UAE gyms say privacy is key to use of CCTV

Most operators say cameras aid security in reception, training and public areas, but are not installed in locker rooms.

DUBAI // Several gyms said they would not follow in the footsteps of a gymnasium chain and install CCTV cameras in their changing rooms.

Fitness First Middle East installed security cameras in male changing areas recently, outraging many customers.

But other gyms in Dubai said that installing cameras in locker rooms would be a breach of their clients’ privacy.

Miguel Di Lazzaro, 34, man-ager of 24 Fitness Dubai gym, said it was not an option.

“We will never put these cameras in private areas – it will be a direct breach of privacy for our customers,” he said. The gym does have CCTV cameras in common areas. “We have them at the gym entrance, hallways, at the protein shake bar and in the training areas, but we don’t see any valid reason to have them in the locker rooms.”

Mr Di Lazzaro said the footage was used in rare cases and for conflict resolution.

“We use them to monitor staff, and whenever there is an issue on the floor between customers, or with trainers. We typically resolve these matters instantly, but we refer to the footage if the customer requests it, or if the situation requires it,” he said.

Fitness360, another gym in Dubai, has CCTV cameras installed on the premises, but certain areas are not covered.

“We have cameras all over the gym area, but the locker and changing rooms have none, for the privacy of customers,” said Ms Hadjer Lameche, public relations and marketing manager at the gym, which has several branches across the Emirates.

“We have a mixed training area and a female-only area. The mixed area is covered by CCTV. But for the women-only section we do not have any cameras, for their privacy,” Ms Lameche said. “Some women are veiled or wear a hijab and recording them is not allowed.”

One other gym, Symmetry Gym Dubai, does not have any CCTV set-up at its premises.

“We don’t have any because we are a bit different to other gyms, as each client we have trains with a coach from our gym. We respect our clients and we don’t take their pictures and post them on social media, for instance, without their permission” said Briton Benjamin Tormey, the gym’s head coach.

“The only CCTV camera we have is installed outside the gym, and it’s installed by the building’s management.”

Gold’s Gym, which has 21 clubs in the UAE and seven women’s gyms, has CCTV only in the reception area, said assistant marketing manager Saniyah Varteji.

George Flooks, chief operating officer of Fitness First Middle East, said on Tuesday that the measures were taken to reinforce and strengthen safety measures in its clubs.

“Fitness First holds the personal safety of its members and staff in the highest regard. To reinforce and strengthen safety measures across our clubs, we took the considered decision to install CCTV cameras in public areas, specifically the gym, reception and men’s locker area.

“The privacy of our members is of paramount importance to us and we have ensured that all cameras are visible, and are away from the shower area and the closed changing cubicles.”

It said cameras are in the gym, reception and men’s locker areas and were installed in consultation with the Department of Protective Systems.

“The footage recorded will be viewed by the relevant authority only if required. In accordance with regional standards, the footage is deleted after 30 days,” Fitness First said. “All members have been notified about the CCTVs. Our staff are on hand to explain where the cameras are, and to allay any concerns that our members may have.”