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The No-Phone Policy: Balancing Privacy and Social Media in Fitness Classes

Emily Holtzman leads a new charge in NYC to keep fitness spaces phone-free for a more focused and respectful environment.



Emily Holtzman, a 27-year-old yoga instructor in New York, has taken a firm stance against the use of mobile phones in her classes. Amidst the growing trend of documenting every aspect of life on social media, Holtzman finds the presence of phones in her yoga sessions disruptive. She posted a notice on her class door and shared a video on TikTok, which quickly went viral, showing her plea for a phone-free environment. This move sparked a range of reactions, from strong support to resistance from those who view filming their workouts as motivational.

The Broader Issue with Phones in Fitness Classes

The intrusion of smartphones into fitness spaces has escalated post-pandemic, with more individuals ignoring traditional gym etiquette that discourages phone usage during workouts. This has led to various problems, including other class members feeling uncomfortable or becoming unwilling subjects in background videos.

Community and Instructor Responses

While some fitness enthusiasts, like influencer Liv Schreiber, strive to film responsibly, others face backlash for disrupting the collective class experience. Yoga instructor Jacob Reynolds has even faced confrontations for enforcing a no-phone policy. The issue underscores a clash between personal expression and communal respect in shared spaces.

Looking Ahead

With institutions like CorePower Yoga revisiting their policies on phone use, the fitness community may see new guidelines that balance individual desires with group dynamics. As the debate continues, instructors like Holtzman are advocating for environments that prioritize personal presence and respect for privacy over digital documentation.

Conclusion

As social norms evolve with technology, the fitness industry must navigate the fine line between accommodating modern lifestyles and preserving the sanctity of personal space and focus in fitness classes. Emily Holtzman's stand may just be the catalyst needed for broader change.

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Vertical Bar Media

For insights on managing digital behavior and enhancing user privacy, visit Vertical Bar Media

Source: Wall Street Journal

Photo Credit: Sara Bouwman

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