Lagos, Nigeria – October 9, 2025 – A Nigerian gym enthusiast has sparked laughter and debate online after humorously complaining about the growing trend of content creation disrupting workouts. In a viral TikTok video posted on October 7, 2025, the user, identified as Temi, a 29-year-old fitness enthusiast, quipped, “I spent more time dodging cameras than working out,” highlighting the challenges of navigating a gym increasingly filled with influencers filming reels and livestreams.
The Viral Complaint
In the 30-second clip, Temi is seen attempting a deadlift at a popular Lagos gym, only to pause repeatedly as gym-goers with tripods and ring lights crowd the equipment. “Every corner, someone’s shooting a TikTok or Instagram Reel. I’m here dodging cameras like it’s an obstacle course,” he says, rolling his eyes before jokingly mimicking a content creator’s pose. The video, tagged with #GymLifeNaija and #CameraDodger, has racked up over 200,000 views and thousands of comments, resonating with fitness buffs frustrated by the same issue.
Temi, who works in tech and has been hitting the gym for three years, later elaborated in a follow-up post: “I get it—people want to inspire or show off their gains. But when you’re waiting 10 minutes for a squat rack because someone’s filming a ‘fitspiration’ video, it’s a problem.” He noted that some gyms in Lagos now have designated filming zones, but enforcement is lax, leading to equipment monopolization.
A Growing Trend in Nigeria’s Fitness Scene
The rise of social media content creation has transformed Nigeria’s fitness culture, particularly in urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. With over 40 million active social media users in Nigeria (per a 2025 Statista report), gyms have become hotspots for influencers showcasing routines, promoting fitness brands, or chasing viral fame. Popular gyms like FitFam Arena and Iron Pulse have reported a 30% increase in membership since 2023, partly driven by social media exposure, but this has come with complaints about space and etiquette.
Fitness coach Amaka Ojo, who runs a gym in Ikeja, acknowledged the tension: “Content creators bring visibility, but they can disrupt serious gym-goers. We’re working on time limits for filming to balance things.” Meanwhile, some influencers defend their presence, arguing it motivates others. Fitness influencer @NaijaFitQueen commented on Temi’s video: “Filming pushes me to stay consistent, and it inspires my followers. We can all share the space.”
Social Media Reactions
The video has trended on X and TikTok under #GymCameraWahala, with users sharing their own tales of dodging selfie sticks and tripods. “I once waited 15 minutes for a treadmill because someone was doing a ‘glow-up’ montage,” one user posted. Others offered humor: “Temi’s new workout: camera evasion squats 😂.” Some suggested gyms charge extra for filming permits, while others urged mutual respect: “If you’re filming, don’t hog the equipment. Simple.”
The debate has also sparked memes, with one viral image showing a dumbbell labeled “Influencer” blocking a gym-goer captioned “Temi’s struggle.” Fitness blogs have picked up the story, with Pulse Nigeria running a poll asking if gyms should ban filming outright, with 60% of respondents favoring stricter rules.
A Call for Balance
Temi, who clarified he’s not against content creation, hopes his video prompts gyms to enforce clearer guidelines. “Let’s work out and film in peace—there’s space for both,” he said in a follow-up. As Nigeria’s fitness industry grows—projected to hit $500 million by 2027—the clash between sweat and selfies underscores the need for etiquette in shared spaces.
For now, Temi’s relatable rant has turned him into an accidental spokesperson for gym-goers craving uninterrupted reps, proving that in Lagos’s bustling fitness scene, dodging cameras might just be the ultimate cardio.