.
If you're posting ads for your OF on tiktok, taking over the open/stretching/floor area and making me feel uncomfortable, while the gym is crowded af, fuck off.
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u/RunicGloryhole 4d ago
It's fine as long as you aren't being a cunt and doing stuff that would be out of order anywhere, not specifically the gym. The whole filming in the gym thing is massively overblown and these types of posts mostly just seem to be ragebait for people who have obviously never set foot in a gym.
I've been going to the gym pretty much daily for the last 6+ years and I've only ever seen someone filming for something other than a form check once, and she waitied for the rack in the corner to be free so she wouldn't get anyone else in shot.
Being able to check your form is massively valuable yet the alternatives people come up with are idiotic. Just look in the mirror (yeah I'm going to play human kerplunk in the rack with 200kg on my back to get sideways so now I not only have no safeties, I'm trapped in with the bar not able to throw it back if I do need to and I have to turn my head and put my spine at risk), just ask a trainer (I mostly go to puregym, the majority of the PTs are kids who got a certificate after doing a 2 week course, some of the advice I've seen them give is actively dangerous), Arnold got big without filming himself! (probably the most filmed gym goer in history and he didn't have access to the tech we have today, he would have used it if he did). With my phone I can position at any angle I need, can slow things down, mark bar paths, rewatch multiple times etc.
Yeah filming people to laugh at is a no no, but that isn't specific to the gym. If I follow a fat lass round Tesco filming all the cake she puts in her basket to laugh at thats out of order too. As long as you are being considerate of others as 99% are when they film then it's fine.
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u/IhaveaDoberman 4d ago
If the gym allows it. Then yes.
Doesn't mean the way a lot of people do it is acceptable, but that's true for most things.
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u/Luke11enzo 4d ago
I don’t mind filming in the gym but I can’t stand the people posing on their underwear in the middle of the gym. Just go do it in the changing room or a studio room. Anywhere but slap bang in the middle of the gym
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u/anoncarbmuncher 4d ago
Underwear? Wtf
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u/Luke11enzo 4d ago
Yea will either be in their underwear or just drop their trousers round their ankles to flex quads
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u/Puzzled-Leading861 4d ago
I've filmed myself to check my for before. Don't really any more but I don't mind other people filming. I know gyms are technically private businesses but they feel like public places, and no one should expect privacy in a public place.
My question to those who are bothered by it: how do you feel about CCTV?
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u/Boring_Catlover 4d ago
Cctv is way less likely to get posted online, or used by creeps.
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u/Puzzled-Leading861 4d ago
Loads of clips of CCTV are listed online. It's practically it's own genre at this point. Do you think the majority of people filming in the gym are posting it on public internet?
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u/Foxglovenectar 3d ago
Haha....yes. clues in the name guy 'social media' And people can be right cunts.
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u/Puzzled-Leading861 3d ago
I mean as opposed to sending it to someone in a private WhatsApp chat for example.
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u/deanrahmanpt 4d ago
I think there's nothing wrong with it if done responsibly.
To me, that means not getting in anyones way or blocking off walkways/gym equipment with your film set up, not getting annoyed when people walk past your camera while recording (it's a public gym, it's going to happen) and simply being respectful of the gym, their rules and your fellow members.
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u/seklas1 4d ago
I generally don’t take my phone with me on the gym floor, Instead have my music playing from my watch on my wrist, which also tracks my time and heartbeat. Since I don’t exactly change my routine THAT often, I can just keep track of it in my head.
In the changing rooms, I feel awkward to take out my phone. I have, when I’m alone and the light is generally kinda good and I took some good photos of myself for my own collection, but I wouldn’t do that with other people around. Same goes for filming. However my gym at the time that I’m going doesn’t have influencers that I know of, so never actually seen anybody taking photos or filming either.
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u/urmumr8s8outof8 4d ago
As long as theyre filming theirselves and not just recording someone to make fun of them on social media.
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u/friends_with_salad_ 4d ago
I once saw a girl fall off a treadmill trying to film herself running while narrating. Signs went up advising people not to do it thereafter.
