By Markisrael Sowonu Gabriel
In many Nigerian cities, it is becoming easier to notice people walking, jogging, cycling, stretching or exercising in open spaces, especially in the early hours of the morning and in the evening. Fitness is no longer seen only as something for professional athletes or people who want to build large muscles. For some Nigerians, it is gradually becoming part of everyday life. From outdoor workouts and home exercises to gym sessions and fitness activities shared on social media, the way people think about staying fit appears to be changing.
For many years, going to the gym was one of the most common ways people associated with fitness. However, fitness is gradually moving beyond gym walls. In places such as Abuja, Lagos and other major cities, outdoor spaces are being used for running, walking, cycling, yoga, stretching and group exercises. A 2026 report by The Guardian Nigeria on fitness activities around Jabi Lake in Abuja described the area as a growing fitness hub where people gather for different forms of exercise. The growing interest in such activities suggests that some Nigerians are looking for ways to remain active that are more flexible and accessible than traditional gym routines.
Cost is also part of the conversation. Gym memberships can be expensive for some people, especially when transport, feeding and other daily expenses are considered. The Guardian Nigeria reported that gym memberships in major Nigerian cities can range from about ₦30,000 to ₦150,000, depending on the location, equipment and services provided. This does not mean that Nigerians have stopped using gyms. Instead, it shows why some people may choose alternatives such as jogging on the streets, exercising at home, joining informal fitness groups or using public spaces where they can exercise without paying a membership fee.
Social media has also changed the way people learn about fitness. A person who wants to begin exercising can now find workout routines, stretching exercises, fitness challenges and nutrition advice on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Nigerians also turned to social media for home workout videos when gyms and other public spaces were restricted. Today, that habit has continued for many people, making it possible to exercise without necessarily having a personal trainer or access to a gym.
The influence of social media, however, comes with both benefits and concerns. Fitness content can encourage people to become more active and give beginners ideas about how to start. It can also create pressure to achieve a particular body shape within a short period. Some online fitness advice may not be suitable for everyone, especially when it involves intense workouts, strict diets or the use of supplements without proper guidance. The desire to look fit can therefore sometimes become more important than the actual goal of maintaining good health.
The World Health Organization says physical activity is important for preventing and managing conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and some cancers. It can also improve mental health and general wellbeing. According to the organisation, adults should aim for between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, or between 75 and 150 minutes of vigorous activity. Muscle strengthening activities are also recommended on at least two days each week. Importantly, physical activity is not limited to gym workouts. Walking, cycling, sports, household activities and other forms of movement can also contribute to a person’s level of physical activity.
The need for greater physical activity is important because physical inactivity remains a major public health concern around the world. The World Health Organization reported that about 31 percent of adults globally did not meet recommended levels of physical activity in 2022. It also reported that insufficiently active people have a 20 to 30 percent higher risk of death compared with people who are sufficiently active. These figures are global, not figures for Nigeria alone, but they show why regular movement is an important part of maintaining good health.
In Nigeria, health authorities have also identified physical inactivity and obesity as issues that need attention in the fight against non-communicable diseases. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has encouraged Nigerians to engage in adequate physical activity as part of efforts to reduce health risks. This is important because changes in lifestyle, including how people eat, work, move and spend their free time, can affect long-term health. As more Nigerians live busy urban lives, finding simple ways to remain physically active becomes increasingly important.
For young Nigerians in particular, fitness is also becoming connected to appearance, confidence and social life. Some young people exercise because they want to lose weight, build muscle or improve their body shape, while others see exercise as a way to reduce stress and feel better mentally. Fitness groups can also provide social connections because people who share similar goals can motivate one another. A 2024 Tribune Online feature on Nigerians turning to gyms noted that health concerns, the desire to manage weight and social interaction were among the reasons people became interested in gym activities.
The growing interest in fitness does not mean that every Nigerian has suddenly adopted an active lifestyle. Economic pressure, long working hours, academic demands, transportation problems and the lack of safe public spaces can make regular exercise difficult. In some communities, people may also have limited access to recreational facilities. For others, exercise may simply not be considered a priority when they are dealing with more immediate concerns such as food, rent, transportation and other household expenses.
The environment in which people live can therefore influence their ability to stay active. A person may want to walk or cycle regularly but may be discouraged by unsafe roads, heavy traffic, poor walkways or a lack of suitable public spaces. This means that encouraging fitness should not be left entirely to individuals. Cities and communities also need spaces where people can safely walk, run, cycle and exercise. Better public recreational facilities could make physical activity easier for people who cannot afford regular gym memberships.
At the same time, the changing fitness culture shows that staying healthy does not always require expensive equipment or a membership card. A person can begin with simple activities such as walking, running, stretching or bodyweight exercises. What matters is consistency and choosing activities that are appropriate for the person’s age, fitness level and health condition. This is also why fitness should not be treated only as a competition over appearance or physical strength. The bigger goal is to build habits that can support a healthier life.
The change in fitness habits among Nigerians is therefore less about abandoning the gym and more about expanding the meaning of fitness. Gyms remain important, but they now exist alongside outdoor workouts, home exercises, walking groups, cycling communities and digital fitness programmes. Social media has made fitness information easier to access, while growing awareness of lifestyle-related health problems has encouraged more people to pay attention to physical activity.
As this culture continues to develop, the challenge will be to move beyond temporary fitness trends and build lasting habits. A person does not have to become an athlete to benefit from physical activity. Even simple movement, when done regularly, can contribute to better health and wellbeing. For Nigerians facing increasingly busy and demanding lifestyles, fitness may be becoming less about having the perfect body and more about having the strength and health needed to live everyday life.
