New York-based influencer exposes gym’s ‘crazy’ dress code rule

While it might sound like something out of a “cult”, the private fitness chain introduced it in a bid to create an inclusive and non-judgemental workout environment.

She went into more detail about the unusual outfit rule on this on her TikTok account where she explained that as a result, she has no idea of anyone’s sense of style outside of the gym, and she didn’t encounter common negative thoughts such as “I don’t look as cool as anyone else here”.

The video caught a lot of attention.

“So interesting about the black activewear – is there a reason why,” one social media user asked.

A dress code at the gym, that’s crazy,” another added.

“Wait that’s such a good idea,” a person commented.

“I just do this anyway helps me not think about what I have to wear as well and black is always flattering even if I don’t feel great still gets me in the gym,” one social media user said.

Michelle, the head of content and marketing at the Athletics Club, revealed the reason behind the dress code in a TikTok video last year – and confirmed it was to eliminate comparison.

“When we’re on runs it makes it easier to stick together. It also just looks really cool. It makes my life easier so all the photos look aesthetic,” she said.

It comes after an Australian gym owner who controversially banned members from filming themselves working out sparked widespread industry change as other fitness facilities around the world followed suit.

Founder and owner of Melbourne-based Doherty’s gym, Tony Doherty, opened up about the aftermath of his decision to stop members from recording their fitness routines after noticing his gym had become a “circus”.

After completely outlawing tripods in all Doherty’s Gyms – there are three in Melbourne and one in Perth – back in February, Doherty has opened up in September about the effects his decision had on the fitness industry.

“Honestly, [tripods] were doing my head in,” he told the Dos and D Podcast.

“One day I went into the gym and there were seven people using tripods in one room and I’m like, ‘I need to wrap that thing up and wrap it around someone’s head. It was out of control,” Doherty said. “There were young people there were old people who said, ‘I’ve got to film it for my coach and send it to them’, and I just said stop.”