Fitness: The new social movement

From weekend aerobics sessions in residential estates to organised running groups preparing for marathons, yoga and Pilates classes, a quiet fitness movement is gaining popularity in cities like Lagos and Abuja. Increasingly, Nigerians across different age and status groups are choosing community-based workouts over solo routines, not just to stay fit but a way of […]

From weekend aerobics sessions in residential estates to organised running groups preparing for marathons, yoga and Pilates classes, a quiet fitness movement is gaining popularity in cities like Lagos and Abuja. Increasingly, Nigerians across different age and status groups are choosing community-based workouts over solo routines, not just to stay fit but a way of managing stress, building connections and reshaping their social lives.

What began as a casual interest in staying fit is quickly evolving into a lifestyle movement as many turn to structured, group-based workouts for both physical and mental wellbeing. In the face of demanding work schedules, rising stress levels and growing health awareness, fitness communities are offering more than exercise; they provide support systems, accountability and a sense of belonging.

For Grace Enefiok, a 29-year-old lawyer in Abuja, weekends are reserved for rest after long, exhausting workdays; however, that changed when she started going to the gym in 2022.

“I just wanted to lose weight and be more active,” she said.

What started as a simple fitness goal quickly grew into something more meaningful. The early morning workouts, group stretches and shared routines created a structure she had not realised she needed.

“Now, it is something I look forward to daily. It clears my head after work. Working out is great, but doing it in a group makes it even better,” she added.

Beyond the physical benefits, she said the sense of community had been the most unexpected reward.

“We talk, we laugh, we check on one another. It is no longer just about working out,” she said.

Jesse Ameh, a 32-year-old who joined a weekend aerobics group in his estate shared a similar experience.

“I have a desk job and barely move around, so I needed something different,” he said.

At first, it was simply about getting active after long hours of sitting. But over time, the group dynamic became just as important as the exercise itself.

“You meet people from different fields, and somehow everyone just connects. It is motivating in a way that working out alone never was. Through these sessions, I have also met more of my neighbours and even discovered new business opportunities,” he explained.

While health benefits motivate many to join fitness groups, for Evelyn Chukwuemeka, a 25-year-old entrepreneur, the decision was also about finding new hobbies and building connections.

“I got to a point where I wanted to be more social while also staying healthy. Since I am an early riser, I decided to start running,” she said.

What began as a solo activity soon became a shared experience. “Along my routes, I met other runners; and now, we plan our runs together and even organise mini competitions,” she said.

Evelyn added that joining a running group opened her up to new personal and professional opportunities.

“I have made amazing friends, and my business has grown because I am now open to more people. We have become like a family and even hang out outside running,” she added.

Opeyemi Adebayo, a civil servant, told Weekend Trust that joining a gym was initially about losing weight, but it quickly became more than that.

“At first, it was just about shedding some weight, but now, it is part of my daily routine. I feel more energetic, more focused at work, even my sleep has improved,” he said.

Similarly, Paul Blessing, an entrepreneur, said her motivation was driven by health concerns. “I started having back pain from sitting for long hours. My doctor advised me to exercise. Since I joined the gym, the difference is clear. I feel stronger and healthier,” she noted.

Beyond physical health, many Nigerians are turning to fitness as a coping mechanism for stress.

For Odion Joseph, a teacher, the gym has become a form of therapy. “Work stress can be overwhelming. When I am at the gym, it clears my head. It is like an escape. I leave feeling refreshed,” he said.

A polytechnic student, Chiamaka Ndubuisi, echoed similar sentiments: “It helps my mental health a lot. Anytime I am anxious or overwhelmed, working out helps me reset. It is like therapy without talking.”

Weekend Trust reports that the rise of the social media has also played a significant role in promoting fitness culture.

Owu Daniel, a fitness enthusiast and content creator, said platforms like Instagram and TikTok made fitness more appealing.

“People are more aware now. When they see transformations online, it motivates them. Fitness is becoming part of the culture, especially among young people,” he explained.

But despite the growing interest, a secondary school teacher, Hadiza Lawal, said cost remained a barrier. She said she would like to join a gym but fould it expensive.

“I try to exercise at home, but I know a proper gym would be better. The cost is just too high for me right now,” she said.

In Lagos, going to gyms or jugging has extended beyond the daily routines for professional sportsmen to all in different cadres, becoming a lifestyle for young professionals.

The dawn and dusk of each day shine on a growing number of young professionals, who either set early hours of the day to hit the streets pounding their feet on the ground or move out under the dark of the day.

Henry Dada, the director of Fitrybe Run Club, described the change of embracing running as a cultural evolution among urban youth navigating high-stress environments.

“Fitness in Nigeria was often viewed through the lens of bodybuilding or weight loss. However, we have seen a massive shift towards functional fitness. Young Nigerians are prioritising mental clarity, cardiovascular health and long-term mobility,” he said.

He emphasised the value of running beyond physical outcomes, saying young professionals are training to be part of a larger cultural movement and to test their personal limits in some events, like the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

“In our community, we say that the first mile is for the body, but every mile after is for the mind. We are not just building faster runners; we are building a more connected, resilient generation of Nigerians who view health as their greatest asset,” he added.

He noted that fitness had gradually become a core part of the digital and personal identity of many young professionals.

“Thanks to platforms like Instagram and Strava, being a runner or fitness enthusiast is a badge of honour. It is not just about the workout; it is about the discipline, the gear and values the lifestyle represents. This lifestyle identity helps people project a version of themselves that is disciplined, health-conscious and forward-thinking.

