Scantily clad people at the fitness center damage the industry’s reputation

Dress codes can contribute to a more inclusive environment.

This is a debate post. Any opinions expressed in the text are the responsibility of the writer. If you want to participate in the debate, you can read how here.

Else MV Olsson wrote a debate post this week in the wake of the Aftenposten article about the increasing sexualisation of training clothes in gyms. She is right. This is a challenge that has been overlooked for too long, and it is time to take the problem seriously.

A fitness center should be an arena where people feel comfortable and thus regularly physically active.

Unfortunately, few of us are sufficiently physically active. Many become supporting members who pay membership but do not attend training.

The unfortunate trend of challenging training clothes is problematic if the industry wants to help and guide even more people to a better health and lifestyle. It can even deter someone from participating in physical activity.

Nor is it only fitness center members who react. A reputation survey by Credicare in 2019 showed that both members and non-members reported that the industry should place less of a spotlight on body and appearance. This shows that the industry needs to change its approach to achieve wider appeal.

Sad

Dress codes can contribute to a more inclusive environment. Enforceable guidelines for appropriate clothing can be a necessary step if the industry is to take an even stronger position in public health work and be relevant to as many people as possible.

It is therefore sad to see that several people have removed their previously introduced dress codes.

It’s understandable that people want to dress in a way that’s comfortable for exercise, but there should be limits to how much skin can be shown.

A balanced approach that promotes a healthy body experience for all is necessary.

It is particularly important to counteract body pressure among young people, who are the most vulnerable group when it comes to body pressure and body dissatisfaction.

A study from the Norwegian Sports Academy found that approx. 65 percent of male and 84 percent of female students experience body pressure. This emphasizes the need to create an environment where health and well-being are prioritized over appearance.

A “sea” of scantily clad women

With the right measures and changes in attitude, the fitness industry can help reduce body pressure, promote healthy attitudes and thus strengthen its role as a serious public health actor, where the whole population feels welcome.

Especially the least active, who still spend most of their time on the couch and have the most to gain from getting active, may not feel comfortable entering a fitness center where they meet a “sea” of scantily clad women.

Having said that, it is important to emphasize that there has been a positive change in the industry over the past decade towards a more health-related focus.

Most centers are concerned with public health, offer varied forms of exercise and have well-thought-out marketing that promotes exercise as something that should make you feel good, rather than ‘look good’. It is nevertheless crucial for the future that the training industry takes an even greater responsibility for creating an inclusive training environment.

The post author has worked for 17 years in the fitness center industry. She still works as a group instructor.