Healthiest Generation or Happier at the Pub?

A few years ago, I became fixated on altering my body. Influenced by "gymfluencers" and social media posts showcasing workout routines and transformation stories, I dived into gym culture.

I spent up to two hours daily weightlifting, consuming chocolate-flavored protein shakes that often left me nauseous, and eating over 100g of protein each day to “bulk up” my glutes and achieve a "revenge body."

It seems I wasn’t alone. Recent reports indicate that gym memberships among Gen Z have significantly increased over the last few years, nearly doubling since 2020.

Around 30% of Gen Z regularly work out in fitness facilities, compared to only 15-25% of the overall adult population.

Some suggest that, as Gen Z reduces alcohol consumption, the gym has become the new social hub, replacing the pub.

The CEO of UKActive even suggested that, with proper guidance, Gen Z could become the most health-conscious generation yet. At first glance, this seems promising.

But as a 26-year-old who enjoys both beer and bench presses, I see a more complex picture.

While abstaining from alcohol and prioritizing exercise undeniably improve health, I worry that this gym craze points to deeper societal issues.

For me, my gym obsession was fueled not by positive aspirations but by insecurities, financial stress, and a relentless need to maximize productivity.

Social media appears to play a significant role in this trend. It’s difficult to distinguish between prioritizing health and obsessing over appearance, and for many of us, the latter seems more prevalent.

Growing up surrounded by fitness influencers who emphasize their looks has left its mark. A reported 40% of Gen Z feels social media has made them more self-conscious about their appearance.

A decade ago, it was mainly celebrities with unattainable physiques; now, countless “normal” individuals seem to have them, too.

This environment fosters comparison and competition. Unsurprisingly, a study found that nearly 50% of Gen Zers cite “improving their appearance” as a primary reason for working out. It’s a major factor for me as well.

This is disheartening because, in my experience, the pub was a crucial backdrop for growing up and building friendships.

That dynamic has shifted. My friends and I now have full-time jobs, side projects, gym routines, and fewer pub outings.

Initially, I assumed this decline was due to adulthood, but at just 26, it’s clear this change stems from broader generational trends and economic constraints.

The rising cost of socializing has certainly had an impact. The average cost of a pint has skyrocketed from £2.30 in 2008 to over £5 today, and even higher in cities like London.

By contrast, my budget gym membership costs £28 per month, making regular pub visits less justifiable.

As a result, many pubs are closing, possibly due to a shrinking base of younger patrons. For my friends and me, pub visits have become special occasions rather than regular meetups, often skipped to save money.

However, I don’t see the gym filling the social role that pubs once did. Gyms aren’t designed for interaction; they’re structured for individual productivity. Mirrors dominate the space, equipment is typically single-use, and most people wear headphones and avoid eye contact. It’s a setting for solitary self-improvement rather than community building.

For me, the realization eventually set in that no amount of gym time would “win back” my ex, and my preoccupation with mirrors and body image was far from empowering.

Instead, it was an obsessive pursuit of self-enhancement. I felt good because I convinced myself I was “working on myself,” but this mindset perpetuates the damaging idea that our value is tied to commodified traits like our physical appearance.

Once I recognized this, my priorities shifted. Now I attend group fitness classes that focus on cardio and core strength, actively avoiding mirrors. Thinking less about my body has made me significantly happier.

Exercise undeniably offers physical benefits, and the harms of excessive drinking are well-documented.

But this shift from pubs to gyms doesn’t necessarily represent a straightforward improvement.

Many of us crave spaces that foster community without being tied to self-optimization. We need areas that exist purely for enjoyment and connection.

Lately, I’ve found joy playing Frisbee in the park with friends. Perhaps next time, we’ll bring along some cans.

Source: theguardian

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.