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Gyms emerge as new social spaces for young adults
For 28-year-old Sydney Cassidy, stepping into her local gym is more than a workout-it's where she connects with friends. Known online as Syd Grows, the digital creator says fitness centers have become her primary social outlet, offering a vibrant alternative to traditional nightlife.
The shift from pubs to fitness centers
Post-pandemic, gyms have evolved into communal hubs, mirroring the role pubs played for previous generations. Industry data reveals a surge in young memberships: PureGym reported 47% of its January joiners were under 25, while The Gym Group found 40% of its 360,000 Gen Z members formed new friendships on the gym floor.
Mintel's research highlights this trend, noting that 51% of 18- to 24-year-olds visited a gym multiple times in July 2025, compared to 42% who frequented pubs for drinks.
Wellness redefined: beyond weights and treadmills
Younger generations now view wellness holistically, expecting gyms to offer more than equipment. Paul Davies, Mintel's leisure trends director, explains that fitness centers are positioning themselves as social spaces, encroaching on the traditional role of bars and nightclubs.
"Young consumers are choosing gyms over alcohol-centric socializing," Davies said.
This shift is evident in hybrid activities like post-workout coffee meet-ups and protein smoothie gatherings, blending fitness with social interaction.
Community and empowerment on the gym floor
In Grimsby, Oasis Health Club's disco-lit studio hosts weekly cardio classes where 50 attendees-mostly women-celebrate personal milestones together. Megan Riley, a 20-year-old paralegal apprentice, describes the classes as empowering, offering a nightclub-like atmosphere without the hangover.
Vikki Harries, a 28-year-old safeguarding manager, echoes this sentiment. Her social life revolves around gym sessions and marathon training with friends, replacing traditional outings. "The gym feels like a space for like-minded people," she says.
Industry growth and economic impact
UKactive reports that 75% of 16- to 28-year-olds engage in strength training at least twice weekly, the highest rate among all age groups. The Gym Group noted a 12% rise in youth participation from 2017 to 2024, with 44% of Gen Z members working out to socialize in 2025-up from 37% the prior year.
Spending reflects this trend: Gen Z's average monthly fitness expenditure rose 17% to £48.81 in 2025, covering memberships, apps, and equipment.
Hospitality sector feels the strain
While Mintel found no direct evidence linking gym popularity to declining pub revenues, the Night-Time Industries Association reports a 28% drop in clubs, pubs, and bars since 2020. High-profile closures, like Pryzm nightclubs in 2024 and Revolution bars in January, underscore the sector's challenges.
Lauren Connis of Oldham Active observes that gyms are often "heaving with young people," countering misconceptions about disruptive behavior. "They're there to connect and improve their well-being," she says.
Friendship and motivation fuel the trend
For London-based students Marwan Hamouche and Arthur Perroud, gym sessions are a cornerstone of their social routine. The 19-year-olds, both from Dubai, train together three times weekly, citing motivation and camaraderie as key benefits. "It's harder to go alone," Arthur admits.
Syd Cassidy sums up the appeal: "I justify the cost because I don't go out drinking. The gym is how I choose to spend my free time."
