Lagos, Nigeria's Stadium Gym stands as a testament to raw power and unbreakable will, a place where champions are forged amidst rusty, heavy equipment and the thunderous echoes of effort. Fitness enthusiast Bukkymajor stepped into this intense world, documenting her experience training alongside what she describes as "absolute animals". Her journey offers a compelling look inside "the toughest gym in Lagos," revealing a culture built not on modern amenities but on a powerful sense of community, relentless motivation, and a shared desire to become a beast. Bukkymajor's decision to leave her "soft girl era comfort zone" provided a firsthand account of the gym's demanding but ultimately rewarding environment.
The training philosophy at Stadium Gym is hardcore from the very beginning. Bukkymajor’s back and shoulder workout commenced with a staggering five sets of ten pull-ups, which was dismissed merely as a "warm-up". This intensity is the norm in a place where focus is paramount. She observed that there are no "fashion parades" or idle distractions; athletes are there for one purpose: to push their bodies to the absolute limit. The gym operates on a set of simple, unspoken rules: no hoarding equipment, no scrolling on phones, and every personal record attempt becomes a communal event cheered on by all. This environment fosters a unique motivational dynamic. One athlete explained to Bukkymajor, "I see people that are bigger than me and it gives me the ginger," a sentiment that captures why many choose this gym over others.
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Bukkymajor found herself training with a lineup of Nigeria's elite strength athletes, including Kelvin Power, one of the nation's strongest men; David Buffest, the reigning strongman record holder; and formidable powerlifter Monday King. Also present were Oak, a slap fighter and boxer, and BDA, a bodybuilder. The gym is a hub for diverse athletes, including young footballers who supplement their training with running and core exercises, all aiming for victory in their upcoming games. The space is also welcoming to women committed to serious training; Bukkymajor met a 20-year-old female basketball player who saw significant results within just three months. Throughout her session, Bukkymajor was relentlessly pushed by the gym's "big dogs," who made sure she completed every single rep of every set.
The feats of strength she witnessed were extraordinary. Bukkymajor watched as Kelvin Power successfully deadlifted an immense 340 kg for two reps. Spurred on by this display, Monday King challenged himself to lift 300 kg for five reps, with the force of the weights slamming down making the "old ground" feel as if it might "open up". These athletes have their sights set on a monumental goal: to break the Nigerian deadlift record with a 400 or 450 kg lift by December. The gym’s scope extends beyond lifting, featuring a boxing section run by a coach named Kapo, who confirmed the gym is bustling with energy every day of the week.
Despite the grueling workout that left her "super exhausted" and her entire body aching, Bukkymajor's experience was profoundly positive. Though initially intimidated by being the only woman surrounded by "giants," she quickly discovered that these men were "more than muscles. They are family". They pushed her beyond her perceived limits, and while she wasn't "smiling through the pain," she finished every set. Her journey into the heart of Stadium Gym highlights a unique institution where immense physical strength is cultivated alongside an even stronger sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
