Gym’s ‘Controlling’ Dress Code Sparks Backlash Among Members
A ‘controlling’ dress code update at a gym has sparked major backlash among its members.
Going to the gym is meant to be about getting stronger, healthier and feeling comfortable in your own skin.
But one fitness centre has found itself at the centre of a heated online debate after introducing a dress code that some members say goes far beyond basic hygiene and safety.
The updated rules have divided opinion across social media, with some branding them ‘sexist,’ ‘outdated’ and ‘controlling.’
Others, however, insist the backlash is overblown, arguing the gym has every right to decide what people wear inside its facilities.
So what exactly are the controversial rules?
New policy divides gym-goers
Camperdown Fitness, located in Victoria, Australia, recently reminded members of its clothing policy using posters and television screens displayed throughout the gym.
The facility caters to a wide range of members, including teenagers as young as 14, with management saying the aim is to create a safe and family-friendly environment.
However, the updated guidance quickly spread online, where it sparked fierce debate.
Some gym-goers accused the business of policing women’s bodies, while others defended the rules as perfectly reasonable.
Critics say the rules unfairly target women
Many people argued the policy reflects outdated attitudes towards women’s clothing.
One social media user wrote: “Sexist and outdated policies dictating what a woman can and cannot wear in the gym.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.”
Others claimed the dress code made the atmosphere feel uncomfortable.
Some even revealed they had cancelled their memberships over the policy.
Critics argued that people should be allowed to exercise in whatever makes them feel comfortable, provided it is safe and appropriate.
Others say it’s simply the gym’s choice
Not everyone agreed with the criticism.
Many pointed out that private businesses regularly enforce dress codes and argued gyms should be no different.
“Their business (the gym), so their choice,” one person commented.
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.”
Several supporters also argued that maintaining standards helps create a welcoming environment for all members.
Visual guides have been placed around the gym
Rather than relying solely on written rules, Camperdown Fitness has installed visual examples throughout the facility showing which outfits are acceptable and which are not.
The images are displayed on television screens around the gym to help members understand the expectations.
The policy applies to both men and women, although the clothing requirements differ.
What the dress code actually says
Under the new guidance, women are expected to wear shorts that extend several inches below the buttocks.
The policy also requires tops to have two shoulder straps, meaning one-shoulder sports bras and tube tops are no longer permitted.
Men are also subject to restrictions.
They are discouraged from wearing low-cut singlets that expose large portions of the chest, back or arms.
The gym says the rules are intended to apply equally across all members.
Gym owner explains the reasoning
Co-owner Michael Wood defended the policy in comments to News.com.au.
He explained that the dress code is not new and has existed as part of the gym’s membership terms since the business first opened.
According to Wood, the purpose is to promote hygiene, safety and a family-friendly atmosphere for everyone using the facility.
“We provide friendly reminders when needed,” he said.
“We don’t remove members or cancel memberships based on clothing.”
Wood stressed that staff simply speak with members if an outfit doesn’t meet the policy rather than immediately taking disciplinary action.
Even radio hosts weighed in
The debate soon spread beyond social media, with Australian radio presenter Ben Fordham discussing the policy on air.
Fordham questioned whether the visual examples shown by the gym were entirely consistent.
“If you’ve got a bum lift, then you can’t wear those shorts,” he remarked, suggesting the illustrations could be interpreted differently depending on body shape.
His comments only fuelled further discussion online, where opinions remain sharply divided.
While some believe the rules help maintain standards in a shared fitness space, others argue they place unnecessary restrictions on members’ clothing choices.
For now, Camperdown Fitness says it has no plans to change its policy despite the growing backlash.
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