It’s not surprising that filming is becoming more of an issue. Social media and fitness culture are deeply intertwined today. We’re seeing more tripods on the gym floor, more ring lights, more creators producing content. The vast majority of our members are fine with it, but we’ve noticed that complaints tend to arise around specific behaviours: someone blocking equipment for extended takes, filming in busy areas during peak hours, or – most critically – other members appearing recognisably in the background without consent.

It’s not the filming itself that’s the problem, it’s when it starts to affect the training experience of others. This is why we’ve introduced a dedicated code of conduct that all creators and influencers must accept before producing any content in our clubs.

The core principle is simple: members first. Every piece of content must be produced in a way that ensures no member feels disturbed, observed or uncomfortable. The policy covers everything from mandatory check-in at reception before filming, designated times and zones, a strict rule that no other person may be recognisably visible in any published content – including reflections and audio – through to equipment placement, noise levels, and lighting.

It’s not the filming itself that’s the problem, it’s when it starts to affect the training experience of others.

We operate a tiered approach to enforce this. A first violation results in a verbal warning and an immediate stop to filming. A second violation leads to a written warning and a temporary filming ban. In serious cases – particularly around privacy breaches – we reserve the right to impose an immediate and permanent filming ban, terminate any cooperation agreement and pursue further action. Our studio teams members are trained to address situations proactively and respectfully.

Creator content, when done well and done respectfully, adds genuine value – it inspires people, it brings new audiences to fitness and it’s a natural part of how our members engage with their training today. The answer isn’t to ban filming. The answer is to set clear expectations, communicate them transparently, and enforce them consistently. That’s exactly what we’re doing.

I think the wider industry would benefit from having these conversations openly. Filming in gyms isn’t going away – the question is whether operators lead proactively or react after problems escalate. At Fitness First, we’ve chosen to lead. We want creators in our clubs. We also want every single member to feel comfortable and undisturbed. Those two things aren’t mutually exclusive – but they do require clear rules and the willingness to enforce them. Because at the end of the day, everything we do comes back to our core belief: keeping people motivated.

In response to complaints we were getting from members about people filming, we introduced an Instagram room a year ago which has solved the pain point. We’re now able to direct filming and photography into the Burn Lab and highlight the benefits of this designated space which has specialised lighting, tripods and LED ring lights available for use by content creators.

The response to the room has been very positive – members love the space that they can work out in and film themselves without interrupting others user.

We were aware that filming in the main gym area was becoming an issue and making some gym users feel uncomfortable. Also we were having issues with tripods taking up valuable workout space as influencers were trying to get that quirky shot. This new space has provided additional capacity and a different atmosphere so customers have a range of equipment and spaces to use for their workouts  to film and create content for their platforms and share their experience.

We haven’t banned filming on the gym floor, but customers are reminded to be mindful of other gym members and 90 per cent of the time they are happy to use our Burn Lab area for filming.

We’re now able to direct filming and photography into the Burn Lab and highlight the benefits of this designated space with specialised lighting, tripods and LED ring lights

Most of our other sites experience the same issues with members filming their own content and without a dedicated space it’s a difficult balance to encourage customers to be proud and record their achievements, while at the same time making other customers feel comfortable within the environment.

We’re happy we’re able to support all our customers on their fitness journey, whether they’re nervous new members, who are just starting out and really conscious about being filmed, or influencers bringing positive experiences to their audiences and who are proud to share their stories and to set goals through their filming and photography.

Kore Sandwell built a dedicated space for filming called the Burn Lab / Kore Sandwell

Filming in the gym is definitely becoming harder to ignore. When it’s done for the right reasons, it’s a really useful tool. If you’re training properly and pushing yourself, you should be checking your form.

Filming your main lifts, looking back at your technique, tracking your progress, it all matters. It’s no different to taking progress photos. It’s about keeping yourself accountable and making sure you’re improving.

But where it starts to become an issue is when filming takes over the actual reason you’re in the gym. Training should always come first. Filming should come second. When that balance flips, it becomes frustrating, for gym owners and other members too – not everyone is comfortable being around cameras while they train.

The gym should be a place where people feel comfortable pushing themselves, not worrying about ending up in someone else’s content

There’s also a line that just shouldn’t be crossed – filming people without their consent, catching others in the background, or mocking them online. The gym should be a place where people feel comfortable pushing themselves, not worrying about ending up in someone else’s content.

We don’t stop people from training but we do remind them to be respectful and aware of others. We’ve got clear rules that get sent to every member when they join and reminders around the gym. On the odd occasion when it has been an issue, we speak to the member directly and they’re usually very understanding.

We push an inclusive, supportive environment at Fitness Worx and work to make it feel like a safe space for everyone.

Members sharing positive impressions of their club can raise its profile / shutterstock/ romul 014

We’re aware that the use of cameras and filming in gym environments has increased. This development has been carefully observed, and we’ve responded by working even more closely with our studios to reinforce awareness, ensure compliance with our policies, and safeguard the privacy of all members.

At the same time, we of course welcome members sharing positive impressions from our studios and showcasing their personal training progress, provided this is always done with consideration and respect for others.

Photography and filming are strictly prohibited in sensitive areas such as showers, wellness zones, and changing rooms, regardless of purpose

When taking private photos or videos in our fitness studios, members must respect the general personal rights of others, particularly the right to one’s own image. Any commercial photography or filming, as well as the use of photo or video material on social media or other public platforms, requires prior written approval from RSG Group.

Photography and filming are strictly prohibited in sensitive areas such as showers, wellness zones, and changing rooms, regardless of purpose.

Our club rules explicitly prohibit filming other members without their consent, as outlined on our website. Our policy is such: “You may take photos and videos, but not of others without their consent and without causing disruption. All content must comply with club rules. For professional shoots please obtain permission from our head office.”

While we recognise that filming in gyms has become a widespread trend that’s unlikely to disappear, we actively encourage our members to prioritise their training over content creation and to be mindful of others by keeping time in set-up, filming and training reasonable.

We respect that filming is a personal choice, but where complaints are raised with our staff, we will intervene and remind members of our guidelines

We respect that filming is a personal choice, but where complaints are raised with our staff, we will intervene and remind members of our guidelines, including not filming others and avoiding unnecessary delays between sets. All club staff receive training during their onboarding on how to handle these situations appropriately. 

Health club brands are engaging more powerfully with consumers / UGG/Trainmore