Kenyan fitness creator Gachau has challenged the common belief that muscular men naturally receive overwhelming attention from women, saying his experience has been quite different.
Speaking during an interview with content creator Tony Mwirigi, Gachau said many people assume bodybuilding automatically increases a man’s appeal to women. However, he argued that most of the admiration he receives actually comes from fellow men.
“Those are a lie. It’s only men. Men are the ones who are mesmerised by these muscles.”
According to Gachau, men are often curious about his physique because they aspire to achieve a similar body. He said they frequently approach him to ask questions about fitness, training, and muscle development.
He added that women tend to react differently. While some are curious about his physique, he believes only a small number are specifically attracted to heavily built bodybuilders.
“Ladies actually fear it. They come and touch your muscles to see whether they are real, but wanting to be with you – it’s very few ladies whose type is bodybuilders.”
Bodybuilding has grown steadily in popularity in Kenya over the past decade. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube have helped fitness creators build large audiences by sharing workout routines, nutrition advice and transformation journeys. Many creators have also turned their online presence into businesses through brand partnerships, coaching programmes and fitness-related products.
Direct messages are dominated by men
During the interview, Gachau was also asked whether his interactions with women on social media changed following his participation in a recent fight.
His response echoed his earlier remarks.
“Ladies, it’s barely. Mostly my DMs are men. Ladies are maybe there when we’re being transactional or when they want advice.”
He explained that the majority of his direct messages come from men seeking guidance on fitness, exercise routines, and body transformation rather than from women expressing romantic interest.
His comments challenge a long-standing stereotype that muscular physiques automatically translate into greater romantic attention. Instead, Gachau suggested that bodybuilding often earns respect and curiosity from other men who admire the discipline required to build muscle.
Fitness beyond appearance
Health experts generally note that resistance training offers a range of benefits beyond physical appearance.
Regular strength training has been linked to improved muscle mass, stronger bones, better metabolic health, and enhanced mental wellbeing when combined with proper nutrition and recovery.
For many fitness creators, social media has also become a platform for education, with audiences increasingly seeking practical advice on training techniques, healthy lifestyles and sustainable fitness goals.
While Gachau acknowledged that some women engage with his content, he maintained that the overwhelming majority of interactions he receives online center on fitness discussions rather than romance, reinforcing his view that bodybuilding attracts admiration more than it does dating prospects.
