As Nigerians embrace the fit-fam lifestyle, gyms across the country have seen a surge in new members and the popularity of trendy workout wear.
From matching sets to branded activewear, fitness fashion has become a statement of its own. From matching Lycra two-pieces to crop tops, body-hugging leggings, see-through mesh pieces, and ultra-short biker shorts, gym fashion has evolved into a trend.
However, the rise in form-fitting and revealing outfits has sparked controversy and conversations across social media. Even celebrities are speaking on what is now widely regarded as the “indecent gym dressing” issue.
Here are some stars who have spoken up about the indecent gym wear trend:
Williams Uchemba
Actor and comedian Williams Uchemba didn’t mince words in his viral video addressing the trend of revealing gym outfits among women.
In April 2024, he revealed that he quit going to the gym because of the indecency he witnessed, adding that he did so to ‘make heaven.’
Ladies, should all the men stop coming to the gym? Because your indecent dressing is getting out of hand. It’s becoming appalling. I’m tired. Please, try to dress decently at the gym. Some men are determined to make heaven. Please don’t distract us. Every time one comes to the gym, he is forced to see what he didn’t intend to see.
He added that the indecent dressing has forced him to set up a gym in his house.
You ladies have made up your mind to prevent Nigerian men from going to heaven, but it won’t work because I’ve left the gym. I’ve set up a gym in my house because I cannot cope. I want to make heaven.
I want to talk about something real quick. If you go to the gym often, I think you’d understand what I’m about to discuss. Our gym queens, I’m not trying to disrespect anyone or be insensitive right now, but please try to cover your bum before coming into the gym. What’s going on?
Detailing his ordeal, he urged female gym goers to wear more modest clothing instead of the sheer, exposing gym wear they put on.
We don’t want them to start banning girls from entering the gym because of indecent dressing. Is it until they start banning you guys before you change? There are a lot of gym fits you can wear that cover all that; you don’t need to expose your lady parts. I’m just saying.
Yhemo Lee
Most recently, nightlife promoter Yhemo Lee complained about the same issue, but spotlighted the men, who he said wear tights to the gym. He argued that indecent dressing cuts across both genders and needs to be spoken about.
In his video posted in October 2025, he urged men to shop from popular active wear brands for more appropriate clothing.
I’m not an antagonist for the gym, but I feel like we need to start dressing appropriately for the gym. If you’re not a prostitute, why would men wear tight shorts to the gym? I understand why women do it because they need to keep their breasts and bum firm when they work out, but men? As a man, why would you wear tights? And your whole outline is showing? Go to Nike and Adidas, they have appropriate active wear for men.
As fitness culture continues to grow in Nigeria, there are more conversations about comfort and respect in shared spaces.. The line between appropriate and inappropriate gym wear remains a hotly debated subject, especially since Gym fashion and style are now incorporated into fitness culture. It’s unlikely that this conversation will end soon.
