Can You Film In The Gym – The Brutal Truth
I run a fitness blog and YouTube channel. And while writing is hassle-free, getting my camera, tripod and microphone out in the middle of the gym does come with its problems. Fortunately, I’ve experienced all the implications, and here’s what I’ve learned.
In general, all gyms are okay with you filming in their facilities as long as it’s appropriate. It’s mainly down to the employee’s working to stop or allow you – rather than the actual gym’s policy. Because of this, it’s not uncommon to be able to film one day and not the other.
This is something I experienced first-hand.
I was trying to hit my PB on bench press (100kg/220lb), so I stood up my phone to film this monumental moment and there was no issue. Unfortunately, I didn’t get it. So I tried a week later, only this time a gym employee politely asked me to stop recording.
So from now on, every time I go to a new gym I ask a member of staff before filming. It’s the best way.
I think my experience was an anomaly, but if you follow these bullet points you shouldn’t come across any difficult filming:
- Don’t have any people in the background, or make them aware if unavoidable.
- Don’t film in private spaces, such as showers or toilets.
- If an employee asks you to stop, stop.
This is a fantastic rule of thumb to stick with, and for most athletes, it’s all you will need. But, when I first got my camera out I was nervous about what people think of me, the laws, and copyright infringement. So, to help others in the same position, I wrote this article.
What Can And Can’t You Film In The Gym
I want to make sure we’re all on the right page before we set off. Here are a few examples of what I found on the internet which are totally wrong to film!
In this example, a woman poses in the mirror with a fully nude woman unexpectedly in the frame. Luckily, we have blurred it out for you, but this is entirely wrong! Never use your mobile phone in the changing rooms – especially not for photos.
In this example, two kids are trying to pose in a mirror, when someone walks into the shot and uses the toilet. It breaks multiple privacy, ethical, and moral rules and is something you should never do. Never film in a gym toilet.
In this example, someone films a stranger working out intending to take the mic out of his training methods. This is equally as wrong and completely heartless. Only ever film yourself in the gym.
If you do want to film content, it should look more like this:
This is a perfect example of sensible content you can film in the gym. Here, my brother films his first L-sit without anyone in the background, and in a public setting in the gym.
Did People Look At Me For Filming In The Gym
My biggest fear wasn’t how the gym employees would react to me filming my workout, it was actually what people would think of me. And, after speaking to other fitness influencers, they all shared the same views.
So, I’ve decided to share my first-hand experience on what I felt the public thought of me:
People stare, but it isn’t off-putting.
When I first set up my camera, I definitely noticed people looking at me. But at no point did I feel intimidated. I got the sense they were more curious rather than judgemental. They didn’t look disappointed, or angry – it felt more they wanted to know what and why I was recording.
As soon as they concluded I was filming my workout, they stopped looking at me and got on with theirs.
You don’t bother them, they don’t bother you.
The biggest lesson I learned is people don’t care if you film, as long as they aren’t in a shot. It simply doesn’t affect them, so they have no reason to interfere. Individuals only raise eyebrows once they are in frame.
Of course, it’s unavoidable from time to time – in which case you should ask for their consent. When this happens to me I normally get one of three replies:
- Most people aren’t bothered.
- Lots of people avoid it.
- Few people only want to be on camera when they look nice.
Tip: When there are too many people walking in and out of the shot, I film during non-peak hours (outside of 4-7 pm will be quiet) to avoid the inconvenience.
People will assume, but not judge.
Once you start filming your workout, the public expects you to put on a show as they assume you’re a skillful athlete. This may work in your favor or not; however, there are definitely worse things for people to assume.
Nonetheless, don’t let it affect your mind or your exercise; always execute whatever you intend to film, regardless of how complicated or simple it is. Even if you’re a complete beginner, don’t try to satisfy the public judgment; you could get injured, limit progress, or feel embarrassed to do basic exercises.
What Do The Gym Staff Have To Say
I touched on the fact that every gym has a different policy, but it’s the employee’s responsibility to implement them efficiently. So I took it up on myself to ask my local gym what they had to say. Here’s how our chat went.
“How strict are you on your filming rules?”
“We understand it’s common to film workouts in today’s society. Because of this, we brush it under the carpet, despite what our policy says. As long as you respect others’ privacy, we respect yours.”
I replied with “I agree, that’s both fair and understandable”, and followed up with, “Do all employees have this attitude?”
“Different staff tell you other things. Most of ours are too nervous to ask you to stop, whereas some staff I used to work with will take any reason to start an argument. It all depends on the type of morals they have and how you go about filming yourself.”
He then followed this up with:
“If our staff asks you to stop filming, we politely request you to do so immediately. As you are on our private property, our rules must be respected otherwise, you risk getting kicked out and losing your membership.”
At which point I thanked him for his time and swiftly moved on!
Is It Legal To Film In The Gym
In the UK, privacy laws don’t apply in public places, and since the gym has public access, you’re lawful to film yourself during your workout. Gym policies aren’t above the law. If you are filming in a public gym, which doesn’t allow videography, they can kick you out, but you won’t go to prison (unless you resist and cause harm).
In communal gym areas, people are within the law to record you, and you can record them (under appropriate situations). Still, if you ask someone to stop filming you (or vice versa), you must stop; otherwise, it’s harassment, and you get punished.
However, even in a public place, you can’t film people in certain areas, such as the gym toilets, sauna, changing rooms, or if they are doing certain things, such as getting changed or if they are showing something revealing, such as underwear.
The Data Protection Act 2018 allows those to seek compensation for any losses they suffer as a result of a breach of their data protection rights – which includes filming. So, video recorded for nefarious purposes is illegal.
Video intention is also important – personal and commercial have different regulations. For example:
- Commercial: if you’re filming someone intending to make money, they must be aware of your intentions if they’re seen in the clip.
- Personal Use: It’s is a lot more grey and vague – the location, their actions, and their clothes all determine whether or not you’re breaking the law. We advise NOT TO film other people in the gym.
Rule Of Thumb: Don’t film other people, and if individuals are in your video, ask for their consent.
Should You Delete Footage Of Gym Members If They’re In Your Video
If someone in your video requests you to delete the content – should you? Or do you have to?
If they’re in the background, it doesn’t necessarily mean you must delete the footage. The contents of the video will determine if it goes against the Data Protection Act 2018, but in general, you should consider the following factors:
- If they can be recognized.
- If you use the content to make a profit.
- The context of the video.
- Their clothing and action during the length of their cameo.
- If it is on private or public land.
As you can see, it isn’t black or white – for the most part, it is common sense as to whether or not you should delete the video.
However, even if you aren’t breaking the law, you should respect their privacy and delete/ alter the footage. For example:
- If it’s footage you can quickly remake, such as 10 push-ups, I suggest you delete it to avoid unnecessary confrontation.
- If you’ve captured something that can’t be remade, offer to edit them out or blur their face. This way, you keep the content, and they won’t be recognized.
- Can You Film In The Gym – The Brutal Truth
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Please note: We are not law advisors. To ensure you are on the right side of the law, consult local laws and regulations. If in doubt, seek legal advice from a qualified professional. Keep in mind that laws can change over time, so it’s essential to stay updated on current regulations.
