‘Lagos gyms fast becoming hookup spots’

The fitness culture is rapidly growing in Nigeria, but a new trend is emerging that is raising concerns among gym-goers: fitness centers are increasingly being used as venues for social interactions, including romantic encounters.

In interviews with on Saturday in Lagos, several gym members expressed that the gym environment has shifted from being solely focused on physical health to one that also serves as a space for meeting new people.

Mr. Folarin Adekoya, who frequents a gym in Ikeja, pointed out that some visitors seem more interested in socializing and posting for social media rather than actually working out.

“Some women are seen wearing revealing and provocative gym outfits, which leads to question the motivations behind their choice of clothing,” Adekoya noted. “But it’s not just the clothing that’s causing a stir. Some gym-goers use these spaces to hook up with romantic partners. I’ve seen women wearing gym outfits that are quite revealing, and it can be distracting, especially when you’re trying to focus on your workout.”

Jason Onwuka, another regular gym-goer from the Festac area, shared his views on the changing dynamics of fitness centers, noting that social media and the desire for community have contributed to the shift.

“I prefer going to the gym to work out because I’m more motivated there, but I’ve seen people meeting up at the gym, and it’s clear that they’re not there to work out,” Onwuka said. “They’ll spend hours talking and laughing together, and it’s just not what the gym is meant for. As society becomes increasingly individualised, people are looking for new ways to connect with others. The gym has become a space where people can meet new friends, find romantic partners, and feel a sense of community.”

However, Onwuka emphasized the need for personal focus in such a distracting environment. “Whatever it is you do, there will always be distractions. If you go to the gym with a clear goal to train and focus on your workout, it’s up to you whether you allow distractions to affect you.”

Onwuka also observed that professional women attending the gym tend to be more focused on their exercises and dress in a way that prioritizes comfort and functionality. “They wear comfortable leggings or tights that are easy to work out in.”

Recently, former Big Brother Naija star, Teddy A, shared his thoughts on the topic of revealing gym attire. In a video posted to his social media, Teddy A expressed his concern about the trend of indecent dressing at gyms and its potential repercussions.

“I’m not trying to be insensitive, but we don’t want them to start banning girls from the gym because of indecent dressing,” he said. His comments ignited a debate on social media, with some calling for stricter dress codes at gyms, while others dismissed the calls as an overreaction.

A manager at a popular fitness center in the Ajah area, who asked to remain anonymous, said that they have already implemented specific rules regarding appropriate attire and behavior at the gym.

“We want to create a welcoming and respectful environment for all our members. But despite the efforts of the management, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. People are using the gym as a way to meet new people and have fun, and as long as they’re not disrupting someone else’s workout, I don’t see the harm,” the manager said.