Planet Fitness tells Bay Area woman to cover up because her 'toned body' is intimidating

A California woman was told her “toned body” was intimidating other people who were working out a Bay Area Planet Fitness and staff members asked her to cover up.

Tiffany Austin of Richmond joined the gym so that she could work her way back into shape while recovering from a car accident. She tried to work out on Monday, but was stopped after only 15 minutes when other gym members became uncomfortable with what her stomach-revealing tank top and capri-pants were putting on display.

Austin told KTVU that she was approached by a staff member who said, “Excuse me, we've had some complaints you're intimidating people with your toned body. So can you put on a shirt?”

She agreed to put on the shirt, but was bothered by another staff member before she could even put it on. Austin decided enough was enough, requested to speak with a manager and then asked for her money back.

Planet Fitness has 5 million members and a company policy that bans “gymtimidation.”

According to the company website:

“We at Planet Fitness are here to provide a unique environment in which anyone -- and we mean anyone -- can be comfortable. A diverse, Judgement Free Zone® where a lasting, active lifestyle can be built. Our product is a tool, a means to an end; not a brand name or a mold-maker, but a tool that can be used by anyone. In the end, it’s all about you.”

A spokesperson from the Planet Fitness corporate office said the company "strives to make everyone feel comfortable" but that the staff and manager can evaluate the dress code at their own discretion.

[KTVU] [Planet Fitness]