A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that one in five 18-28 year olds prefer to share a post-workout selfie online rather than a photo of them socialising with friends. However, they feel there is a lack of venues that cater to their healthy lifestyle goals, leading to feelings of frustration and isolation.
The poll found that four in ten of all adults experience guilt when going for a drink after exercising. Despite prioritising fitness, a third admit the gym is their least favourite place to socialise.
To address this, energy drink manufacturer Reign Storm is launching The Energy Bar on June 24, the first venue of its kind designed for those seeking ‘clean’ social spaces.
Featuring a healthy menu, areas for warm-up, cool-down and light cardio exercises, and a fitness-wear dress code, this experimental space could offer a glimpse into the future of urban bar culture.
Rob Adkins, from Reign Storm, commented: “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.”
Rob added:”Our research discovered that UK adults are struggling to find venues that align with their clean-living aspirations, and we believe it’s time to change that,” describing The Reign Storm Energy Bar as “a unique venue that combines the clean-living priorities of a gym environment with the social benefits of a pub.”
The study also uncovered what adults desire most from a social venue, with many yearning for a quiet enough space to talk and relax, along with good food options.
One in five are seeking venues that contribute positively to their mental and physical wellbeing, with a preference for ‘clean’ food and drink options.
The reluctance to socialise at the pub stems from concerns over limited alcohol-free choices and a general lack of clean or healthier alternatives. Additionally, a third cited high costs or confessed that pub visits induce anxiety.
A 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.”