“As a community, we advocate that ‘you only need a pair of trainers and the willingness to show up.’ This inclusivity has made run clubs a democratic space where young professionals and students alike can participate without a heavy financial burden. It removes the intimidation that many people feel about gyms and creates a welcoming entry point into fitness,” he said.

Adegoke Mary, a runner and single mother, said the activity served as both therapy and a support system, adding that the community plays a central role in her physical and mental development.

“Exercise, especially running, which is my home field, is a natural therapy. It boosts you, clears the mind and gives a lot of self-sense of control.

“People want to join the run club basically to create friendship, accountability, and just belong to this certain group. So mostly, it is not just for the fitness itself. It is a social space where people feel connected, and people feel disconnected when they are not in all of these things. Joining these groups helps people to reconnect,” she said.

Mary, who balances motherhood, work and fitness, described how running structures her daily routine and improves productivity.

“I wake up at 4am every day to run a 10-kilometer, and by 5.30am, I am done. One thing that running has done for me is that I don’t feel tired at work. Even if I feel a bit tired, a short rest makes me very strong and agile for the rest of the day,” she said.

According to her, running exercise instills discipline and helps overcome challenges extending into her personal life.

“I am a single mom, so you can imagine how tough life is. But running helps me clear my head and gives me the strength to face daily challenges. By the time I get back from work, I still have the energy to take care of my child and handle house chores,” she said.

She noted that being fit aids personal transformation, saying she looks agile and smart. 

“Fitness helps build confidence and improve the way you look. I know how I was looking when I gave birth, and I know how I look right now because of my self-awareness. It has been very helpful for me, physically and mentally.”

She reflected on her long-term involvement in running, saying she does it for fun and not medals or financial reward.

“I have been running for years; now, I do it more for fun and sanity. I don’t necessarily run to win money anymore but to stay healthy and feel good. Events like the Lagos City Marathon would push you to prepare and stay disciplined, even if you are not competing to win,” she said.

Emmanuel Oyelake noted that adopting a fitness routine reshaped his lifestyle, improved diet and strengthened mental health. 

“I want to stay healthy and fit. It has helped my nutrition. I used to eat anything, but now, I am more careful about what I eat. I have more strength and can do things I could not do before.

“It has really helped my mental health because I no longer think about unnecessary things. Running and staying active keep my mind focused and reduce stress,” he added.

Abiodun Adu, a remote worker, attributed the surge in fitness culture partly to changing work patterns, saying the shift has made fitness more essential than ever.

“The disruption of the modern day shift from traditional office work to remote work has made it necessary to now imbibe a culture of fitness. Some remote workers like me find ourselves living a sedentary lifestyle,” he said.

He warned of the long-term implications of inactivity and underscored the importance of joining a fitness community.

“In fact, during my bachelor years, I could go days without stepping outside of my very small apartment. That’s honestly not a healthy way to live. It is important to recondition and redefine the way we see fitness in life.

“In many ways, community gyms and run clubs have become hubs where discipline, encouragement and healthy competition come together. For young professionals balancing demanding careers, these spaces provide both the structure and support needed to maintain fitness as a lasting lifestyle rather than a short-term goal,” he noted.

Stories like these are becoming increasingly common as more Nigerians embrace fitness, not just as a routine but as a lifestyle. For many, these communities offer structure, motivation and a break from the isolation that can come with busy city life.

According to Edwin August, a fitness instructor who coordinates group workout sessions in Abuja, there has been a noticeable rise in participation over the past year.

He said, “More people are joining now than before; people in their twenties, thirties, forties and even fifties. It used to seem like something meant mostly for men, but now, women are actively involved too.

“Before, people came only when they wanted to lose weight or felt unhealthy. Now, they are coming because they see it as part of their daily lives. It has become a necessity,” he added.

Beyond fitness goals, Edwin believes the sense of community is a major draw. “People don’t just come to work out; they come to belong,” he said.

Divine Duru, who runs a group spinning class, agrees that community workouts are becoming more popular because of the motivation they provide.

“It is easier to stay committed when you are surrounded by like-minded people. We grow together, we fail together and we rise together,” he said.

She added that while many initially join for fitness, the social aspect keeps them coming back.

“People enjoy the connections and the opportunities that come with it. The network is endless,” he said.

 

Medical experts weigh in

Speaking with Weekend Trust, health professionals said the trend was a positive development, especially given the rise in lifestyle-related diseases.

A public health physician, Dr Hammed Alausa, noted that sedentary lifestyles were a major risk factor for many conditions. “We are seeing more cases of hypertension, diabetes and obesity, even among younger people. Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to prevent these conditions,” he said.

While noting that consistency is key, he said: “You don’t need extreme workouts. Even moderate exercise done regularly can significantly improve overall health and longevity.”

Also speaking, a physiotherapist, Dr Adedoyin Kemisola, emphasised the importance of guided fitness.

“Joining a structured fitness centre helps because there are professionals to guide you. This reduces the risk of injury and ensures that people are exercising correctly,” she said.

In separate interviews with Weekend Trust, operators of fitness centres confirm the surge in interest.

The manager of a wellness hub in Kubwa, Abuja, Maryam Yusuf, said membership increased significantly in recent years.

“In the past, people only came when they wanted to lose weight for an event, but now, we see long-term commitment. People are more intentional about their health.

“And we are seeing a rise in female participation, especially in group classes like yoga, aerobics and dance fitness,” she said.

At another facility – Iron House – Tope Segun, a trainer said awareness was driving demand.

“People are beginning to understand that fitness is not just about appearance but about health. That awareness has changed everything,” he said.