• Robert Crampton’s article in The Times and Paul Byrne’s comments sparked a heated debate about women’s gym attire, with critics calling out body policing and outdated attitudes.
• Social media backlash highlighted the growing frustration with sexualizing women’s bodies in gym spaces, as many advocate for women dressing for themselves.
• The controversy underscores a cultural shift toward inclusivity and acceptance in fitness spaces, emphasizing the need for empowering environments free from judgment.

An article by Robert Crampton in The Times titled “I’m in the gym with semi-clad young women. Where do I look?” has stirred a heated conversation online about women’s gym attire. In his piece, Crampton, 60, expressed discomfort over women wearing sports bras and tank tops at the gym, calling the environment distracting: “However honorable you may be, a room full of women in their underwear is still distracting.”

This sparked a broader debate during Newstalk’s Lunchtime Live, where Paul Byrne, director of Body Byrne training, shared his controversial opinion. Byrne stated, “We have a lot of young girls practically wearing bikinis when they’re working out now,” referring to midriff-baring workout sets as “workout bikinis.” He claimed such outfits could intimidate others and described them as “practically narcissistic.”

However, the backlash was swift. Many women and men took to social media platforms like TikTok to call out these statements. Female fitness influencer Izzy Warner posted a video wearing gym shorts and a sports bra with the caption, “Don’t mind me, just wearing my workout bikini.” Another TikToker mocked the comments with a video of himself hiding behind a workout machine, captioned, “POV: You’re a grown man in a gym and an intimidating woman walks in wearing her intimidating gym bikini.”

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One TikTok user rebuked Byrne’s remarks with a pointed statement: “How about we stop sexualizing women’s bodies? Maybe look at yourself in the mirror if you can’t refrain from looking at young girls?” They added, “Ever consider that women DO NOT dress for the male gaze in the gym?”

The Bigger Issue: Body Policing

Crampton’s previous article, “No one wants to see a fatty at the ballet. It just doesn’t stack up,” faced similar criticism for body-shaming. His recent comments seem to touch on a larger issue: societal discomfort with women choosing to dress for themselves. Many critics argue that such opinions reflect outdated attitudes toward women’s autonomy over their bodies.

Byrne’s claim that revealing clothing is “intimidating” also prompted conversations about gym environments and inclusivity. Fitness spaces should be empowering, not places where women feel judged for their clothing choices. “The only intimidating thing about a woman’s gym outfit is the fact that a man is looking at it,” one TikToker aptly pointed out.

A Shift in Perspective

Despite the controversy, the backlash highlights a growing cultural shift. More individuals are calling out problematic narratives and advocating for women’s right to dress however they choose—whether in a “workout bikini,” yoga pants, or a full tracksuit. This pushback reflects progress toward breaking down stereotypes and fostering acceptance in fitness spaces.

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Let’s hope this ongoing conversation helps create a future where everyone feels comfortable and confident in the gym, free from judgment or unwelcome comments.

What’s your take on this debate? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!

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