A northwest DC gym has put a plan to install security cameras in the men’s locker room on hold after it surprised members and met with some resistance.
VIDA Fitness in Logan Circle has emailed members to inform them that cameras will be strategically placed in discreet locations near the exit, entrance and sink.
The company pointed out that the number of thefts in men’s locker rooms has increased since the pandemic.
“I think it’s kind of an invasion of privacy,” said member Garrett Anderson. “You know, the locker room is a safe place to change and shower after practice.”
The plan surprised him and he considered changing gyms.
“I was thinking this morning about whether I should move to another gym that respects my limits a little,” he said.
In 2012, cameras were installed at a VIDA Fitness store in Northwest DC to catch a locker thief. The cameras recorded a suspect entering and exiting the lockers.
David von Storch, CEO of VIDA Fitness, said crime remains a problem even years later.
“We had a series of thefts in the men’s locker room,” he said.
“We only have this problem in the men’s locker rooms at our DC clubs,” he said.
However, he said the company’s message about the cameras could have been better.
“We are trying to put out the fire that we caused by our own mistake,” said von Storch.
“We need to make sure people understand the policy,” he said.
In an email to members Tuesday afternoon, VIDA Fitness said it would pause the installation of the cameras until members understood the surveillance and privacy policies and could provide feedback.
The email said the cameras would not capture video of the restrooms, showers or changing areas in the locker rooms. The company also said there would be notices that cameras would be visible and that there would be no live video in the gym.
VIDA Fitness said the video footage will be reviewed and made available to police if needed, otherwise it will be re-recorded monthly.
Some members have no objection to the cameras if they want to use them to reduce theft.
“For me personally, it doesn’t matter; it doesn’t affect my gym experience,” said Charles Lainoff. “I will keep my membership.”
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