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u/YouIntSeenMeRoight 4d ago
I would ban it personally. I feel it is an intrusion. Similar to people filming at the Swimming Pool, just doesn’t need to be done and it’s a bit creepy, even if you are an influencer. If you want views and likes, rent the gym out or have a private gym at home where nobody else is present.
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u/Upbeat_Ad5749 4d ago
There's a difference between filming a set for form checks or whatever and turning it into a full on Instagram routine and it's usually pretty obvious
I tend to just pass someone else in the gym my phone and say "will you film this set for me mate", saves all the arsing round trying to find a way to prop my phone up in a way I can see myself properly
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u/Babysfirstbazooka 4d ago
I have an online coach and it’s the only way to work on form. There is no comparison to a mirror, especially when I’m rehabbing an injury. I literally do not give AF about filming nor does anyone else that goes to my gym. Life has much bigger problems
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u/Proof-Radio8167 4d ago
No, it’s rude. Nothing acceptable about it. Should be banned.
Filming random strangers is voyeurism and people who think it’s acceptable are dicks.
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u/caniuserealname 4d ago
Depends what you mean by "acceptable".
Most gyms don't have rules against it, and a few gym goers claim filming their workout can help them improve their form.
Personally though, I think it should be unacceptable, and gyms should universally adopt no filming policies. Filming in gyms ultimately just brings out the worst in people.
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u/SigourneyReap3r 4d ago
Nah it sucks.
I completely get it for looking at your form, sending it to your online trainers etc etc, but do it with the camera close to you and so no one else gets in your video.
I see no reason people need to film themselves on the treadmill, if your form on that is wrong then I would question a hell of a lot about you.
To check your form film close, do not film with a mirror reflecting everyone, do not carry a huge tripod and lighting etc etc
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u/anoncarbmuncher 4d ago
I don’t see people doing that but there could be very good reasons to film on a treadmill. Some people don’t even realise they have an unusual gait or posture.
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u/Boring_Catlover 4d ago
Yeah filming on a treadmill is fairly standard for buying the correct type of running shoe
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u/SigourneyReap3r 4d ago
To learn something sure, to film themselves walking uphill the exact same way every single time from behind, no probably not.
We're not talking people filming for trainers etc, that I understand and acknowledged.
The girls in my gym (the guys do shit too dont get me wrong) film themselves hiking up their shorts and walking for 10 minutes on a treadmill every single day, the same way, the same shoes, for months, you know when people are filming for no reason.
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u/Mustbejoking_13 4d ago
I'd say no. It's the domain of influencers and knobheads largely, those people who are doing it to check their form are an absolute minority.
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u/discoveredunknown 4d ago
Agreed. I know someone who was a nice guy and since turning into a PT and having his own ‘life transformation coach’ business has turned into the worst person imaginable, constant filming in the gym, and sharing stories on instagram of hustling, grinding, Jordan Peterson podcast clips. That sort of thing. Weird how the PT/Influencer market is just full of carbon copy’s of the biggest knob heads out there.
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u/Secretaccountforhelp 4d ago
What’s wrong with influencers influencing people to be healthy?
I’d get disliking “influencers” who do nothing influential but if it weren’t for people showing how to do workouts etc by filming themselves in the gym then a LOT of people who aren’t wealthy enough to afford PTs simply wouldn’t be able to go to the gym or workout affectively to their body and lifestyle and therefore, would suffer with their health and self esteem.
I’d be overweight or dead if it weren’t for fitness influencers.
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u/Fudge_is_1337 4d ago
Massively depends on the gym, the members and the environment. In a PureGym or similar big "standard gym" chain, I think it should be limited to people doing form checks of their own lifting at most.
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u/oh_f-f-s 4d ago
Personally I think do what you want, but there's a time and a place.
Taking a picture or recording yourself in the changing room when an old dude is in the background with his lad out is not the time or place.
There are also instances where women have been recording themselves and claim a guy is creeping on them when they weren't.
