If you have visited a gym recently, you may have noticed a new type of fitness enthusiast.
They arrive not only with a water bottle and towel but also with a tripod, ring light and smartphone at the ready.
Yes, the era of the ‘workout filmer’ has arrived, dividing gym communities across Australia and beyond.
But is this just a harmless way to track progress and share fitness tips? Or is it an invasion of privacy making many gym goers feel uncomfortable or even unsafe?
Let us explore the rise of this controversial gym habit, why it has become so popular and what it means for your next sweat session.
The rise of the gym camera crew
It all began innocently enough. Around 2015, as social media platforms exploded with fitness content, a new generation of ‘fitfluencers’ began filming their workouts to share tips, routines and transformations.
The trend accelerated during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when home workouts became the norm and people grew accustomed to propping up their phones to record their progress.
Now, with gyms reopened, the habit has followed us back into public spaces.
From casual gym goers to aspiring influencers, more people are recording their routines and sharing them online for the world—and their followers—to see.
But not everyone’s a fan
While some see this as a harmless—even motivating—way to document their fitness journey, others are less enthusiastic.
After all, gyms are meant to be safe spaces where you can focus on your health without worrying about appearing in someone else’s viral video.
A recent survey by fitness equipment company Velotric found nearly a quarter of people now avoid public workouts altogether for fear of being filmed and posted online.
That is a staggering statistic, highlighting how much this trend impacts the gym experience for many.
When filming goes too far: The Pilates incident
The debate reached a peak after a woman named Kelsey Jamison shared her uncomfortable experience in a Pilates class on social media.
Kelsey, already feeling self-conscious about taking a spot at the front, noticed the woman next to her had set up a tripod to film the class.
Feeling exposed and anxious about being caught on camera, Kelsey quickly moved to another spot.
Her video struck a chord, with commenters calling the practice ‘invasive’ and ‘entitled’. Many echoed concerns about privacy, consent and the right to enjoy a workout without fear of filming.
The story took another turn when the woman with the tripod, known as @lettyunfiltered, posted her own video showing Kelsey moving away—complete with a side-eye and an eye roll.
The internet quickly took sides, with overwhelming support for Kelsey and criticism for Letty’s dismissive attitude.
Video Credit: @itskelseyjamison / TikTok
Gyms take action: Bans and boundaries
It is not just individuals pushing back. Some gyms are now banning filming and tripods altogether.
Melbourne’s Doherty’s Gym made headlines in 2024 for its strict no-filming policy, citing privacy concerns and safety issues—tripods, it turns out, are a trip hazard in more ways than one.
Owner Tony Doherty also highlighted a sobering point: for some members, being filmed could have serious consequences, especially for those with intervention orders or safety concerns.
‘Not everyone wants to be in someone else’s movie in the background,’ he said.
Other major chains, like PureGym in the United Kingdom (UK), have followed suit, implementing similar bans to protect their members’ privacy and comfort.
Why are people filming in the first place?
So, what is driving this trend? For some, it is about accountability and tracking progress.
For others, it is a way to build a personal brand, share tips or even make a living as a fitness influencer.
And, in the age of social media, there is a certain cachet to being seen at the ‘right’ gym or class. But as the trend has grown, so has the backlash.
There is now a whole subgenre of social media content dedicated to calling out gym filming, with popular creators amassing millions of followers by highlighting the downsides of this behaviour.
What’s the right etiquette?
Experts say it is all about balance and respect.
Ben Lucas, co-founder of Flow Athletic in Sydney, suggests filming outside class hours or, if you must record during a session, sticking to a back corner and keeping your tripod out of the way.
Nichola Stevenson, owner of Club Pilates in Sippy Downs, Queensland, agrees.
Her studio allows filming for marketing purposes but always checks with clients first and encourages anyone who is uncomfortable to discreetly opt out.
‘If it is adding value and lifting others up—wonderful,’ she says. ‘But it should never come at the cost of someone else’s comfort.’
Fitness experts urge etiquette and consent as gyms begin cracking down on content creators. Video Credit: Ammy Robinson / YouTube
The bottom line: Is filming here to stay?
Like it or not, the trend of filming workouts is not going away anytime soon.
But as more people speak up and gyms set clear boundaries, there is hope for a middle ground where everyone can feel comfortable and respected.
What do you think? Have you ever felt uncomfortable about being filmed at the gym, or do you see it as just another part of modern fitness culture? Should gyms ban filming altogether, or is there a way to make it work for everyone?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we would love to hear from you.
Also read: 62-year-old mum’s inspiring 30kg weight loss journey revealed
