Today in Focus Is the gym gen Z’s pub?
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Apr 18, 2025 
Isabel Brooks, a freelance writer for The Guardian and a member of Gen Z, discusses how her generation views gyms as new social hubs, replacing traditional pubs. Alongside Nia Kinshe, a regional project lead at a human rights organization, they explore the blend of fitness and social connection. They delve into personal stories of how gym culture fosters relationships while navigating challenges of social isolation. Both highlight Gen Z's pride in fitness, viewing criticism as a motivation for growth, amidst shifting cultural dynamics.
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Nia's Gym Transformation Journey
- Nia Kinshe shares how she transformed her body and grew confident through the gym, starting at age 15.
- She notes the gym can give a sense of community though social interaction there is limited and often unspoken.
Why Gyms Win Over Pubs
- The high cost of pubs and social risk make gym memberships more appealing and less risky for young people.
- Social media and productivity pressure push Gen Z towards fitness rather than casual socializing at pubs.
Post-COVID Social Challenges
- Gen Z's pandemic-era lost socializing years make building community harder, even as gyms serve as common spaces.
- However, social interaction in gyms is mostly limited to individuals focused on their workouts, less communal than pubs.