Powerlifter told to leave gym because outfit shows ‘too much skin’
A fitness fan says she was asked to leave a gym because her outfit was deemed “inappropriate”.
On her Instagram page, Gabi Goddard claims she was approached by a staff member who asked her to change her clothes.
The 27-year-old was told a school teacher complained about the gym gear while they were overseeing a class of teenagers.
They were concerned that about “the children seeing so much skin”, which surprised Gabi as she's never had complaints about her clothing choices before.
In a response posted to social media, the gym-goer said she’d been working out on a very hot day.
She also shared a picture of her outfit, which consists of shorts and a sports bra.
Alongside the photo, Gabi wrote: “Today I was asked to leave my gym and ‘change’ because a school teacher (who was supervising teenage students) had a problem with this outfit and complained.
“It’s a hot day, the air con was not on, but apparently this government teacher was concerned about the teacher seeing so much skin.”
The complaint prompted the powerlifter to e-mail the principle of the school.
She warned the head teacher that one of their staff members had “behaved inappropriately”.
Gabi said her clothing had been selected to allow her to get the most out of her workout – and added that a school should have no say in what she wears as an “independent adult woman”.
The gym-goer said: “My heavy lifting workouts require me to use a significant range of motion, meaning that fitted and stretchy clothes are necessary.
“Due to the heat today and level of energy used, I was wearing the most practical thing – workout shorts.
“Nevertheless, due to the complaint of your teacher, I was asked to leave and change my outfit.
“As I am not in any way affiliated with, or a representative of your school, I am horrified that you school has sway over my clothing choices (and freedom to exercise) of an independent adult woman.
“Moreover, your school is perpetuating values (with real life consequences) that are demonstrably harmful.
“Namely, that we live in a world where 14-year-old boys are given priority over women.”
Gabi’s followers said they were “infuriated” by the school’s actions.
The powerlifter hoped she would get an explanation about the teacher’s actions, but the school denied having any involvement in the situation.
A response by the principle reads: “I’m sorry that this matter has caused you distress, but I understand from my investigations that this incident was not instigated by our staff, nor did our staff ask that you leave the gym.
“The matter is between you and the gym management…
“Our school values being part of our community and part of that involves sharing space with others in a mutual respectful and inclusive manner.
“All members of the community should be treated with equal respect.”
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