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Recently a good friend of mine Tiffany Austin, found herself in an unusual situation after visiting the local Planet Fitness gym in Richmond, CA. Having decided to return to the gym after a short hiatus, she felt that joining Planet Fitness , which coins itself as a “No Judgment Zone”, would offer her a comfortable and welcoming space as she started on her fitness journey. Well, unfortunately for Tiffany, her first and only experience at Planet Fitness became a nightmare and has since created quite a bit of noise and raised questions in regards to Planet Fitness’ dress policy and how their imposed (at their discretion) policy affects women and their right to be comfortable in their own skin?

On Tiffany’s first and only day at Planet Fitness she tastefully wore a matching pink spaghetti strap tank top and capri pants with her midriff exposed. Not concerned about her outfit (as it was well within the Planet Fitness dress code) Tiffany approached a treadmill to prepare to sweat and get a good workout. Within minutes of working out, a Planet Fitness employee approached her and said, “Excuse me, we’ve had some complaints. You’re intimidating people with your toned body. So can you put on a shirt?’” Although shocked, she agreed to put on a t-shirt provided by the employee. While she waited for the employee to return with the shirt, she was yet again approached by another employee expressing her opposition to her toned body. Feeling accosted and harassed by the staff at Planet Fitness; Tiffany preceded to ask for a refund of her freshly paid membership.

When Tiffany told me what happened to her, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Those who know me, know that I am NOT a big fan of the gym. Not to say that every gym is bad, but it’s just not my cup of tea. As a women’s fitness professional I find it crucial to provide safe, warm and encouraging environments for women to help achieve their fitness goals. I believe every woman should feel comfortable in their own bodies at any stage of transformation. And, yes, some days you will look more toned than others, but does that mean you shouldn’t be allowed to be amongst the masses because they are not all at the stage in their process? It’s all very silly to me. I am very much for a “No Judgment Zone” and the ban of “gymtimidation”; but wasn’t Planet Fitness doing the exact opposite of what they claim to uphold?

I share Tiffany’s story as a cautionary tale…if you choose to go the route of the gym; check their policies and be sure you feel absolutely comfortable in the space, staff and your body. Your workout experience should never feel uncomfortable or awkward. If it ever does, that’s a clear sign to stay away.