Some gym users and fitness seekers in Lagos have expressed concerns over fitness centres increasingly becoming venues for romantic encounters.
The workout facility users who spoke to NAN lamented that some fitness enthusiasts priorities socialising over improving their physical health and well-being.
Folarin Adekoya, a gym-goer in Ikeja, said some enthusiasts seem more focused on socialising and taking photos for social media than on actual workouts.
“Some women wear revealing and provocative workout facility outfits, which raises questions about their motivations,” he said.
“But it’s not just the clothing causing a stir. Some gym-goers use these spaces to hook up with romantic partners. I’ve seen women in outfits that are quite revealing—it can be distracting when you’re trying to focus on your workout.”
Jason Onwuka, a gym user in Festac, said he struggles to balance staying fit with distractions from social media influencers.
“I prefer the gym for motivation, but I’ve seen people meeting up there clearly not to work out,” he said.
“They’ll spend hours chatting and laughing, which isn’t the gym’s purpose.”
He said as society becomes more individualistic, people seek new ways to connect, making workout facility spaces for friendships, romance, and community.
However, Onwuka emphasised that staying focused is an individual choice:
“There will always be distractions. If you go to the gym with a clear goal, it’s up to you whether you let distractions affect you,” he added.
He said professional female gym-goers tend to be more focused, wearing practical workout attire like leggings or tights.
Recently, former Big Brother Naija star Teddy A raised concerns about indecent dressing in workout facility, urging female users to cover sensitive body parts.
“I’m not being insensitive, but we don’t want workout facility to start banning girls over dressing,” he said.
His comments sparked a social media debate, with some users advocating stricter dress codes and others calling it an overreaction.
A manager at an Ajah fitness centre told NAN they have implemented rules against inappropriate clothing and behaviour to maintain a respectful environment.
“We want all members to feel welcome,” the manager said.
“But despite our efforts, the trend persists. As long as it doesn’t disrupt others, some see no harm in using workout facility to socialize.”
