UPDATE: I messaged the gym to ask about their policy on the use of mobile phone cameras in the gym and described what had happened. Response: Hey, Thanks for your message. We do not allow members to take photos/videos on the premises that may identify another member. We do not stop members taking pictures of themselves as people like to monitor their fitness progress. In regards to in the changing rooms, the rule will remain the same. Did you speak with a member of staff about this at all? Thanks, Josh
So... I didn't think that was clear, so I again asked them to clarify their policy regarding cameraphones in changing rooms. Response: We cannot really enforce the non use of cameras in the changing rooms as this would ultimately mean telling members to not use their phones. The gym rules don't restrict the use of taking photos but we advise members to be respectful of their fellow members by not taking pictures that identify other members. I agree that video chatting in the changing rooms can be inappropriate with other members changing, and having spoke with the gym manager they will be looking into this further with the possibility of putting some signage up in the changing rooms. The gym manager Vikki said if you would like to discuss this further please feel free to speak to her in club. Thanks, Josh
Wow, that's...interesting. So this is a gym that caters to those who need to take insta progress pics more than those who want their privacy in a changing room respected. Fascinating business decision.
Post by rondonalddo on Sept 8, 2017 8:26:15 GMT -5
I'd be blowing that shit up all over social media. They can't tell members not to use phones in changing rooms??? Surely there are other mirrors in the actual gym they can use to take fitness selfies. Or you know, at home.
Post by lilypad1126 on Sept 8, 2017 8:46:28 GMT -5
WTF to the gym's response. My gym has signs in the locker rooms about no cell phone usage (and as the gym is in the basement, you don't get any sort of reception to make calls anyway). People can take as many pics as they want in the upstairs cardio or weights area.
One time, a woman asked me to take pics of her b/c she was a weightlifter and needed to document her progress in her bikini. She asked me this as I was half dressed, trying to change into my bathing suit. I told her I wasn't comfortable with that and she went on a tirade about how I'm a prude. I finished what I was doing and just walked out on her. When I came back in the locker room about 30 minutes later, she was asking another woman to take her picture. I spoke up and said that I was about to be changing and would appreciate all picture taking to take place SOMEWHERE OTHER THAN THE CHANGING ROOM. The weightlifter got pissy, but the other woman was like thanks for speaking up, why is so so weird?!
Why is it so hard for some people to use common sense?
I responded: So, ultimately, you are happy for people to use their camera-phones in the changing rooms? Good to know. Also, most other gyms ban the use of cameras in changing rooms. Just so you know. I got a further Gym response: The gym manager is looking into this as we agree that videoing in the changing rooms is inappropriate. Because we cannot have CCTV in the changing rooms for privacy reasons we cannot determine who the member was who was video chatting. I would advise to speak with the gym manager as i am not based at the Spinningfield club. Thanks, Josh I responded: Thanks Josh, that does make me feel better. I don't wish for the specific member to be approached as I dealt with it at the time, but I would appreciate a notice put up to discourage other members from video-chatting. The gym is very close to the law firm where I work and many of us here agree that the incident was worrying. Thank you for responding on this matter. If you can forward on the contact details for the gym manager, I will request a sign is put up.
Woah, wtf with their response... cant they take progress pictures at home or on the gym floor? Not IN the locker rooms?
Exactly. Whilst I never take selfies at the gym or even classic post-workout mirror shots, I have zero issue with people doing it, whether it is to track progress, show off how amazing they look or whatever. You do you. But do it on the gym floor, or at home.
Woah, wtf with their response... cant they take progress pictures at home or on the gym floor? Not IN the locker rooms?
Exactly. Whilst I never take selfies at the gym or even classic post-workout mirror shots, I have zero issue with people doing it, whether it is to track progress, show off how amazing they look or whatever. You do you. But do it on the gym floor, or at home.
I cant believe their response!
Also, im wondering if all of the outrage here is because we are puritanical americans? That would never fly here... ever. Is that the difference? I mean, maybe not if youre equally as angry.
lilypad1126, that is insane! You were 100% within you rights to not take her picture and to request no pictures while you were getting changed. She was so out of line.
Post by hurricanedrunk on Sept 8, 2017 10:56:32 GMT -5
I am wondering how much of this is European vrs American nudity standards. The second response from your gym is much better but I am quite shocked at the women in the locker room not "getting it" when you asked her to stop. Like many others my gym has postings all over for no phones/ photos etc.
I responded: So, ultimately, you are happy for people to use their camera-phones in the changing rooms? Good to know. Also, most other gyms ban the use of cameras in changing rooms. Just so you know. I got a further Gym response: The gym manager is looking into this as we agree that videoing in the changing rooms is inappropriate. Because we cannot have CCTV in the changing rooms for privacy reasons we cannot determine who the member was who was video chatting. I would advise to speak with the gym manager as i am not based at the Spinningfield club. Thanks, Josh I responded: Thanks Josh, that does make me feel better. I don't wish for the specific member to be approached as I dealt with it at the time, but I would appreciate a notice put up to discourage other members from video-chatting. The gym is very close to the law firm where I work and many of us here agree that the incident was worrying. Thank you for responding on this matter. If you can forward on the contact details for the gym manager, I will request a sign is put up.
I think they will listen to you. They maybe can't ban cellphone use, but they certainly can ban camera use in the locker rooms. I'm glad you are pursuing.
Post by mrs.jacinthe on Sept 8, 2017 18:48:19 GMT -5
Ok, so I know Americans are not exactly body positive folks, but I thought Brits were relatively uptight about the issue too. I can't believe they're all la-ti-da about this. Using a phone in the locker room is no bueno, but FaceTime in a room where there is every expectation of privacy? They should be falling all over themselves to apologize and clarify the policy, imo.
Lol, yes I chucked in the law firm bit to rattle them a little. Whether or not brits are prudes/uptight I don't know. I'm not because I've got to a point where I am glad my body works at all. It's therefore got permission to jiggle, roll, spill out of anything it likes. I do not crave a model figure. I crave fitness and health, whatever shape and size that is.