‘Not distracted’: Aussie exposes gym’s ‘crazy’ dress code rule

A woman has surprised a lot of people after she revealed her gym’s unique dress code rule — and it has prompted mixed reactions.

A woman has surprised a lot of people after she revealed her gym’s unique dress code rule.

Caitlin Emiko is an Australian who currently lives in New York City. Recently, during a “day-in-my-life” video, she shared that her gym has a unique dress code rule.

Greenwich Village Atheltic, a squad training gym, requires its members to only wear black workout clothes.

While it might sound like something out of a “cult”, the private fitness chain introduced it in a bid to create an inclusive and non-judgemental workout environment.

Ms Emiko told news.com.au 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.”

She went into more detail about the unusual outfit rule on this on her TikTok account where she explained that as a result, she has no idea of anyone’s sense of style outside of the gym, and she didn’t encounter common negative thoughts such as “I don’t look as cool as anyone else here”.

Caitlin Emiko is an Australian in New York. Picture: Instagram/@caitlin.emiko

The video caught a lot of attention.

“So interesting about the black activewear – is there a reason why,” one social media user asked.

Another added: “A dress code at the gym, that’s crazy.”

One said: “Wait that’s such a good idea.”

“I just do this anyway helps me not think about what I have to wear as well and black is always flattering even if I don’t feel great still gets me in the gym,” one social media user said.

Michelle, the head of content and marketing at the Athletics Club, revealed the reason behind the dress code in a TikTok video last year – and confirmed it was to eliminate comparison.

“When we’re on runs it makes it easier to stick together. It also just looks really cool. It makes my life easier so all the photos look aesthetic,” she said.

The gym she goes to has an all-black activewear rule. Picture: TikTok/@caitlin.emiko

People had mixed responses. Picture: Instagram/@caitlin.emiko

It comes after an Aussie gym owner who controversially banned members from filming themselves working out sparked widespread industry change as other fitness facilities around the world followed suit.

Founder and owner of Melbourne-based Doherty’s gym, Tony Doherty, opened up about the aftermath of his decision to stop members from recording their fitness routines after noticing his gym had become a “circus”.

It's also so everyone can stick together on runs. Picture: TikTok/@theathleticclub

‘Wait that’s such a good idea.’ Picture: TikTok/@theathleticclub

After completely outlawing tripods in all Doherty’s Gyms – there are three in Melbourne and one in Perth – back in February, Mr Doherty has opened up in September about the effects his decision had on the fitness industry.

“Honestly, [tripods] were doing my head in,” he told the Dos and D Podcast.

“One day I went into the gym and there were seven people using tripods in one room and I’m like, ‘I need to wrap that thing up and wrap it around someone’s head’.

“It was out of control. There were young people there were old people who said, ‘I’ve got to film it for my coach and send it to them’, and I just said stop.”

Originally published as ‘Not distracted’: Aussie exposes gym’s ‘crazy’ dress code rule