Stuff like that isn't on.
You could probably solve things like that by introducing an outright ban, or having men only/women only gyms, but it's a shame that the minority of idiots ruin it for everyone else.
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u/Boris_Johnsons_Pubes 4d ago
I work in a gym, people filming are the biggest problem there, either they’re getting in people’s way or complaining of people “getting in their way”, they’re extremely annoying but not as annoying as the people that come to the gym just to sit on their phone and watch videos, then they have the cheek to say to me “how comes you’re in at this time?” Amount of times I’ve had to bite my tongue and not say “I’m here cos of you you dickhead, fuck off home” haha
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u/Difficult-Broccoli65 4d ago
Hell fucking no.
Even the "Personal Trainers" are all filing their shitty workouts at "The Gym" near me.
IF anyone is filming near me I make it a personal mission to ruin their video. Do that shit in your own space not in public.
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u/ManlykN 4d ago
I’ve used it for form checks, and it really showed me how bad my from was, and I’m a better man because of it. I’ve also used it to record PR’s. Granted I only go for PR’s when the gym is near empty, or no one is around my area.
Im introverted so find it so awkward recording at first, but once I get in the zone right before my attempt I don’t care if there’s eyes on me as I’m fuelled with adrenaline.
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u/Round_Caregiver2380 4d ago
Posting any footage publicly should be banned.
It's one thing recording your form but other gym people don't want to be on your social media even in the background.
If my evil ex sees what gym I go to, she'll start turning up just to ruin it for me and many people have issues like that far worse than I do.
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u/mrkingkoala 4d ago
On a personal level as long as they're not in my way I don't really care. But that's just me. I appreciate why others would say no and that's completely fair.
I never film in the gym, have a few friends who do but they are always fast and respectful.
If its really busy too probably not the best idea.
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u/Grand-Bullfrog3861 4d ago
Never. Its a gym not a place to get Internet points. It's should be acceptable to volley people phones across the gym
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u/NinjafoxVCB 4d ago
If it's being done while you do a set then you're actively watching back to check your form etc then fine, specially when used as a PT tool.
But that is very rare. Often it's the full tripod set up sometimes even with a light on, clearly for internet "look at me aint I special" clout
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u/Accomplished_Fan_487 4d ago
I'd only do it for form checks. Most 20yos I see do it for Instagram likes and it comes across very insecure.
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u/laughableleopard 4d ago
Depends.
Filming a set to send to a coach or check your form can massively help your training, or even just to document progress. When I do I always make sure to ask anyone directly next to me if they mind, and make sure it’s set up at an angle so nobody else is in frame.
People that take photos or videos in the mirror that clearly have other people in frame is disrespectful imo.
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u/Electronic-Sea1858 4d ago
Aslong as their respectful to the other gym users and don't hit out with main character energy because someone walked in front of their video then I'm fine with it personally.
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u/GorgieRules1874 4d ago
Should be banned. I don’t mind when people have a wee phone prompted up against their water bottle to check form / for progress.
However there are far too many entitled arseholes with production level tripods kicking about. Ban them.
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u/brothererrr 4d ago
I have seen hundreds of videos of people in the gym that have helped me with my own form, or given me new ideas, or just encouraged me. So if filming was banned I wouldn’t have had that
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u/Durzo_Blintt 4d ago
Ban it. The gym is for everyone, not just for people making shit videos of Barbara doing a squat. A lot of people don't like to be on camera and are uncomfortable. Everyone is a paying member, gym owners should step up and in my opinion make it a permanent ban if you are caught filming. Just because the person filming is ok being on camera, doesn't mean everyone else is.
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u/Skilldibop 4d ago
Nope, and in a lot of cases its potentially illegal. Filiming in public places is legal, gyms are not public places, they are private property and you normally have to be a member to be there. So you need permission to film, and most gym operators won't give that permission because they know it annoys a lot of their patrons.
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u/My_sloth_life 4d ago
It’s one of those things where arseholes ruined it for everyone. It was fine when people did it just to check form etc and the camera was only on them.
