A woman says her gym owner recently cited her for a dress code violation and said it was his wife who was uncomfortable with the customer’s choice of outfit.
Emi Romero (@emiandandrew) usually posts TikTok videos about her family life, but on March 3, 2024, she shared the story of an incident that recently happened to her at her gym.
As she films herself from inside her car, Emi says: “So today I went to the gym like I normally would. I’m wearing a tank top and leggings, and basically, I’m five months pregnant, so I have a little bump.
The video cuts to a shot of her in the supposed workout outfit, revealing Emi in long leggings and what is clearly a tank top.
Emi explains that she is a member of a weight room and notes that there are many photographs of competitors on the walls in “tiny bikinis and their little men’s underwear.” She also said she was informed of the gym’s dress code, which does not allow members to work out in a sports bra.
“I thought it was a little strange for a weight room. But I said to myself: ‘OK, it’s fine,'” she says, before adding that she goes regularly without problem, but that lately, because of her pregnancy, she has difficulty dressing for his body changing.
“So I’m wearing this tank top today, right?” she says. “And the owner’s wife watches me the whole time I’m training.” And (the) owner kind of walks (more) halfway through my workout. … He says, ‘Look, my wife has a problem with what you’re wearing right now.’ We do not allow sports bras.
Emi says she told him she wasn’t wearing a sports bra, but the owner replied, “‘No, I agree with you, but wife, it’s really hard to do the difference between what a sports bra is. … You’re either going to have to leave or put on a top.’”
Emi said she was shocked and embarrassed. She said she pointed out other gym patrons who were working out in tops smaller than hers, as well as photos of competitors on the walls who were dressed in swimsuits.
Emi told the owner, “’I don’t understand. You are a weight room. You have all these pictures of people half naked, which is cool, but like I can’t wear a tank top? »
Ultimately, she says the owner said the gym might not be the best place for Emi to become a member.
“It was the most awkward and uncomfortable encounter. Honestly, I’m shocked,” says Emi.
The TikToker’s video was viewed more than 989,000 times in a single day on the platform, and viewers were equally shocked by the treatment it received.
“I was expecting something very small but there is NOTHING wrong with your outfit,” one person wrote of Emi’s tank top.
“You’re definitely a topic at their table.” His wife hates you because you’re beautiful,” said another, suggesting the wife was jealous of Emi.
“Why is there even a dress code? asked a third, and Emi agreed, saying: “It’s 2024…. Come on.
@emiandandrew Make sense… I don’t know, what do you think? #dress code #gymtok #pregnancy #pregnancyworkout ♬ Relaxing Vibes – Tollan Kim
It appears Emi isn’t the only woman whose clothes were checked at this particular gym. In a tracking video Responding to a commenter who said the same thing happened to her, Emi says four other women messaged her to say they had the same experience at that same gym. A number of commenters also aimed to identify the gym, but Emi did not confirm the name of the gym.
The Daily Dot reached out to Emi via TikTok direct message and the gym in question via email for additional comment.
*First published: March 5, 2024, 11:00 a.m. CST
Natacha Dubash
Natasha Dubash is a freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles. She loves reporting on entertainment, television and pop culture.
