The fitness culture has swept across Nigeria, and while fitness centres serve as venues for enthusiasts to enhance their physical health and well-being, concerns are being raised about these establishments morphing into hotspots for romantic encounters.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Lagos, several gym-goers remarked that the fitness culture has evolved into something far more complicated than just a place for physical exercise.
Folarin Adekoya, a gym-goer from the Ikeja area, stated that many enthusiasts appear to be more interested in socialising and capturing images for social media than in focusing on their workouts.
“Some women wear revealing and provocative gym outfits, which raises questions about their motivations for choosing such clothing.
“But it’s not merely the attire that’s causing a stir. Some individuals use these spaces to connect with romantic partners.
“I’ve seen women in gym outfits that are quite distracting, especially when you’re trying to concentrate on your workout,” Mr Adekoya said.
Jason Onwuka, a frequent visitor to a gym in Festac, shared his views on the shifting balance between fitness pursuits, distractions, and the escalating influence of social media.
“I prefer going to the gym to work out because it motivates me, but I’ve noticed that people often meet up at the gym, and it’s clear they aren’t there to exercise.
“They spend hours chatting and laughing together, which detracts from the gym’s intended purpose.
“As society becomes increasingly individualised, individuals seek new avenues for connection.
“The gym has transformed into a space where people can meet new friends, find romantic partners, and experience a sense of community,” he explained.
Mr Onwuka acknowledged that while the gym’s popularity has surged and social interactions have increased, it remains the responsibility of individuals to stay focused on their goals.
“No matter what you do, distractions will always exist. If you enter the gym with a clear objective to train and concentrate on your workout, it is up to you to decide how these distractions affect you.”
He also noted that professional women who frequent the gym tend to be more committed to their workouts and typically dress in a more practical manner.
“They opt for comfortable leggings or tights that facilitate movement,” he said.
Recently, former Big Brother Naija star Teddy A weighed in on the issue of inappropriate gym attire.
In a video shared on his social media page, Teddy A expressed his concerns regarding the trend, emphasising the necessity of covering sensitive body parts during workouts.
“I don’t wish to appear insensitive, but we don’t want to see a scenario where girls are banned from gyms due to indecent dressing,” he remarked.
Teddy A’s comments ignited a heated debate on social media, with some advocating for stricter dress codes in gyms, while others decried this as an overreaction.
A manager at a popular fitness centre in the Ajah area, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that they have had to establish rules concerning appropriate attire and behaviour within the gym.
“We aim to foster a welcoming and respectful environment for all our members.
“However, despite the management’s efforts, the trend shows no signs of abating.
“People are increasingly using the gym as a venue to meet new acquaintances and enjoy themselves, and as long as they aren’t disrupting another person’s workout, I see no harm in that,” he said.