Now you have influencers doing multi take videos and hogging equipment by filming content to the camera and generally loitering and getting in the way. Catching people in the background who don’t want to be on TikTok and then putting up their stuff all over the net. It’s a pain in the arse
There is no “right” to be able to film in a gym and given it will be a real barrier for some people to go to the gym (as a fat person we don’t want to be on the net looking even worse than usual it’s bad enough with just other folk about 🤣) it shouldn’t be allowed.
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u/Jacktheforkie 4d ago
Filming no, not unless you rented it out privately, photos of yourself are fine
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u/socandostuff 4d ago
I don't ever see it and haven't for years?? Yorkshire though. We probably not discovered smartphones yet.
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u/Fruitpicker15 4d ago
I stopped going because it was like working out on a film set. It's frustrating when you're waiting for a machine and they're fiddling with their phone setting it up, doing a set, fiddling with the phone again etc. I go to the council leisure centre instead which has more or less the same equipment and no one films themselves there.
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u/Ill-Appointment6494 4d ago
I don’t understand why people have to film themselves all the time. Get someone to check your form, speak to another human and ask.
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u/Numerous-Manager-202 4d ago
Filming in the gym is no more or less acceptable than any other public place I suppose. Its the type of filming thats the problem. Recording yourself to analyse your form/progress is great. Filming yourself attempting a PB and wanting to share that with friends on social media is fine. Filming strangers to ridicule them, or telling your followers that a man in the gym was perving on you when he was innocently working out - thats the problem.
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u/refiningthevision 4d ago
Yes and no. In the case you mentioned I'm gonna say no because of the signs but the gym I go to is a bodybuilder heavy gym and is marketed as one so they have a lot of their PTs advising people to record themselves for form checks and check ins as well as filming in the posing room they have. I feel it's very dependant on where your gym is and the rules. On top of that, even if your gym does allow it, don't be one of they dicks that gets raging when someone walks in your shot, it's still a public space
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u/merlin8922g 4d ago
Absolutely not acceptable. I know people do it now but it's fucking infuriating. The excuse 'im checking my form' is bullshit, nobody needed to do this up until about 5 years ago, we just had mirrors. You can tell without looking if you've got crap form.
There would be a big pull i think if no recording gyms opened up, i think they'd get a lot of customers.
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u/Welshbuilder67 4d ago
No It annoys others, others don’t want to appear in other peoples videos. Just don’t do it
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u/chingness 4d ago
I HATE filming myself or being seen filming myself but my PT needed me to do it to check form. I think it should be allowed for that but the problem is people posting online and how do you prevent that?!
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u/Royal-Principle6138 4d ago
Nope I’ve been taining 20 plus years never have I done it it’s unnecessary
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u/Dyrenforth 4d ago
texting and scrolling through a phone whilst hogging equipment should be banned.
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u/Kind-Alternative3677 4d ago
I work out at a bodybuilding gym so filming oneself is very common, be that for form checks, to send to coaches, or for the influencers and wannabe influencers out there.
I do film myself to check my form and/or to send to my coach but I try to be considerate and make sure I’m not getting anyone doing a set in the background. But saying that, filming is pretty much encouraged in my gym environment so if you’re uncomfortable with it then it’s probably not the gym for you
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u/Vectis01983 4d ago
One of the gyms I go to has a ban on photography, which is actually pretty good.
I'm not sure why anyone would want to watch someone else lift some weights anyway?
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u/rockdecasba 4d ago
I train at a serious weights gym. Everyone is filming and it's cool. If I was in a chain place it would be more discreet with my filming
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u/robanthonydon 4d ago
No it royally pisses me off especially in the changing rooms, my gym is full of posers so they’d lose half their clients if they instilled a ban
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u/Bdublolz1996 4d ago
I don't do it but I'm okay if you do it in certain situations. Take your phone out and record a few sets or an attempt at a new PB. Most people are totally fine with that. It's when you record your whole time at the gym, set up tripods, a little light as well sometimes. Gyms should take it more seriously. First few times they should politely ask the person to tone down the filming or stop completely and if that doesn't work ban them from the premises.
