Research from Nuffield Health has revealed that an increasing number of Brits are using fitness as an important part of their social life.

Twenty five per cent of those surveyed are now part of a fitness community, such as a running club, a CrossFit group or a leisure centre-based programme and 52 per cent of this cohort say their social life has improved, with 46 per cent reporting reduced feelings of loneliness.

As digital and remote lifestyles continue to dominate, “third spaces” like gyms and group fitness settings are emerging as platforms for face-to-face interactions. For those working remotely, 72 per cent said their workouts improve their social wellbeing.

Thirty one per cent of those who are part of a fitness community say exercise is their main form of socialising and 25 per cent of those doing moderate or vigorous physical activity say it’s made it easier and to meet like-minded people.

“We’ve noticed gyms becoming more than just places to be active – they’re evolving into third spaces with real social eco-systems,” says Gurpreet Gujral, chief operations officer, fitness and wellbeing at Nuffield Health. “Whether it’s a running club, group class, or just a gym coffee social, fitness gives people purpose, structure, and a way to connect – especially for those who don’t have that elsewhere.”

Working out as part of a community – with shared accountability – helps people feel more connected, consistent, confident, and supported in staying active, while also delivering stronger and more lasting outcomes.

Fifty six per cent of respondents say they’re more likely to stick to a fitness routine when it's social and 57 per cent say being part of a group improves motivation.

Young adults and men are currently seeing the most benefit from community-driven fitness: 25 per cent of men surveyed said exercise is their primary social outlet, compared with 14 per cent of women.

Thirty eight per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds say exercise helps them meet new people and 77 per cent of millennials say their social wellbeing has improved through community-based exercise. However this happens less with older people with just 15 per cent of those aged 55 saying it helped them to meet new people.

Those in “perfect health” are nine times more likely to be proactive members of a fitness community than those who consider themselves unhealthy.

The survey was conducted by Censuswide for Nuffield Health in May 2025 among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults.