Gym’s strict dress code slammed as sexist and overbearing — but not all members feel that way

A Sydney gym’s dress code has sparked a divided reaction, with some calling it “sexist” while others insisted restaurants have similar rules upon entry and sportswear is no different.

Camperdown Fitness, in Sydney’s Inner West, is one of the city’s largest fitness spaces. However, the popular gym, which has members as young as 14, has recently updated its dress code, sparking a fiery debate online.

For women, the fashion guidelines dictate the length of shorts that can be worn — meaning they have to fall a couple of inches below the butt — and sports bras need to have two straps, discouraging tube tops and one-shoulder tops.

For men, tops cannot show too much of their arms or back, discouraging showy muscle singlets.

The rules are displayed on televisions throughout the gym, with images showing “correct” and “incorrect” examples of attire.

Many people have had strong reactions to the new guidelines, calling them “overbearing” and saying the TV monitors made them feel “uncomfortable.”

“Sexist and outdated policies dictating what a woman can and cannot wear in the gym. I would suggest you give your staff some training and have a stricter hiring process if a woman’s shoulder is offensive,” one said.

Others claimed to have cancelled their membership as a result.

But, many had absolutely no issue with the gym’s dress code.

“Their business (the gym) so their choice. Same as a store or restaurant can choose their clientele,” one said.

Another added: “Looks like a dress code for men and women to me. Not sexist and totally acceptable for an establishment to have a dress code.”

“Looking forward to my next gym session,” one simply wrote.

Another social media user said: “No, it’s not a fashion show, it should be about having a place for people to go to improve their health and lifestyle. Ridiculous.”

Michael Wood, who owns the gym alongside Paul Vella, told news.com.au; “Our dress code has been part of our membership terms since opening. Our guidelines require appropriate athletic wear that ensures safety during equipment use and maintains our family-friendly environment serving ages 14+ with an onsite daycare.

“We honored two membership cancellation requests from individuals who preferred different guidelines. One non-member was asked not to return due to spreading misinformation about our facility online.”

“As a community facility, we maintain standards for comfort, hygiene, and safety for all members. We provide friendly reminders when needed. We don’t remove members or cancel memberships based on clothing.”

2GB’s Ben Fordham also weighed in on the debate, saying he found the gym’s new dress code “confusing.”

“Are these respectful boundaries or some kind of clothing censorship — you be the judge,” he said.

Mr. Fordham claimed in his opinion the only difference between some of the images — particularly when it came to the shorts — was the size of the woman’s bottom.

“If you’ve got a butt lift, then you can’t wear those shorts,” he said.

“There’s another one where you’ve got the guy, he’s covered in muscles and he’s wearing a really tiny singlet, and they say that’s no good. But next to it there is a photo of a guy who’s wearing a similar kind of singlet but he’s got smaller muscles and that’s OK.”

Camperdown Fitness isn’t the only facility to enforce a dress code. Caitlin Emiko, an Australian living in New York, attends Greenwich Village Athletic — a squad training gym that requires members solely wear black workout gear.

The private fitness chain introduced it in a bid to create an inclusive and non-judgemental workout environment.

Ms. Emiko told news.com.au in December last year that she didn’t think it was a common rule at New York gyms but it was one she enjoyed.

“I personally love it, takes all of the thought out of getting dressed in the morning, and as a marketing girl think it looks great on their socials,” she said.

“The rule is in place to foster a sense of inclusivity and focus. When you’re at the gym, it’s all about working out, connecting, and building each other up — not getting distracted by brands or outfits.

“This gym thrives on its strong sense of community, encouraging everyone to focus on their fitness journey rather than appearances.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Metcalf was told wearing Ugg boots to a Gym Group branch in Swindon, England, was “inappropriate.”

After filming himself confronting staff about the rules – arguing as it didn’t specify Ugg boots he should be allowed – Mr. Metcalf was notified by email that his behavior was “aggressive, abusive, intimidating, anti-social, (and) threatening.” He was also informed that his contract had been terminated.

Following the exchange and subsequent cancellation of his membership, Mr. Metcalf said it was a “stupid” decision and he can’t see the difference between wearing Ugg boots and people who take their footwear off in the gym to perform certain exercises.