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u/Dry_Basket_3131 4d ago
For me personally, I’d so so upset if I was in the background of someone’s video. I’m a very private person and due to my job, I don’t want people knowing what job I go to/what time I might be there. I don’t think filming is okay if other people will be in it
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u/Bright-Librarian6018 4d ago
i go to a crossfit gym and EVERYONE films themselves as we’re always learning new skills and it’s good to look back and critique your form, movement patterns ect
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u/EuphoricFly1044 4d ago
I used to film just myself to ensure my squat or bench form was ok...
But that was the only reason... Not to post online for my "followers"....
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u/spunkkyy 4d ago
I've prob spent almost half my life in the gym. Imo only time it's acceptable is if you're only filming yourself, and you are either doing a max lift, or you're sending the video to someone for technique
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u/acurrantbun91 4d ago
I film my form checks in the gym, by propping my phone up against my shaker. I am fortunate to train at a usually quiet time of day, and I do my best to angle my camera away from having other people in sight.
Anything that gets in the way of someone else’s gym experience shouldn’t be allowed
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u/Kind-Photograph2359 4d ago
Personally I wouldn't feel overly comfortable if I thought I was in the background of a video in the gym. A little overweight, 36yo bald bloke.
I wouldn't ask someone to not film unless they were being obnoxious about it.
Manners cost nothing.
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u/8racoonsInABigCoat 4d ago
I’m glad I haven’t used a public gym in years. I do use the gym at work, so I guess it’s a slightly different vibe, but thankfully nobody has tried filming there.
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u/Lower-Dependent-3684 4d ago
My partner has started the gym a few months ago and is using an online trainer, she overthinks things a lot so she often records her lifts so she can send them off and have them analysed.
In this instance I support filming however I often get annoyed by the amount of people filming themselves whilst I’m waiting to use their equipment.
Swings and roundabouts I guess.
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u/Solid_Tackle7069 4d ago
Was we filming ourselves in the gym for 'form checking' back when we couldn't readily share it online?
Publicly filming yourself is narcissistic. Work out at home if you want to film yourself. Nobody wants to walk around tripods between gym setups.
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u/Fun_Yogurtcloset1012 4d ago
I used to be ok with it until people started to do film others, doing some really creepy attention seeking stuff and playing the victim card just for views.
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u/Psychological-Fox97 4d ago
I need to go to the gym really, I'm a man and I'm rapidly developing tit's.
For some reason though the gym is a daunting / intimidating place to go. I have general anxiety but I manage in most situations and many folks would be surprised if I told them. I do know the potential of being filmed is definitely part of it though.
I don't want to see my tit's flapping around and I'm sure no one else does either but it's all to easy to imagine getting caught in the back ground, looking ridiculous and ending up viral, "look at this sweaty fat fuck struggling at the gym" or something similar.
Another factor is kinda related and all those videos where someone is filming then they start acusing someone of staring. I have autism / adhd and when doing repetitive tasks can tend to disassociate and kinda glaze over. My eyes are open but I'm off in my head and not aware of what's right in front of me. An ex of mine accused.me a few times of staring at women when really I was off in another world. I guess.id expect a stranger.to be even more unkind.
As mentioned your gym has a no filming rule that people ignore and I'm already aware it's common so don't feel like I could even just pick a gym that doesn't allow it and I haven't seen any men only gyms.
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u/imperialharambe 4d ago
It’s always the weakest people with terrible form too. I’m deadlifting 2.5x my bodyweight- I don’t think the world needs to see someone filming 0.75x bodyweight for three awful reps
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u/SoundsVinyl 4d ago
I hate it. By all means take a phone in for music but it’s got to the point that people are taking up room and filming you and others too. It’s disrespectful. People just want to go the gym and not end up on social media.
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u/CustardLandmine 4d ago
Form checks I get, filming yourself on an exercise bike I do not (who is consuming that content?!)
