Former Adelaide fitness star, Kayla Itsines, claims the industry is too ‘sexualised’ calling out influencers who pose with their booty on show

A former SA fitness stars’ polarising comments on glute workouts being ‘too sexualised’ have been met with split views. Find out what Adelaidians had to say on the cheeky subject.

Australian fitness star and former Adelaide resident, Kayla Itsines, has claimed her industry has become too “sexualised”– calling out influencers who pose with their booty on show.

The co-founder behind popular app SWEAT is disappointed at those who film from a “particular angle” under the guise of a “glute workout”, stating it is a tactic used to obtain views.

The mum-of-two said despite understanding “booty workouts” get likes, it is content she does not want her children to see.

“I probably wouldn’t care if I didn’t have kids, I’ll be like, ‘you do you, boo’,” she said in a recent video.

“However I have a daughter, and I’m trying to be an example to women. No drinking, no drugs, no smoking, no highly sexualised content.”

Kayla Itsines has claimed the fitness industry has become too “sexualised”. Picture Matt Turner.

“I have a daughter, and I’m trying to be an example to women,” said Kayla Itsines. Picture Matt Turner.

Dr Simon Wilksch, senior research fellow at Flinders University said that he worries about the “impact of this content on young people” and that “protecting children is everyone’s responsibility”.

“It can give the message that following such fitness routines will make you more popular and liked,” he said.

“This is … unhelpful in late childhood and adolescence …

“We need young people to have access to effective programs that encourage media literacy and prevent mental health problems, along with better support for parents and schools.”

But Adelaide locals had differing opinions.

Janelle Flores, 28, and Bianca Bottin, 24, said parents should not let their young children have social media if they’re worried about them engaging with “sexualised content”.

“I don’t think people need to stop posting gym content because of fear of them being sexualised or that your child’s going to see that. They’re going to see it anyway,” said Ms Bottin.

“As parents, you need to have those conversations with your daughter or your son at a young age, in the best way that you can,” Ms Flores said.

February 13 2025. Janelle Flores, 28, and Bianca Bottin, 24, say that parents should have conversations about ‘sexualised’ content online with their children rather than trying to stop people from posting. Picture: RoyVPhotography

One mum said if girls are old enough to make decisions as adults, there’s no issue.

“It’s fine to post if they’re confident enough to do it, obviously you’re going to have haters,” said 45-year-old Belinda Cooper.

“A lot of the haters are more jealous than anything.”

Martine Steig, 24, and Maleen Andersen, 23, also weighed on in the debate.

“Some people (post) for views and other people are happy with their results and want to show off how their progression,” Ms Steig said.

“You can’t just protect (your daughter) from everything around because then she will not learn. She has to figure out a wayto do it herself,” said Ms Andersen.

Originally published as Former Adelaide fitness star, Kayla Itsines, claims the industry is too ‘sexualised’ calling out influencers who pose with their booty on show