Caitlin Emiko, an Australian influencer residing in New York City, unveiled an unusual dress code enforced by her gym, Greenwich Village Athletic, in a “day-in-my-life” video. This private fitness chain mandates that all members wear black workout attire. This seemingly restrictive rule, which might be perceived as cultish at first glance, is actually designed to foster a more inclusive and less judgmental workout environment. Emiko explained that the all-black dress code eliminates fashion comparisons and allows members to focus on their fitness goals without the distraction of worrying about their appearance relative to others. This removes the pressure to keep up with the latest workout attire trends and minimizes self-consciousness, ultimately promoting a more comfortable and encouraging atmosphere for all.
The revelation sparked a wave of reactions on social media, ranging from curiosity and surprise to outright support. Many users questioned the rationale behind the rule, while others expressed their approval, noting how it simplified their workout routines and eliminated the stress of choosing outfits. Some users even confessed to adopting a similar all-black workout wardrobe independently, highlighting the pre-existing appeal of this minimalist approach. The discussion around the dress code brought to light the underlying anxieties and pressures many individuals face regarding their appearance at the gym, revealing a desire for a more accepting and less judgmental fitness culture.
Michelle, the head of content and marketing at Greenwich Village Athletic, addressed the dress code in a TikTok video, confirming its purpose as a tool to mitigate comparisons and foster inclusivity. Beyond the psychological benefits, she added that the uniform black attire creates a visually appealing aesthetic, especially during group runs and in photographs, promoting a sense of unity and team spirit. This deliberate aesthetic choice further contributes to the gym’s unique identity and fosters a sense of belonging among its members. The all-black attire also simplifies the process of capturing photos and videos, ensuring a consistent and professional look for marketing and social media purposes.
This incident follows another controversial decision by an Australian gym owner, Tony Doherty, who banned members from filming themselves working out. Doherty, the founder and owner of Doherty’s Gym with locations in Melbourne and Perth, expressed his frustration with the increasing number of gym-goers using tripods to record their workouts, describing the gym environment as a “circus.” He felt that the excessive filming disrupted the atmosphere and created an unnecessary distraction for other members. This decision sparked widespread debate within the fitness industry and prompted other gyms to consider similar policies.
Doherty implemented the tripod ban in February and later discussed its impact in September, revealing that it had successfully restored a sense of order and focus to his gyms. He explained that while some members initially resisted the change, most understood and appreciated the return to a more traditional workout environment. The ban addressed the growing concern that the constant recording of workouts was shifting the focus from personal fitness to social media performance, creating an environment of self-consciousness and competition rather than one of health and well-being.
Doherty’s decision and Greenwich Village Athletic’s dress code policy highlight a growing trend within the fitness industry towards creating more inclusive and less judgmental workout environments. These policies reflect a shift away from the often-intimidating and competitive atmosphere of traditional gyms towards spaces that prioritize community, support, and individual progress. By removing elements that contribute to comparison and self-consciousness, these gyms aim to empower members to focus on their personal fitness journeys without the added pressure of external judgment. The positive responses to these initiatives suggest a growing desire within the fitness community for spaces that prioritize well-being over appearances and foster a sense of belonging.
