Young People Hit the Gym to Stay Fit in Lagos

By Precious Oguche

At 6 a.m., while much of the city is still stretching awake, 22-year-old Peter Ogunsola is already halfway through his workout at a gym in Surulere.

Sweat drips down his face as high-energy music plays in the background.

“For me, the gym is more than a place to lift weights; it is a space to clear my head before facing the chaos of Lagos traffic and school stress,” Ogunsola said.

Across Lagos, an increasing number of young people are embracing gym culture as a core part of their daily routine.

From Surulere to Lekki and Ikeja, fitness centres are recording increased attendance, especially among university students and young professionals.

Certified trainer Joshua David said social media has contributed heavily to this rising interest in fitness.

“Many young people see workout routines online and want to try them,” David said.

He noted that beyond following digital trends, the youth are beginning to truly understand the importance of staying healthy.

Health professionals across the state believe this fitness trend is a highly positive shift.

General practitioner David Emmanuel said regular exercise helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and other lifestyle-related illnesses.

“In a fast-paced city like Lagos, stress levels are high, and physical activity helps both the body and the mind,” Emmanuel said.

Despite the enthusiasm for fitness, some logistical and financial challenges remain.

Ogunsola noted that monthly gym subscriptions can be prohibitively expensive for students.

“Sometimes the fees are difficult to keep up with, but I see it as an investment in my health,” he said.

Furthermore, overcrowding during evening hours is another major concern for gym users across the city.

Still, many young Lagosians say the long-term physical and mental benefits heavily outweigh the immediate challenges.

For them, hitting the gym is no longer a luxury. It is now an essential lifestyle choice. The gym provides a dedicated space to build confidence, maintain discipline, and foster community.