Follow the Rabbit is a (video) podcast that invites you into the messy, interconnected world of cultural research. Join Igor and Johannes in Season 1 as they use Toby Shorin's essay Life after Lifestyle to explore cultural rabbit holes, connect unexpected dots, and uncover insights that shape our world, all while working with the garage door open.
This episode of Follow the Rabbit explores the evolution of gyms and wellness spaces, focusing on the emergence of “social wellness clubs.” Key points include:
1. Post-pandemic shift in fitness motivations from weight loss to stress reduction and holistic well-being.
2. Introduction of “social wellness” concept, combining physical fitness with mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
3. Integration of traditional practices (e.g., Ayurveda, TCM) with modern technologies (e.g., cryotherapy, biohacking) in new wellness clubs.
4. Expansion of high-end social wellness clubs, particularly in Asia, offering comprehensive health programs.
5. Connection to Toby Shorin's new project, Care Cultures, focusing on holistic health and community leadership.
6. Discussion of the “unbundling of spirituality” from organized religion, with wellness spaces filling the gap.
7. Example of Open, a Los Angeles-based studio combining yoga with mental health focus and scientific approach to breathwork.
8. Reflection on the spiritual aspects of group breathwork experiences.
9. Reference back to Shorin's essay, particularly the quote about the opportunity to “build a new religion.”
10. Mention of the shift from lifestyle brands in the 2010s to “incentivized ideologies, network publics, and co-owned faith” in the 2020s, particularly in the context of Web3 communities.
The episode highlights how wellness spaces are evolving to meet changing societal needs, incorporating elements of community, spirituality, and holistic health beyond traditional fitness offerings. It suggests a trend towards more comprehensive, multifaceted approaches to well-being that address physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of health.
You can also watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Idc94655cWI