Sydney gym owner hits back at ‘sexist’ dress code criticism that has sparked viral divide online

A Sydney gym has ignited controversy after introducing new dress code rules that some members have slammed as “sexist” and “overbearing,” while others argue the guidelines are reasonable and in line with similar policies at other establishments.

Camperdown Fitness, located in Sydney’s Inner West, recently updated its fashion rules for members, which include teenagers as young as 14, prompting a wave of online backlash and debate.

For women, the gym’s guidelines specify that shorts must extend a few inches below the buttocks and that sports bras must have two straps, effectively banning boob tubes and one-shoulder tops. For men, the rules discourage stringy muscle singlets that expose too much of the arms or back.

The dress code is prominently displayed on TV monitors throughout the gym, with visual examples of acceptable and unacceptable outfits.

The policy has divided opinions online. Critics have called the rules “outdated” and say they unfairly target women’s bodies.

“Sexist and outdated policies dictating what a woman can and cannot wear in the gym,” one user wrote.

“I would suggest you give your staff some training and have a stricter hiring process if a woman’s shoulder is offensive.”

Some members claimed they had cancelled their gym memberships in protest, citing discomfort over the rules and how they were presented.

Another member left this review after he claimed to have attempted to raise his concerns about the dress code with the staff: “I tried to raise how this was making members uncomfortable, and that it seemed to be overstepping the mark around what people can and cannot wear. The staff member was highly dismissive, told me I was too easily offended, and that I should find another gym.”

However, many others have defended the gym’s right to enforce a dress code, likening it to rules set by restaurants or private clubs.

“Their business, their choice. Same as a store or restaurant can choose their clientele,” one supporter wrote.

“Looks like a dress code for men and women to me. Not sexist and totally acceptable,” another added.

Others simply dismissed the backlash. “Looking forward to my next gym session,” one user wrote.

Another said: “It’s not a fashion show, it should be about health and fitness. Ridiculous.”

Co-owner Michael Wood responded to the controversy, saying the dress code has been part of Camperdown Fitness’ membership terms since the gym opened.

“Our guidelines require appropriate athletic wear that ensures safety during equipment use and maintains our family-friendly environment serving ages 14 plus with an onsite crèche,” Mr Wood told The Nightly.

“There are not many gyms in Sydney that have a 7-day-a-week crèche. We are family-focused and just want everyone to feel comfortable when they step into our gym”, he continued.

He confirmed that three members had cancelled their memberships over the policy, and that a non-member had been asked not to return after spreading misleading information online.

“As a community facility, we maintain standards for comfort, hygiene, and safety for all members,” he added.

“We provide friendly reminders when needed. We don’t remove members or cancel memberships based on clothing — we simply ask them to make better clothing choices next time they attend our gym.”

Mr Wood told The Nightly he did not expect the level of media attention or backlash. “Most venues have a dress code, whether it’s an RSL or a nightclub, and I’m not going backwards just to please people. The majority of our members are happy with the dress code — only a handful have an issue with it.”

Radio host Ben Fordham also weighed in on the debate, saying he found the gym’s guidelines “confusing.”

“Are these respectful boundaries or some kind of clothing censorship — you be the judge,” he said, pointing out that some examples appeared to penalise women with curvier figures more harshly than others.

“If you’ve got a bum lift, then you can’t wear those shorts,” Mr Fordham said.

“There’s another one where you’ve got the bloke, he’s covered in muscles and he’s wearing a really tiny singlet, and they say that’s no good. But next to it, there is a photo of a bloke who’s wearing a similar kind of singlet, but he’s got smaller muscles and that’s ok.”

Camperdown Fitness is not alone in setting fashion rules.

Caitlin Emiko, an Australian living in New York, attends Greenwich Village Athletic, a gym that requires members to wear only black workout gear. The rule was introduced to encourage focus and inclusivity, removing distractions around branding and appearance.

“I personally love it,” Ms Emiko said.

“It takes all of the thought out of getting dressed in the morning, and as a marketing girl, I think it looks great on their socials.”

Meanwhile, in the UK, Stephen Metcalf was banned from a Gym Group facility in Swindon after filming himself arguing with staff about being told to remove his Ugg boots, which he claimed were not specifically banned.

Following the incident, the gym terminated his contract, citing “aggressive, abusive, intimidating, anti-social, (and threatening) behaviour.

Mr Metcalf later called the decision “stupid,” questioning why his boots were treated differently from people who remove their shoes to exercise.