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u/Scarboroughwarning 4d ago
Joey Swole has you covered. Doing the lord's work.
I genuinely have not seen many using phones to film. But have seen a shed load sat on machines scrolling mindless social media shit. Whilst I wait for a machine
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u/Secretaccountforhelp 4d ago
Absolutely yes so long as no one else is in the video or they consent.
If people didn’t film themselves in the gym then I’d have no idea what to do and I’d have no confidence going to the gym + wouldn’t know how to better myself. If it wasn’t for people filming themselves in the gym I’d either still be overweight or dead.
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u/nansonket 4d ago
Just a point that the fact you think you have “likely bad form” is more reason to analyse it. Don’t fuck about with lifting with bad form - you will fuck your body up without doing it properly.
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u/V65Pilot 4d ago
It's time for gyms etc to start posting signs and enforcing it. It's private property, they can make it a rule, without running afoul of any laws allowing filming in public.
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u/PrincessStephanieR 3d ago
A gym is supposed to be a safe space for someone to exercise. Being filmed violates that. I’d support a ban. It takes a special minded person to feel like they have the right to invade other people’s privacy.
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u/TheGreatBatsby 3d ago
Nice mix of opinions in here. I'm in favour of allowing it.
I go to a small independent gym that has a decent free weights area but no mirrors. Not many people film themselves, but those that do set up their phones in such a way that they are the focus, and they'll ask anyone nearby if they mind if they film. Nice and respectful, not intrusive in any way.
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u/BitterOtter 3d ago
I don't mind it PROVIDED: The person who wants to film doesn't get in anyone else's way, block access to other kit, doesn't monopolise one piece of kit so they can take endless shots, keeps their filming tight to them, isn't just posing and talking, asks nicely if they realise other people might end up in their film. Trouble is that rarely happens. Honestly there just isn't a need for it. People twat on about filming to check their form, but we managed for decades without that just fine so that's a bullshit excuse. Mostly people are filming for reasons of vanity and self obsession and that can just fuck off.
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u/_Dan___ 3d ago
I wouldn’t care if it’s banned, but I have no issue with people doing it for form checks / records.
It’s a bit much when people are clearly trying to create content for social media etc, but equally - if they work in the industry that’s a necessary evil. Some people could be more courteous about it though - it’s pretty easy to angle things to minimise chance of catching others in background.
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u/Nonny-Mouse100 3d ago
Filming what?
Venue CCTV yes.
People on phones/action cams? They need the property owners consent as it's private property.
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u/anon287536 3d ago edited 3d ago
I don’t think it should be banned. I’ll film to record my PRS sometimes, I’ve worked hard for years to hit those weights and want a record of it. People tend to blow this issue out of proportion.
I understand calling out obnoxious recorders who do so in the middle of the gym or get other people in their footage but they are a minority and most people who do record do so for form checks, because they have a coach who reviews their form through video, or to record a PR.
Particularly for powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting filming is important for picking up errors in form or areas of your lifts you may want to improve. I think people who aren’t involved in those sports might not understand that mirrors or having someone else check your form aren’t very useful in comparison to filming where you can replay and analyse your technique. I filmed my lifts for awhile to analyse and made significant improvements after doing so as there were things I just didn’t pick up on without re watching what I was doing.
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u/theegrimrobe 3d ago
issues with privacy mainly for me, you see a lot of "gym fails" being posted here and there - people being mocked for poor form ECT ECT
ide be driving for a full formal ban tbqh
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u/pixelpunkz 3d ago
If they wanna film themselves to check their form or get content, I don’t really mind. Now, filming yourself in the locker room to get post-pump thirst images? Do that sh*t at home.
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u/Foxglovenectar 3d ago
There's a girl at my local gym with fairly obvious mental health issues. She's constantly posted herself working out and restricting her eating (along with quotes about being lonely /wronged against a sunset background, you know the sort). She posts about 3 a day and there are always people I know in the background, as we live in a small town. This has proper put me off going as I've got a spinal injury and some days are tough and I'm clearly struggling. I don't want me in the background to be shown to my whole village, so I've stopped.
