Expat reveals ‘crazy’ truth about gym culture

A British expat living in Australia has gone viral after revealing a surprising truth about Australian gym culture, highlighting the extraordinary level of trust and safety compared to gyms in the UK.

A British expat living in Australia has sparked widespread discussion online after revealing what she calls a “crazy” difference between gym culture in Australia and the UK.

Influencer Emily Dew-Gosling, who has lived on the Gold Coast for three years, shared a viral TikTok video showing open cubbies in Australian gyms filled with car keys, handbags, and wallets, completely unattended.

“The trust Australians have for each other is crazy. London could never,” she said, joking that anyone could “pick and mix a car from the car park.”

Speaking to news.com.au, Dew-Gosling explained that the video reflects how safe and welcoming Australia has felt since she moved there.

“The main concept behind the video is honestly just how refreshing it has always been since moving to Australia three years ago. It feels safe and welcoming,” she said. “I get the same feeling at the beach or in cafes. You can leave your belongings and they are still there when you return. In the UK, you could never do that.”

Australians quickly agreed in the comments, with many saying they had never even questioned leaving their belongings unattended.

“I actually hadn’t considered how unusual this is. Maybe we are just laid back,” one user commented. Another joked, “I never worry about my car getting stolen. Hopefully it stays that way.”

Others shared culture shock experiences abroad, particularly in the UK and the United States.

“I had culture shock at a Pilates class in London. People were locking everything up even though we were all in the same class, and someone threw my coat on the floor to grab theirs,” one Australian wrote.

Another added, “I realised how naive I am when I left my bag with my wallet and phone on the beach in Waikiki to go swimming.”

An Australian living in London shared a similar experience, saying their British flatmate constantly reminded them to lock the door because leaving it unlocked was normal back home.

Abbey Vergone, from Club Pilates Australia, said the behaviour is especially common in boutique fitness studios.

“This video is very accurate for boutique fitness in Australia,” she said. “You would not see the same level of trust in large commercial gyms, but boutique studios focus heavily on building community.”

Vergone explained that seeing the same people weekly creates familiarity and trust, making gyms feel like shared safe spaces rather than anonymous environments.

“It is similar to Australian beach culture. There is a quiet understanding that you are part of a respectful, like-minded community,” she said.

Source: Nypost.com