Short version: I go to a Cult gym and it was fine for the last 8‑9 months. Then a girl started bringing a light‑filled tripod and filming all the time. I don't mind a bit of filming around me, but I hate ending up in the frame. I've managed, sometimes I'm okay with it.
In the last month things have blown up. That girl has gathered a group of about 8‑10 regular members who never filmed before. Now everyone is shooting almost the whole workout – multiple tripods, lights blocking machines, even the trainer is caught up in it. My usual 90‑minute session stretches to 120 minutes because half the time is spent on posing and filming. I checked Cult's policy here:
https://static.cult.fit/code_of_conduct.html
Camera And Recording
You are strictly not allowed to take any photographs or videos, or use any kind of camera and / or recording instrument for capturing workout in progress of any individual and / or group, including yourself, unless you obtain permission from the CM and everyone around you. It is mandatory to refrain from recording if an objection is raised by anyone.
The above‑mentioned restriction is similarly applicable to the trainers, unless the trainers obtain permission from the CM and everyone around you.
Use of any lighting, tripods or other such equipment is strictly prohibited.
If any such disputed videos are found online, you need to comply by Cult's request (if any) and take it down.
(Cult doesn't let me screenshot, so I copied the text.)
Am I being a D‑head or is it reasonable to complain? I don't want to be that annoying guy, but the obstruction is getting unbearable.
Bro, just file a complaint. I'm on the heavier side and the last thing I want is to appear on camera next to a fit person in full makeup. It takes a lot of courage to start gymming, and people like this become the biggest hurdle.
Can we just ban cameras in the gym? It feels awkward to work out, maybe we could have a separate slot for photography.
Talk to the manager and tell them straight that you'll quit if this continues.
I had a similar issue with an influencer named Fitparul. Her dubbing videos are decent, but she kept bringing a tripod and shooting randomly, which annoyed everyone in the gym.
Telling the OP to complain to the manager won't change much. Asking the people with cameras to stop is the best move.
Or, because of the same problem at Cult, I switched to a local gym that has decent equipment.
Talk to the management.
I cringe just thinking about your situation, and I don't even go to the gym.
I suspect the gym owner is taking extra fees from them, but it's still wrong.