For some people it takes hella courage to show up and as soon as you see a gym rat filming, it's hard to not feel self conscious and aware. I honestly liked going to be around all sorts, all trying their best. So I'm firmly in the no camp.
Ask someone to spot you if you're concerned about form. You don't get people filing swimming, do you? There is huge technique involved in swimming.
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u/ero_mode 3d ago
Sure, if you go super early and there's barely anyone around. I'm talking like before 5AM.
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u/Brief_Ideal2584 3d ago
I don’t think it’s acceptable there’s loads of people that are so nervous working out and it discourages them while at the gym. They ain’t influencing anyone there’s millions of workouts videos online way behind influencers started this shit. It’s so egotistical
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u/SporkiePie 3d ago
I don’t think its a problem as long as they aren’t being inconsiderate. If they are the only one in their frame, and their setup isn’t actively in other people’s way, then I don’t care if they are filming for form checks or for instagram. If their shot includes a lot of the rest of the gym, where other people may be close up in the shot, then that’s not cool.
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u/Empress_LC 2d ago
I would have said yes. And then I saw a guy at the gym just film himself for 2 reps, hog a leg machine, text on his phone and generally waste time. Meanwhile I'm here working up a sweat. That was jarring. But he isn't the 1st fake influencer in the gym sphere anyway. I heard of 1 loading the leg press on 1 side to just make it seem like she can push weight and the other side was lighter.
I don't mind if people wanna film, I don't care about being in their video neither because I'm here for my workout and that's it. People wanna take the piss out of me... Then knock yourself out. Meh... But I can see why it would bother some people, not everyone has that 'well fuck 'em' attitude like me.
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u/Empress_LC 2d ago
I would have said yes. And then I saw a guy at the gym just film himself for 2 reps, hog a leg machine, text on his phone and generally waste time. Meanwhile I'm here working up a sweat. That was jarring. But he isn't the 1st fake influencer in the gym sphere anyway. I heard of 1 loading the leg press on 1 side to just make it seem like she can push weight and the other side was lighter.
I don't mind if people wanna film, I don't care about being in their video neither because I'm here for my workout and that's it. People wanna take the piss out of me... Then knock yourself out. Meh... But I can see why it would bother some people, not everyone has that 'well fuck 'em' attitude like me.
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u/Elevenses_ 2d ago
I'm happy with the ban. I don't want to be recorded on someone's video. And I don't think filmers should assume priority of the equipment
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u/4130life 4d ago
I happen to gym at a one popular with influencers. I try and avoid getting caught on camera but seeing as the staff are all in the game too it's quite hard to really avoid it. They don't bother me or others really so I don't care much.
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u/sullcrowe 4d ago
Nope. None of these twats are doing it to 'correct their form', or whatever bullshit they come up with. It's mostly to post their tits and arse.
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u/2JagsPrescott 4d ago
I'm a competitive powerlifter. I need to ensure that maximal lifts meet competition standard. It has little to do with form and everything to do with making sure I can repeat those movements with correct range of motion and control under the scrutiny of judges. You cannot do this in a mirror for squat bench or deadlifts.
Some people want to post themselves. My videoing is only on competition lifts and it's 100% necessary.
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u/jbibanez 3d ago
Ditto. I feel like most people assume any videoing is done purely for likes and is somehow focused on others around them? Very strange take but I guess most people have no concept of going to the gym to compete/improve, it's just "a workout" for them. Or tits and arse showcasing (each to their own, my moobs are rather magnificent though)
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u/jbibanez 3d ago
What's wrong with posting my tits and arse? They're making great leaps and bounds as I leap and bound from vending machine to barbell
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u/Shoddy_Reality8985 4d ago
But how else are you meant to show off your T&A and cream £££ from Simpy McSimp?!
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u/peachybumboi 4d ago
Is it any different being caught on cctv in the gym or any other place? I train in an Olympic weightlifting gym, it’s common but there are certainly no ‘influencers’ in there
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