UAE Residents Call for Ban on Gym Selfies and Phone Use

A recent study conducted by the agency Perspectus has revealed growing frustration among gym-goers in the UAE over the use of smartphones and social media in fitness centers. The survey, which polled 2,000 active amateur athletes, found that 40% of respondents are particularly annoyed by people recording TikTok videos in gyms, while another 40% expressed irritation over loud phone conversations.

The study highlights a strong demand for stricter gym etiquette, with 61% of participants supporting a complete ban on selfies and video recordings in fitness centers. Interestingly, despite their complaints, 82% of respondents admitted to taking selfies or recording workout videos to share on social media.

The research also shed light on the importance of fitness in the lives of UAE residents. It found that 79% of respondents regularly visit gyms, with 89% emphasizing the significance of maintaining their health and physical fitness. However, the misuse of gym spaces for social media content has become a major point of contention.

Beyond selfies and phone use, the survey identified other common breaches of gym etiquette. These include failing to wipe down equipment after use, not returning weights like dumbbells and plates to their racks, and making excessive noise or grunting while lifting heavy weights. Additionally, a third of gym users expressed annoyance at individuals who take photos on gym equipment without actually using it.

The findings underscore a growing divide between those who view gyms as spaces for focused workouts and those who see them as backdrops for social media content. As fitness centers continue to be popular hubs for health and wellness, the call for clearer rules and respectful behavior is likely to grow louder. For now, the debate over gym selfies and phone use remains a hot topic among UAE residents, reflecting broader global conversations about the impact of social media on public spaces.