Where do you like to go when you’re not at home or at work?
The term “third place” refers to a location other than the home (“first place”) or work location (“second place”) where people can gather and spend time. Libraries, parks, churches, and restaurants are all examples. More and more often now in the post-COVID world, gyms are filling that “third place” role as well.
A Different Place Than Work or Home
More and more companies are initiating return-to-office policies, but most still aren’t mandating that employees be in the office full-time. One recent survey of 900 company leaders showed that only 28% of those companies require employees to be in the office 5 days a week. Most require 2 to 4 days.
There are many good things about remote work, but there are a few downsides as well. With home and office being the same place, many people find it harder to separate work and leisure time. It can also be more challenging to socialize, something we all need to a certain extent. I’m an introvert, and even I start wanting to see people if I’m by myself for more than a few days.
Why Does It Matter?
Social connections—including strong friendships and doing social activities—provide mental and physical health benefits. Studies show that people with higher levels of social connection and engagement in social activities have improved scores on cognitive tests and less cognitive decline as they age. Social activities can also reduce stress and improve mood (those are also benefits associated with regular exercise).
Research studies and fitness experts also agree there are motivational benefits to working out in a group. People who work out with others tend to work out for longer periods of time and challenge themselves more than they might on their own.
Come Join Us!
Joining a small group class, working with a personal trainer one-on-one, or just being around other people at a gym can be more motivating than working out alone at home. Gyms also have a greater variety of fitness equipment than most of us can have at home, letting you try new things and change your workouts.
Whether you’re at home all day or travel from home to the office, having a third place to go for working out can help keep you motivated and give you a socialization opportunity. And what better space to go than a luxury gym like Extreme Studio Performance? We offer high-end amenities, top-quality workout equipment, and professional instructors, as well as a supportive fitness community. Contact us today to schedule a tour and free fitness evaluation, and learn more about our memberships, group training classes, and more.