ActiveSG gym-goer claims weightlifting belts 'banned', cable machine attachment duct-taped
An ActiveSG gym-goer has expressed frustration over what he termed a “ban” on "lifting belts" and the duct-taping of cable machine attachments at some outlets.
In a 49-second video posted on March 15, Camus Goh, who runs the Instagram account @fitwithbro_, lamented the alleged ban on weightlifting belts at ActiveSG gyms. The video has already amassed more than 75,300 views and 1,640 likes.
The 20-year-old student also claimed that the “use of attachments” was banned on the cable machines in some ActiveSG gyms. Cable machines are adjustable exercise machines used to target multiple muscle groups.
Mr Goh observed that the carabiners on cable machines were duct-taped, preventing the last-used attachments from being removed.
“Whichever one of you messed up… I hope you lose your gains,” said Mr Goh in his video.
In response to Stomp’s queries, Mr Goh clarified that he had seen a “no weight belts” sign displayed near the pull-up station at the Delta ActiveSG gym on March 12 at around 7.15pm.
Mr Goh clarified that the sign referred to dip belts — used to add weight during dips and pull-ups — and not Olympic weightlifting belts.
He had observed the duct-taped cable machine attachment during a separate visit a few months ago, at the ActiveSG gym in Fernvale Square.
Mr Goh did not ask staff members any further questions about these supposed rules, but told Stomp that he felt sorry for weightlifters who no longer have "flexibility" in their training.
While he says he no longer visits ActiveSG gyms, Camus said it's a go-to gym for many people he knows.
“Back then (when I was going frequently), they didn’t have all these limitations,” Mr Goh recounted.
He suggested that these perceived rules are why “more people are shifting towards private gyms”.
However, as private gyms are pricier, Mr Goh insisted that ActiveSG should remain a “reliable foundation” for gym-goers.
Other gym-goers share similar experiences
Mr Goh does not appear to be the only gym-goer who is frustrated with such rules.
Instagram user @13rien_lim commented that he had been stopped from using a dip belt — a specialised strength training belt — while user @plstalktomw_ claimed that a friendly employee had advised him to be more discreet in using his lifting belt.
Responding to a negative comment, Mr Goh said that he felt that the equipment at ActiveSG gyms was generally "decent" apart from the duct-taped attachments.
Stomp finds no belt ban sign at Sengkang ActiveSG outlet
When Stomp visited one of the ActiveSG gyms in Sengkang, there were no visible signs that weightlifting belts were prohibited.
A gym-goer was also seen using a strap on a cable machine, even though a tricep rope attachment had been used there about 10 minutes earlier.
Stomp understands that the Fernvale Square and Sengkang ActiveSG gyms have recently been upgraded with new equipment.
A staff member advised gym members to seek assistance from on-site fitness instructors should they wish to change any attachments, as fitness instructors are formally trained to operate the new equipment.
The rules and regulations for ActiveSG, which are available online, do not state that weightlifting belts are prohibited.
However, ActiveSG states that Olympic weightlifting training is only allowed at “designated gyms with proper platform, equipment, and space.”
Sport Singapore: Dip belts now permitted
In response to Stomp's queries, a Sport Singapore spokesperson said on March 19 that dip belts are now allowed in ActiveSG gyms, following a review of existing regulations. However, gym users are reminded to exercise caution and be considerate to other users.
"ActiveSG staff may request patrons to discontinue use if they observe unsafe practices," added the spokesperson.
However, the spokesperson stated that the modification of gym equipment, including the use of personal attachments, is not permitted to deter hogging of machines and prevent potential damage.
"We encourage gym users to utilise the machines in the way they have been set up in the gym."
Editor's note: This article has been updated to include a statement from Sport Singapore.
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