Afrofusion singer Terry Apala has once again set social media abuzz with his controversial views, this time focusing on women and their relationship with fitness centers. Speaking on the popular Echoo Room Podcast, the artist claimed that many women who regularly attend gyms are not primarily motivated by fitness but by social factors and content creation.
According to him, gyms have evolved into lifestyle spaces where people—especially women—go to enjoy the environment, connect with others, and create digital content, rather than push themselves through rigorous workouts.
“I feel like our girls of nowadays are just going there to enjoy the whole vibe,” Terry Apala said during the interview. “They’re not really there to work out. If they were, they wouldn’t be spending so much time on videos and pictures.”
Earlier Comments on X
This is not the first time the singer has shared such sentiments. Back in August, Terry Apala caused a stir on X (formerly Twitter) when he declared that he would never allow his partner to register at any gym. At the time, he warned men to reconsider letting their wives or girlfriends become members of fitness centers. His statement was met with mixed reactions, with some accusing him of being controlling while others supported his stance, saying it reflected their personal experiences.
Doubling Down on His Claims
On the Echoo Room Podcast, Terry Apala doubled down on those earlier comments, insisting that while a small number of women attend gyms with genuine fitness goals, the majority treat them as social arenas. In his view, fitness centers have increasingly become spaces for networking, socializing, and lifestyle branding rather than strictly for physical exercise.
“They’re just vibing, they’re not there to actually work out,” he said. “The minority really train hard, but the majority are focused on content creation and the social scene around the gym.”
He added that it is common to see women filming workout routines, posing for photos, or engaging in casual conversations instead of committing to exercise regimens.
Men Are Not Innocent Either
Interestingly, the singer did not limit his criticism to women. He also noted that men have their own reasons for frequenting gyms, and not all of them are fitness-related. According to him, some men go to gyms solely to flirt with or woo women, creating an environment where genuine training is secondary to social pursuits.
“Men too are guilty,” Terry Apala explained. “Many go there to meet women, to gist, or even to chase after gym instructors. So, it’s not only the ladies who are not serious about training.”
His Personal Experience
Terry Apala revealed that his opinion is drawn from personal experience. As a member of well-known gyms in Nigeria, including iFitness, he claimed he had witnessed situations that shaped his beliefs. He warned men to be cautious if their partners are gym members, alleging that the risk of romantic entanglements between women and male gym instructors or fellow gym-goers is high.
“If you have the money, put your girl inside your house, buy the tools, let them gym at home,” he advised. “Because at the end of the day, no matter what, your babe is talking romantically with one of those guys in the gym or the gym instructor.”
The Backlash
Unsurprisingly, his comments have ignited heated debates across social media platforms. Critics accused him of generalizing and pushing harmful stereotypes about women. Many female fitness enthusiasts defended themselves, pointing out the discipline and effort it takes to maintain consistent workout routines. They argued that dismissing their commitment undermines the growing number of women embracing health, fitness, and strength training.
Supporters of Terry Apala, however, argued that he was simply voicing what many already observe. They claimed it is common to see women—and even men—treating the gym as a lifestyle accessory rather than a place for serious workouts.
Broader Conversation
Beyond the controversy, Terry Apala’s remarks shine a light on the evolving role of gyms in modern Nigerian society. Once regarded mainly as training grounds for bodybuilders and athletes, gyms today are social and cultural hubs influenced by social media trends. With the rise of fitness influencers on Instagram and TikTok, it is not uncommon for people to combine workouts with content creation, blurring the line between training and lifestyle marketing.
Final Thoughts
Whether one agrees with Terry Apala or not, his comments have opened an important conversation about fitness culture, gender stereotypes, and social behavior in gyms. For some, his perspective reflects real-life experiences in Nigerian gyms, while for others, it is an unfair generalization that disrespects the genuine efforts of women committed to fitness.
Ultimately, the gym can serve multiple purposes depending on individual goals. For some, it is a place of discipline, sweat, and strength. For others, it is a space for socializing, networking, and self-expression. What remains clear is that fitness is personal, and everyone has the right to choose how they engage with it.
