Gym introduces strict new rule for members after calling out influencers

05 February 2024 , 15:38

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The gym has introduced a strict new rule for members (Image: Doherty's Gym)

The trend for influencers filming their workouts is showing no signs of slowing down.

And now one gym owner has decided to hit back and confront the problem head-on. Doherty's Gym, which has three locations in Melbourne, Australia, and one in Perth, has issued a brand new rule to patrons, citing concerns about privacy and safety.

From the start of February members will be banned from using tripods in the gym, with a notice on Instagram stating: "It is our duty of care to provide safety protection and privacy for all our members. Tripods have become a trip hazard and a safety concern."

Anyone still wanting to film their workouts for social media will still be able to purchase a 'media pass' from the front desk - but only on the proviso that no one is filmed without their consent.

The new rule came into effect on Feb 1 (NCA Newswire)

"If you must take a quick video with your phone while you are training, please be aware of anyone in the background and make sure you have their consent to post or share their image if they are," the post reads.

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Gym owner Tony Doherty said, via the Mail: "Better still, put your phone down and get on with training. This may not be popular with the tripod crew, but everyone else will appreciate not having to deal with them."

He added that just because someone "wants to film every aspect of their life, including their workouts, it doesn't mean that everyone else wants to be in the movie".

The post divided fans on Instagram - but on the whole, the decision went down well with gym members. One person requested: "Can you please just ban filming altogether? Everyone wants to make excuses but it's really just because this generation are narcissistic as hell. There's mirrors readily available if you want to ensure you are maintaining good posture etc. people did fine in gyms years ago without recording every detail."

Doherty's has been praised for its approach (NCA Newswire)

Another person echoed: "Yasss Doherty's leading the way again. All gyms should follow, leave your f()king phone in your bag. Wouldn’t that be refreshing…"

A third said: About time someone starts calling these tripods out. Good on you brother." And a fourth added: "So many entitled people here, it\s his gym , his property, his rules.. don’t like it, go to a gym that only cares about likes on Instagram and where people talk more than train. Well done .. excellent work."

Gemma Strong