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News.com.au
14 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
Sydney gym's dress code has divided, confused Australians
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 bum — and sports bras need to have two straps, discouraging boobtubes 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 'Sexist and outdated policies dictating what a woman can and cannot wear in the gym.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 The Daily Telegraph: 'Our guidelines require appropriate athletic wear that ensures safety during equipment use and maintains our family-friendly environment serving ages 14+ with an onsite creche.' has contacted the gym for further comment. 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 bum lift, then you can't wear those shorts,' he said. 'There's another one where you've got the bloke, 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 bloke 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 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 behaviour 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.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Aussie gym's controversial dress code sparks backlash among members: 'Controlling and overbearing'
A popular gym's dress code had stoked a fiery online debate - with some confused as to why some sportswear isn't acceptable but others defending the clothing rules. Camperdown Fitness, in Sydney 's inner-west, introduced its fashion guidelines that discourage short-shorts, boob tubes, one-shoulder tops and showy muscle singlets earlier this year. Many members wrote online that the new dress code was 'overbearing' with many asking why small clothing details were under such scrutiny. TV monitors around the gym constantly rotate a series of images showing 'correct' and 'incorrect' attire for those those exercising. One customer claimed the unrelenting dress code graphics made them and several others feel uneasy and self-conscious. 'I tried to raise how this was making members uncomfortable and that it seemed to be overstepping the mark around what people can and cannot wear,' they wrote. 'The staff member was highly dismissive. Told me I was too easily offended and that I should find another gym.' Some viewers expressed confusion as there appeared to be very little difference between what gymgoers are and aren't allowed to wear. For men, some singlets are given a tick but others with slightly different designs are a no go. For women, more clothing items are disapproved of including ruched style short with drawstrings that are slightly higher than the standard length. Singlet tops are given the nod - but only if they go over both shoulders. While some questions the differences in styles, others were shocked the gym was trying to control people's clothing at all. 'This gym claims to cater to a wide range of athletes, including bodybuilders and powerlifters,' said one person. 'But their rules don't reflect that at all. Instead of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, they're fixated on controlling what people wear - even in 2025.' 'It's one thing to have a reasonable dress code, but advertising these rules on TVs and plastering them all over the gym walls is downright insane. 'Instead of focusing on training and community, it feels like they're more interested in micromanaging members' clothing choices.' The gym insisted its new dress code helped foster its 'family-friendly' atmosphere The gym's owners, Michael Wood and Paul Vella, said the dress code was created to maintain Camperdown Fitness' 'family friendly environment'. 'Our guidelines require appropriate athletic wear that ensures safety during equipment use and maintains our family-friendly environment serving ages 14+ with an onsite creche,' Mr Wood told the Daily Telegraph. Debate over the gym's dress code has reached outside its customer base with many online viewers claiming the fitness centre was being 'sexist'. '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 woman wrote online. 'Can't believe we are in 2025 and dictating what women can and cannot wear … even at the gym … Such strange sexist views,' another said. However, there were also commenters who applauded the gym for upholding its family-friendly reputation. 'For what it's worth, I support your new dress code for both men and women, so it's not sexist or aimed at one gender,' one man wrote. 'Gyms are for getting fit, not walking around posing in front of other gym users. It's a gym. 'You're not there to look good. If you want to look 'good', dress up and do it on a Saturday night.' Another said: 'There is a dress code but only a few items not allowed and I understand why, otherwise it becomes a fashion show. Even bars, planes, buses, trains, restaurants and shops all have set dress codes. 'I like that even the clients with amazing bodies keep it modest out of respect for those of us trying to look better. 'It's about encouragement about being a better you, setting goals and not a ''look at my latest outfit'' type place.' In response to the complaints about the TV graphics, Mr Wood said: 'As a community facility, we maintain standards for comfort, hygiene, and safety for all members. We provide friendly reminders when needed.'
