• Fitness has become a social activity. • Most people meet their friends through fitness groups. • One in five Gen Z people have gone on a date with someone they met at the gym. • 58% of people surveyed by Strava said they have made new friends through fitness groups. • 49% Indians are eager to combine fitness with dating, and 42% are open to trying it if suggested by their partner. • 52% Gen Z singles are interested in fitness-centred dates. There is no doubt that the world of fitness has undergone a significant transformation in recent times. Gone are the days of solo workouts and solitary gym-goers. The rise of social fitness has led to a shift in the way people approach exercise. With the increasing popularity of group fitness classes, gyms, and fitness apps, the lines between socialising and exercising have blurred.

The Benefits of Socialising in Fitness

“Fitness really is a shared experience rather than merely an individual pursuit. At Cult, our group workouts are specifically designed to encourage social interaction while making fitness more enjoyable,”

Siva Kumar Pedhapati, head of brand marketing at Curefit, believes that fitness is not just about personal achievement but also about social interaction. The company’s group workouts are designed to foster a sense of community, making fitness a more enjoyable experience for its members.

Real-Life Examples

• Jackie Thakkar, a 32-year-old Mumbai-based standup comedian, joined a local frisbee group that meets twice a week. He has met many expats and NRIs and made new friends.
• Mallika Tarkas Parekh, owner of India operations of Physique 57, has seen many of her clients form lasting relationships through the sense of camaraderie and community they’ve developed with each other.
• Pracheta Mazumdar, senior marketing manager for APAC at Bumble, believes that unique and quirky interests are now key to attraction. The company has collaborated with Puma to host “Singles-Only” runs.

The Rise of Fitness-Centred Dating

1. 49% Indians are eager to combine fitness with dating, and 42% are open to trying it if suggested by their partner.
2. 52% Gen Z singles are interested in fitness-centred dates.
3. 95% of Gen Z singles say sporty first dates are appealing.
4. 44% of Gen Z singles say that it’ll be a dealbreaker if their partner is not interested in sports.

As the trend continues to shape up, gyms are now taking note to curate experiences centred around socialising for their clients. Curefit has launched initiatives such as “Squads” and “Make The Move” to engage members and foster deeper connections.

The company has also been holding micro-events like pottery sessions, origami workshops, and even painting classes for its members. These events are designed to engage members and cultivate deeper connections outside of the gym.

Physique 57 India also has a plethora of offerings to help people socialise. They regularly offer workout challenges in the studios that allow clients to be in friendly competition with each other. They also host mixers outside the studio that allow their clients to go, quite literally, from barre to bar.

With the increasing popularity of fitness socialising, it’s clear that gyms and fitness enthusiasts are redefining the way they approach exercise. From group workouts to social events, the lines between socialising and exercising have blurred. As we move forward, it will be exciting to see how this trend continues to evolve and shape the world of fitness.

As we move forward, it’s essential to remember that fitness socialising is not just about meeting new people but also about finding like-minded individuals who share your interests.
With the increasing popularity of fitness socialising, gyms and fitness enthusiasts are redefining the way they approach exercise.

Conclusion

The rise of fitness socialising has led to a shift in the way people approach exercise.