They Lied to Us: The Real Truth About Bodybuilding in Nigeria

They lied to us.

Social media made fitness look like pump-up music, gym selfies with perfect lighting, and “never skip leg day” shirts.

But real bodybuilding? It’s pain, sweat, and that one day when you question every life decision.

My bad day came last March.

Picture me at the gym, staring at the barbell like it stole my money. My strength training progress had plateaued. I couldn’t lift as much as I did last week. My fitness transformation felt stuck.

Then the worst happened.

I FAILED my bench press.

Bar dropped on my chest like Lagos rent.

I shouted:

“Guy! Help me! I never sign up for funeral service oh!”

Two bros near me rushed over, lifted the bar, and one said:

“Bro, you dey carry ego, not weight.”

Everyone laughed. My pride died instantly.

That evening, I went home frustrated. I took off my shirt, stood in front of the mirror expecting to see muscle growth results… but nah. The abs were shy. The chest was forming, but confused.

Only thing growing well was self-doubt.

I opened Instagram:

Everyone had shredded bodies, perfect workout routines, protein shakes that looked like luxury smoothies.

Me? I drank custard.

The pressure got to me.

That night, I told myself:

“I’m done. Gym is for people with strong destiny.”

But then something unexpected happened.

The next morning, I got a message from my trainer:

“Where you dey? We get back and biceps today. If you no show, I go post your progress pics from day 1.”

Threat worked.

I dragged myself back there.

Music vibrating. Dumbbells clanking. Sweat smell mixing with ambition.

I wore my smallest confidence.

Trainer clapped loud: “Welcome back, Mr. Gains! We go build body today!”

We started slow:

• Lat pulldowns
• Barbell curls
• Deadlifts
• Rows

Every rep felt like it was building not just muscle, but my mental health too.

Halfway through, I was shaking like my phone on vibration mode.

I told him:

“Coach, I think my ancestors are calling me.”

He replied:

“No be ancestors, na lactic acid. Continue!”

We laughed.

But I continued.

And then the plot twist.

A big guy walked up to me — the same one who laughed at my failed bench press.

He said quietly:

“Bro, I saw you yesterday. I know that feeling. But you came back today… respect. That’s the real bodybuilding journey. Na consistency dey sculpt champions.”

He fist-bumped me.

Simple gesture.

Massive effect.

From that day, I stopped chasing perfection.

I started chasing consistency.

• Protein diet improved
• Form corrected
• Sleep prioritized
• Ego dropped
• Strength increased

Fat loss came slowly.

Muscle growth came quietly.

Confidence came loud.

Months later, I benched that same weight that once embarrassed me — easily — like it was pure foam.

I jumped up and shouted:

“Who dey breeeeet?!”

Gym cheered like I won Mr. Olympia.

I’m still working. Still lifting. Still learning.

Progress is not aesthetic first — it’s internal.

Now when someone new struggles, I tell them:

“Gym no be competition. One rep a day fit change your destiny.”

Fitness isn’t about having a perfect bodybuilding physique or following a flawless workout plan.

It’s about showing up even when you hate your reflection.

It’s about pushing even when your body says stop.

It’s about becoming someone you can respect — one push, one protein meal, one set at a time.

So if you’re reading this and thinking of quitting?

Rest if you must.

Cry if you must.

Complain small if you must.

But come back.

Because the version of you that you dream about…

Is waiting at the next workout.