Filming your lifts isn’t just for influencers anymore.
Serious lifters use video to improve technique, track progress, and create content. The problem is most people film their workouts the wrong way.
Phones fall. Tripods block walkways. Angles are useless. Equipment gets in the way.
This guide breaks down:
- Why you should film your workouts
- The most common filming mistakes
- The best way to record squats, bench, and deadlifts
- Tripod vs magnetic phone holder vs grip pad
- How to film safely without annoying everyone in the gym
TLDR: Best Way to Film Your Gym Workouts
- Film from a 45-degree angle for most compound lifts.
- Avoid bulky tripods in busy gyms.
- Use a magnetic mount for racks and machines.
- Use a grip pad when no metal surface is available.
- Prioritise safety and minimal space usage.
Why You Should Film Your Lifts
Filming isn’t about ego. It’s about feedback.
Video helps you:
- Spot form breakdowns you can’t feel
- Track progressive overload
- Improve bracing and bar path
- Build accountability
- Create content if you want to
Even one filmed top set per workout can accelerate progress.
Common Mistakes When Filming Gym Workouts
1. Blocking Equipment
Large tripods in commercial gyms create friction and safety issues.
2. Bad Angles
Filming directly from the side or directly from the front often hides key mechanics.
3. Unstable Phone Placement
Leaning your phone against a water bottle or bench is unreliable and risky.
4. Overcomplicating the Setup
If your setup takes 5 minutes every set, you won’t stay consistent.
Best Angles for Filming Major Lifts
Squats
Position the camera 30–45 degrees behind you. This shows depth, knee tracking, and bar path.
Bench Press
Film from a slight diagonal at chest height to capture elbow flare and bar movement.
Deadlifts
A 45-degree front angle shows hip hinge mechanics and lockout position.
Overhead Press
Film slightly from the side to evaluate bar path and torso positioning.
Tripod vs Magnetic Phone Holder vs Grip Pad
Option 1: Traditional Tripod
Pros:
- Stable on open floor
Cons:
- Bulky
- Blocks equipment
- Annoys gym members
- Hard to reposition quickly
Tripods work best in private gyms or home setups.
Option 2: Magnetic Phone Holder (Premium Setup)
A magnetic mount attaches directly to racks, machines, and metal surfaces.
Best for:
- Power racks
- Smith machines
- Cable stations
- Compact filming
Benefits:
- No floor space used
- Fast repositioning
- 360-degree angle adjustment
- Clean, minimal setup
Shop Savage Mag Safe Phone Holder
Option 3: Grip Pad (Budget / Minimalist Option)
A grip pad allows your phone to lean securely against surfaces without slipping.
Best for:
- Benches
- Plates
- Machines
- Non-magnetic surfaces
Benefits:
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Portable
- Works in any gym
Which Option Is Best?
If you train consistently and want the cleanest, safest setup, the magnetic holder is superior.
If you want a simple, low-cost solution that works anywhere, the grip pad is effective.
Both outperform bulky tripods in commercial gyms.
How to Film Without Annoying the Gym
- Keep setup tight and compact
- Avoid walkways
- Don’t film strangers
- Keep sessions efficient
- Be respectful of shared space
Filming for Technique vs Filming for Content
There is a difference.
Technique filming:
- Prioritise clear angles
- Short clips
- No need for lighting or edits
Content filming:
- Consider lighting
- Stable framing
- Multiple angles
- Reels or TikTok formatting
Your setup should support both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to film gym workouts?
A compact setup using a magnetic phone holder or grip pad is more practical and safer than a full tripod in most commercial gyms.
Where should I place my phone to film squats?
Place it at a 30–45 degree angle behind you to capture depth and bar path.
Are magnetic phone holders safe for the gym?
Yes, when attached to secure metal surfaces like racks or machines.
Is a tripod necessary for filming workouts?
No. In most commercial gyms, a magnetic mount or grip pad is more efficient and less disruptive.
Final Thoughts
Filming your workouts should improve your training, not complicate it.
Keep your setup simple. Keep it compact. Keep it safe.
If you train seriously, your filming system should match your standards.