As the fitness movement continues to gain momentum across Nigeria, healthcare professionals have issued a stern warning to Nigerians: while exercise is essential for a healthy life, overexertion and unmonitored routines could lead to severe consequences, including serious injury, collapse, or even death.

With gyms springing up across urban centers, fitness influencers rising on social media, and more Nigerians lacing up their running shoes, the enthusiasm for physical wellness is commendable. However, the rise in fitness trends has also coincided with troubling reports of people collapsing or developing health issues during or after intense physical activity. This has prompted experts to caution that exercise, much like medicine, must be used wisely—and under the right conditions.

The Thin Line Between Fitness and Overexertion

According to Professor Rufus Adedoyin, a seasoned physiotherapy expert at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, while exercise is crucial for health maintenance, it must be tailored to an individual’s physical and medical condition.

“Exercise can be abused just like drugs,” Adedoyin said in an interview. “We’ve seen cases where people push themselves too hard and end up with serious injuries. That’s why proper assessment and guidance are critical.”

He noted that inappropriate exercise regimens can lead to joint injuries, muscle strains, tendon damage, mental burnout, and, in extreme scenarios, cardiac events or loss of consciousness. He highlighted the increasing number of gymgoers with little to no professional oversight who self-prescribe high-intensity workouts simply because they see others doing them.

“People see high-intensity interval training (HIIT) online and try to replicate it, not knowing the toll it takes on the heart, muscles, and joints,” he added.

Cardiopulmonary Fitness Should Be Evaluated First

Dr. Chris Okafor, President of the Association of Clinical and Academic Physiotherapists of Nigeria and Associate Professor at the University of Lagos, echoed Adedoyin’s concerns. He emphasized that anyone engaging in physical activity should undergo pre-exercise cardiovascular and pulmonary evaluations to determine if they are fit for exercise—especially those with underlying health conditions.

“If an individual goes into exercising without knowing their cardiopulmonary status, they may be abusing exercise, even with the best intentions,” Okafor warned.

He explained that certain individuals—such as those with hypertension, diabetes, or obesity—are particularly vulnerable to the effects of overtraining. In these cases, low- to moderate-intensity workouts, prescribed by professionals, are more appropriate.

“It’s not just about doing the right exercise; it’s about doing it at the right time, with the right body. A person may be physically active but not cardiovascularly fit. That person could end up in an emergency room—or worse,” he said.

The Hidden Danger of Exercise Without Medical Clearance

Incidents of sudden collapse during physical activities are not uncommon in Nigeria. Over the years, reports have emerged of both amateurs and professional athletes dying or becoming seriously ill while training or competing. Some of these tragic cases have been traced back to undiagnosed heart conditions or the stress of unmonitored physical activity.

Dr. Okafor likened exercise to a prescription drug that should be administered by professionals based on clinical diagnosis.

“Exercises are like medicine—they require prescriptions,” he stressed. “That’s why before anyone starts a new fitness routine, they should consult a cardiologist, get screened, and then work with a physiotherapist or certified trainer.”

Rising Fitness Culture and Associated Risks

Nigeria’s fitness industry has seen rapid growth in recent years, with an explosion of gym chains, online training programs, and wellness influencers. The youth population, in particular, has embraced strength training, CrossFit, yoga, dance aerobics, and other forms of activity.

While this trend has many positive effects—such as combating rising cases of obesity, heart disease, and sedentary lifestyles—experts are worried that many participants are adopting extreme routines without medical supervision or basic understanding of safe practices.

Prof. Adedoyin recommended that non-athletes and older individuals should steer clear of overly intense regimens.

“High-intensity workouts are best left for professional athletes or individuals under strict supervision. For general wellness, it is safer to do low- or moderate-intensity routines like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming,” he advised.

Nutrition and Sedentary Lifestyles Also in Focus

Aside from exercise, both experts urged Nigerians to pay attention to their diets and daily activity levels.

“Processed foods and sugar-laden beverages are major contributors to metabolic disorders,” Adedoyin said. “These should be drastically reduced. People should also avoid sitting for prolonged periods, especially at work or in front of screens.”

Staying active throughout the day—even with light movements like stretching or walking breaks—can significantly improve metabolic and cardiovascular health, especially when paired with moderate exercise routines.

A Pattern of Preventable Tragedies

In recent years, stories of individuals collapsing while jogging, at the gym, or during sports tournaments have become more frequent. While many of these cases go unreported or are poorly investigated, health experts believe that most are preventable with proper screening and fitness planning.

In 2023, the death of a middle-aged man during a community football match in Lagos stirred public concern. Eyewitnesses claimed the man had no prior symptoms but collapsed suddenly while chasing the ball. An autopsy later revealed an undiagnosed heart condition.

Such incidents, according to Dr. Okafor, are stark reminders that even seemingly healthy individuals may be harboring silent cardiovascular risks.

What Needs to Change: Expert Recommendations

To mitigate future tragedies and ensure sustainable fitness adoption in Nigeria, both physiotherapy experts proposed the following:

1. Mandatory Pre-Exercise Screenings: Especially for gyms and fitness centers, individuals should be required to undergo basic health checks, including blood pressure and heart rate monitoring.

2. Increased Public Awareness: Campaigns should be launched to educate the public about the dangers of overtraining and the need for medical supervision.

3. Trained Fitness Professionals: The government and health bodies must regulate the fitness industry to ensure trainers are certified and understand how to cater to various body types and health conditions.

4. Fitness Prescription Culture: Exercise should be seen as a medical intervention—customized, dosed appropriately, and supervised when necessary.

5. Better Collaboration Between Medical and Fitness Sectors: Physiotherapists, cardiologists, and certified trainers must work together to create structured fitness programs tailored to different populations.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Health Goals With Safety

As Nigeria continues to battle chronic illnesses driven by poor diets and sedentary lifestyles, exercise will remain a critical component of preventive healthcare. However, the narrative must shift from “more is better” to “safe is better.”

If more Nigerians understand that fitness isn’t about pushing limits but about longevity, sustainability, and safety, then the ongoing wellness revolution will yield long-term benefits without fatal consequences.

In conclusion, while the benefits of exercise are well-documented, healthcare professionals are clear: it must be approached with caution, understanding, and professional oversight. Otherwise, the very tool meant to improve lives could end up cutting them short.