Stat: UK Gen Z look to gyms rather than pubs for socialising

UK – A shift in social habits is emerging among Gen Z, who increasingly choose gyms over pubs for socialising.

According to a survey of 2,039 adults aged 18–24 in the UK by The Gym Group, 37% of respondents now view exercise as a social activity, 23% list socialising as a core motivation to exercise and 42% have made friendships through fitness. 

This trend reflects a broader movement towards prioritising health and wellness over traditional nightlife; The Gym Group recorded a 10% rise in average monthly gym visits among this age group in 2023 compared to the previous year, with 62% of Gen Z respondents saying they exercise at least twice a week. Meanwhile, 47% said they had reduced their alcohol consumption or stopped drinking in the past six months. 

In our Gen Z Now and Next: 2024–2025 report, we explored how Gen Z are rewriting the expectations of hedonistic youth by embracing sober-curious lifestyles. This rise of health-conscious socialising is having an impact on nightlife, with venues adapting by offering non-alcoholic drinks, wellness-focused experiences and even opening Sober Bars.