As Nigeria’s fitness culture experiences a meteoric rise, with gyms springing up across major cities and fitness influencers dominating social media, concerns are mounting over the shifting dynamics of what used to be a purely wellness-driven space. Increasingly, fitness centres are being perceived not just as places for physical improvement but as social hubs and, in some cases, romantic rendezvous spots.

In a series of interviews conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, several gym-goers expressed mixed feelings about the evolving purpose of gyms across the state.

Folarin Adekoya, a regular gym enthusiast in the Ikeja area, highlighted the growing tendency among some patrons to prioritise social media aesthetics and flirtation over actual fitness goals.

“Some women are seen wearing revealing and provocative gym outfits, which leads to questioning the motivations behind their choice of clothing,” Adekoya said. “It can be distracting, especially when you’re trying to focus on your workout.”

Beyond fashion choices, Adekoya pointed out that gyms are gradually becoming social meeting points, with some individuals allegedly using the space to pursue romantic connections rather than fitness.

A similar sentiment was echoed by Jason Onwuka, another gym regular in Festac. While acknowledging that gyms can offer a sense of community and support, Onwuka expressed frustration with those who treat the fitness space as a social lounge.

“They’ll spend hours talking and laughing together—it’s clear they’re not there to train. The gym has become a place to meet new friends, find romantic partners, and just hang out,” he said.

Still, Onwuka believes individuals have the ultimate responsibility to remain disciplined and focused on their goals. “There will always be distractions. If you go to the gym with a clear goal, it’s up to you whether or not you allow distractions to affect your progress,” he added.

According to him, professional women at his gym typically dress modestly and practically, wearing outfits like tights and leggings that are conducive to exercise rather than attention-seeking.

The ongoing debate recently gained traction after reality TV star and former Big Brother Naija housemate, Teddy A, voiced concerns about what he described as “indecent dressing” at gyms. In a video posted to social media, he warned that such trends could eventually prompt gym bans targeting women.

“I’m not trying to be insensitive,” Teddy A said, “but we don’t want them to start banning girls from the gym because of indecent dressing.”

His comments sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for a balance between individual freedom and respectful public behavior. While some supported stricter dress codes, others saw the remarks as an overreaction and criticized attempts to police women’s clothing.

A manager at a prominent fitness centre in Ajah, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the trend is noticeable and has prompted some operational changes.

“We’ve had to implement guidelines around clothing and conduct to maintain a respectful environment,” the manager said. “But honestly, people come to the gym for different reasons—some to work out, some to meet new people. As long as they’re not disturbing others, I don’t see the harm.”

As Nigeria’s fitness industry continues to grow, experts say the debate highlights deeper issues around evolving social norms, gender dynamics, and personal boundaries in shared public spaces. For now, it seems the gym remains a space where wellness, socialising, and societal expectations intersect—sometimes uncomfortably.