Gyms are where you meet new friends and even fall in love. And it’s all about belonging.
Belonging is beating out biceps: new research and real-world trends reveal that gyms in Australia and around the world are transforming into social hubs where connection, community and wellbeing stand above simply building muscle.
What started as a movement driven by consumer demand is now changing the fitness industry, drawing together people through innovative classes, outdoor events, and group experiences in and beyond the gym.
Across more than 30,000 clubs globally, data from ABC Fitness shows that 57% of active gym members join fitness communities for social interaction—and not just for calorie counting or physique goals. In fact, nearly half say they’ve become more involved in their fitness groups this year, highlighting a powerful shift: the gym is now a place to find friends, break out of isolation, and weave movement into everyday life.
New Group Formats
Leading global chains like Les Mills are leaning in, blending traditional workouts with festival energy: their CEREMONY program and rave-inspired events are attracting new crowds in New Zealand, Europe, and Asia, turning exercise into communal dance and celebration. Instead of nightclubs, young people are gravitating to these classes for music, movement, and real-life connection—sometimes with 150 people per session. Fitness festivals, with music and shared activities, are popping up everywhere from Sydney’s urban parks to Bali beach clubs to London’s boutique studios. The message: fun and collective fitness is in.
The Rise of Holistic Wellness
Australian gyms reflect a growing global emphasis on holistic wellbeing. Leading brands now offer mindfulness and meditation alongside weights and HIIT classes. Pilates and yoga are surging, with instructors incorporating breathwork and mental health techniques to create spaces for emotional and physical rejuvenation. Stepz Fitness notes how 24/7 convenience and digital access remain essential, but what sets studios apart is building a sense of tribe—a shift visible in local clubs, major franchises, and new boutique venues catering to niche interests.
The Science of Real Connection
Peer-reviewed research from fitness industry surveys confirms this transformation. Exercise for mental health is now considered a top Australian trend, second only to group fitness for seniors. “Physical activity is a natural, holistic pathway for stress reduction, emotional regulation, and social connection,” reports a 2025 trends analysis. Members are choosing gyms for their ability to support social and emotional wellbeing, not just for fitness outcomes. Small group training, outdoor classes, and inclusive environments are on the rise, from Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles and Bali.
Global and Local Examples
- Les Mills’ “fitness festivals” and rave events—their popularity now stretches from Auckland to London.
- HYROX, a fitness race involving running clubs and strength training teams, is taking over studios across Australia and beyond, making competition more accessible and fun.
- Pilates is booming in Australian cities and globally, integrating mindfulness and mental health benefits as more women seek purposeful movement.
- Pickleball, a low-impact racquet sport, is gaining ground in parks and gyms worldwide, valued as much for its social side as its fitness.
Beyond Physical Transformation
What’s driving these trends isn’t just fun, but a genuine longing for togetherness. Instead of solitary workouts, members are finding motivation in shared purpose—whether it’s beginners supporting each other at a reformer Pilates studio or marathoners joining running crews in Melbourne. Social spaces within gyms, like cafes and lounges, are being used for post-workout catchups, networking, and even casual business meetings.
Technology helps, too: apps and digital platforms enable members to join group challenges, share progress, and schedule communal classes, making community-focused exercise easier and more inclusive than ever.
The Future: Fitness as Culture
From Bali’s innovative wellness clubs to Australia’s largest chains, the gym has become more than four walls and some equipment. It’s a place to belong, to be seen, and to feel healthy inside and out. As global and local brands continue to invest in festival-style events, holistic classes, and inclusive group communities, it’s clear that for a new generation, fitness is the foundation for something much deeper—friendship, resilience, and joy.
The shift is more than a trend; it’s a movement that’s redefining what it means to be active and well, wherever you are in the world
