
Half of Gen Z now prioritise exercise over socialising – preferring to share workout selfies than pics with mates
A POLL of 2,000 adults found 22 per cent of 18-28-year-olds would rather share a post-workout selfie online than a picture of them out with their mates.
But 22 per cent feel there aren't enough venues catering to their clean-living aspirations, leaving them frustrated (40 per cent) and lonely (24 per cent).
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And 42 per cent of all adults polled end up feeling guilty going for an after-exercise drink.
Despite exercise taking priority, 34 per cent say the gym is their least favourite place to socialise.
To help, energy drink maker Reign Storm is launching The Energy Bar on June 24, the first venue of its kind to cater to an audience seeking out 'clean' socialising spaces.
With a clean menu, areas for warming up, cooling down and light cardio, and fitness-wear dress code, the trial space could provide an insight into the future of the city's bar scene.
Rob Adkins, from the brand, said: ' Pubs and bars are awesome, especially in British summertime, but the experience becomes a lot less enjoyable if you don't want to drink alcohol.
'Our research found that UK adults are struggling to find venues that align with their clean-living aspirations, and we think it's time to change that.
'The Reign Storm Energy Bar is a one-of-a-kind venue that fuses the clean-living priorities of a gym space, with the social benefits of a pub.'
The study also revealed the top things adults want from a social venue, with 46 per cent longing for a space quiet enough to talk.
While 45 per cent want space to chill, 40 per cent look for good food and drink, and 29 per cent want a cost-effective space.
More than one in five (22 per cent) want somewhere that's good for them mentally and physically, 19 per cent want 'clean' food and drink options and 18 per cent just want 'vibes'
'No longer about having a drink'
It also emerged that reasons for not socialising at the pub included worries about limited alcohol-free options (20 per cent) and the lack of clean or healthier options in general (16 per cent).
A third (34 per cent) said it's too expensive and 21 per cent claimed going to the pub makes them anxious, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
The spokesperson from Reign Storm added: 'For lots of people, socialising is no longer just about having a drink - it's about sharing experiences.
'People want to be able to socialise in a healthy way, and what's healthier than the gym?
'But there are lots of problems in trying to get your social life up to date in the gym, so a space where you can be clean and chatty is very much needed.'
It comes after nearly four in 10 Brits are open to a career move - with half of these actively searching for their "calling."

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