Photo credit: Kimberly Smith
One of the first sights you see when you walk into the APU weight room is a large sign above the cubbies labeled “DRESS CODE.” The first two sentences state: “We strictly enforce our dress code to prevent disease transmission. Anyone not following the dress code will be asked to leave –no exceptions!”
Then it lists the dress code that students must follow in order to use the weight room. The first rule states: “Only unaltered T-shirts and sleeveless shirts which cover the entire stomach, chest and back, (NO tank tops or bra tops) are allowed.”
The other rules describe what is considered appropriate attire (“sweats, modest shorts and similar items”), require athletic shoes and prohibit large earrings, visible necklaces and nonathletic footwear and clothing such as flip-flops, jeans and skirts.
The bigger question is not whether we should be following the required dress code, but rather whether we as Christians should be dressing modestly at all times, including while at the gym.
For some odd reason, students enter a different state of mind when walking into the weight room and their morals of dressing modestly no longer matter. In my experience, the majority of males at the APU weight room are wearing altered shirts that barely cover their chests and backs, and females are wearing short shorts and little tank tops, despite the supposed “no exceptions” rule.
“I do not think we need a dress code. We are adults,” sophomore communication major Taylor Hust said. “But, as a Christian I choose to dress modestly because I do not want to be viewed in a negative way when I am working out.” Hust does not use the APU gym regularly; he is a member of Traid Fitness.
Modesty is ingrained into the dress code; it even states that “modest” shorts are an example of appropriate attire. The dress code lists several explanations to the rules; one states: “Modest dress prevents anyone from being offended by what others are wearing (or not wearing).”
We have the ability to make our own wardrobe decisions but as Christians, modesty should be apparent through everything we do. Our bodies are temples of Christ, and we should treat ourselves and each other with respect.
So I am not saying that every inch of skin needs to be covered, but rather, make sure what you wear will be seen as respectful and appropriate at all times. This includes while at the gym.
Ladies should be wearing shorts they would wear walking around campus, and both ladies and gentlemen should wear shirts that aren’t so revealing as to present major distractions to fellow students. Oh and men, those “shirts” that only cover half your chest and back are not attractive, trust me.
“There is no point for guys to wear altered or cut shirts in the weight room,” senior business major Garrett Slocum said. “It serves as no purpose at all and nobody in there wants diseases.” Slocum uses the weight room nearly every day and was a former football player at APU.
Hygiene is also a big and highly practical reason for the dress code. As the code’s explanation section states, people may get MRSA, ringworm or other diseases through coming in contact with unsanitary pads, mats or other equipment. In addition, altered shirts lead to excessive sweat and moisture, which can damage equipment, according to the dress code.
Nobody wants to get a disease while they are trying to break a sweat and burn calories. So, cover up, people!