Joey Swoll Gives Reality Check to Influencer Disrespecting People’s Privacy in the Gym

Fitness influencers filming in the gym, and sometimes getting into confrontations with gymgoers who don’t want to be filmed, has become a regular occurrence in recent times. TikToks and Instagram reels of individuals filming and poking fun at unsuspecting gymgoers in the background often go viral. One such influencer calling out people for having a problem with being filmed in the gym has fought Joey Swoll’s attention.

“If other people’s camera’s bother you, like the camera rested against a water bottle or something, that’s not in your way, once again, 100% part of the problem,” a fitness influencer said in his video. The content creator believed that people filming in the gym do so in a “public place.” Those who have problems with that should “try not leaving the house,” he added. However, Joey Swoll had a lesson for the influencer.

The CEO of Gym Positivity argued that many people do not feel comfortable or confident enough to be filmed, especially by a stranger. The bodybuilding coach also dismantled the influencer’s argument that gyms are public places. “There is no such thing as a public gym. They are not tax-funded, they are not from the government, they are not from the state,” said Joey Swoll.

Swoll also explained that while commercial gyms are open to the public, many have rules regarding filming. The bodybuilding veteran spelled out that the influencer shaming people’s right to privacy needed a private gym where the administration and members have no issues filming or being filmed. Joey Swoll also had one last piece of advice for the influencer.

The 42-year-old fitness coach said the influencer should stop filming and respect their privacy. “Don’t make videos like this or tell them that they should stay home,” he said. This isn’t the first time Swoll addressed the etiquette of filming. 

Joey Swoll’s five rules of filming in the gym

The CEO of Gym Positivity has been calling out people who trouble other people in the gym for content. To ensure that people were mindful of others’ privacy, Swoll made five rules that people should follow while filming in commercial gyms. So, with the influencer’s statement in mind, one may say all five rules apply to the fitness influencer mentioned earlier in the article as well.

Let’s have a look at the rules:

• You must get permission from anyone in the background to film.
• If anyone requests you to stop filming, STOP.
• Keep your setup out of the way of other members and equipment.
• If the gym is crowded, no filming is allowed.
• Be respectful of those around you.

Joey Swoll doesn’t inherently condemn filming your training session in the gym. However, he has no empathy for people who disrespect others to promote their content online. What do you feel about the situation? Write your thoughts in the comments.