Readers favour ‘family friendly’ gym dress code enforced at Camperdown Fitness

Readers have responded overwhelmingly about a dress code imposed at a Sydney gym. What do you think? Vote in our poll.

A woman wearing 'scrunch bum' shorts at the gym. Image: iStock

Readers have overwhelmingly backed a dress code enforced at Camperdown Fitness, where owners of the gym have imposed rules that some gymgoers deemed “strange and sexist”.

The Sunday Telegraph reported the digital signage displaying “appropriate clothing” has been installed at the gym by owners Michael Wood and Paul Vella to remind customers of their guidelines for a “family friendly environment”.

Some gym users complained the rules were “sexist and outdated”, but this masthead’s

readers mostly disagreed.

They put their support behind the gym and its policies – and many advocated for an extra condition, attributing ‘inappropriate’ dress to influencer culture.

According to Willow, “You can see everything, every nook and cranny of their body”.

“Some of the gym attendees look ridiculous ... They may as well be naked, nothing left to the imagination.”

Screengrabs of a video from Camperdown Fitness, showing their new dress code rules. The dress code is displayed on TV screens inside the gym, which is located on Pyrmont Bridge Road. It shows what kind of activewear is appropriate for men and women. Picture: Supplied.

Screengrabs of a video from Camperdown Fitness, showing their new dress code rules. The dress code is displayed on TV screens inside the gym, which is located on Pyrmont Bridge Road. It shows what kind of activewear is appropriate for men and women. Picture: Supplied.

“Since when has exercising to keep fit meant to be a fashion show,” Steve said.

“There are always women-only gyms they can go to if they want to show off their latest coloured top.”

“A private business has a dress code. Their business, their rules. Now the market votes,” Nicky said.

Monique was concerned about health and safety issues.

“If people don’t like the rules they can change gyms or alternatively make the big investment and open their own gym and set their own rules,” Erin said.

Mary agreed, adding: “I don’t care how attractive you are - I don’t want to see your bum fillers or boobs hanging out while I’m at the gym.”

Another said: “If your ‘bits/genitals’ (males and females alike) are in danger of falling out or popping out during ‘actual’ exercise then it’s probably not the best activewear,” she said.

“If you are exercising hard you need supportive clothing and materials for your own body’s wear and tear and recovery. Nobody wants to be sitting down on a sweat soaked machine that the previous user neglected to clean either.”

Camperdown Fitness' new dress code rules. The dress code is displayed on TV screens inside the gym, which is located on Pyrmont Bridge Road.

Of the few who disagreed with the ban, freedom of expression was the main issue.

“Let them wear what they like ... Bikinis were banned once as well,” Keith said.

An interesting theme also emerged in response to the story, suggesting a ban on filming workouts and creating content inside the premises.

“Ban filming too,” Eleni said – a sentiment also echoed by Doug: “Perhaps ban the use of mobile phones and cameras for selfies and other imaging?”

“While they’re at it, I wish every gym would ban filming - people who want to film their work outs are insufferable and should just work out at home,” Claudia added.

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Originally published as Readers favour ‘family friendly’ gym dress code enforced at Camperdown Fitness