Squats Over Shots: How Gen Z is Turning Gyms Into the New Hangout

Gen Z: The Fitness-Focused Generation

It’s no secret that Gen Z is redefining what it means to have a good time. For many in this cohort, the gym has become the new social hub, often preferred over a night at the bar. In fact, surveys show that more than half of Gen Z considers fitness a top priority in their lives. This generation is sometimes dubbed “the swolest generation,” reflecting a cultural shift toward strength training and health-conscious living. The result? Gym memberships are booming, with Gen Z driving much of that growth. A recent report found Gen Z to be the key demographic behind all-time high gym membership rates, as younger people view gym access as essential to their routine.

‍
This fitness-first mindset goes hand-in-hand with other lifestyle changes. Gen Z is drinking less alcohol and opting for “sober socializing,” citing health and cost reasons. Nearly 30% of college students in 2018 reported abstaining from alcohol, a jump from about 20% in 2002. Instead of meeting for drinks, young people meet for workouts. As one observer put it, “the days of the pub dominating young people’s social lives” are fading as more young folks sprint to the gym to hang out while working out. Gen Z gym-goers often coordinate workouts with friends, treating exercise as both a health activity and a social occasion. Two-thirds of Gen Z surveyed even said the social aspect is something they specifically look for in a gym. The gym isn’t just where Gen Z breaks a sweat – it’s where they catch up, network, and build community.

‍

The Gym Is the New Hangout Spot

For Gen Z, working out has become the new “night out.” Health clubs and fitness centers are now places to mingle, study, and unwind – not merely exercise. “It’s where their friends hang out; there’s a sense of community here,” notes one fitness industry consultant, explaining why young people flock to gyms. Unlike noisy bars or pricey cafés, many gyms provide a welcoming environment to spend time without pressure to keep buying drinks or leave after an hour. One survey during the pandemic even found 70% of people missed their gym as much as they missed friends and family, underscoring how important these spaces have become socially.

‍
This trend is causing gyms to evolve. Forward-thinking fitness clubs are redesigning their spaces with better hangout spots and amenities to accommodate the new social vibe. Some large chains have added lounges, juice bars, even coworking areas, and trendy sports like pickleball – effectively blending lifestyle and fitness. The message is clear: today’s gym isn’t just a place to work out, but a place to be – a home base for wellness, fun, and community. As City A.M. reported, Gen Z are ditching the pub and choosing to socialize at the gym – a generational shift that gym owners call an “incredible opportunity”. Mental health plays a role, too. Young adults treat exercise as therapy and stress relief, and they prefer to surround themselves with others who share healthy habits. In short, the gym has become “part of their identity… how they want to live and socialize”, according to one gym CEO.

‍

How Laramie Fitness Caters to Gen Z (and Everyone Else)

Laramie Fitness – a premier gym serving Laramie, Wyoming, and the surrounding area – has leaned fully into this movement. Understanding that members (young and old) now seek more than just treadmills and weight machines, Laramie Fitness provides an entire lifestyle experience. Here’s how Laramie Fitness addresses Gen Z’s “gym-is-life” mentality with an array of cutting-edge amenities and features:

• High-Speed Internet & Co-Working Spaces: Need to cram for an exam or finish up remote work before hitting the weights? No problem. Laramie Fitness offers gigabit 1G/1G fiber internet throughout the facility. Even better, there’s a dedicated co-working space with desks, a conference room, free coffee and snacks, and of course, full gym access included. Whether you’re a University of Wyoming student streaming lectures between sets or a young professional catching up on emails, you can seamlessly blend work and workout in one place. This co-working + gym combo is exactly the kind of modern, multitasking convenience Gen Z craves. (It’s no wonder some national gyms have also started adding coworking lounges to meet this demand .) Laramie Fitness was ahead of the curve – their members can lift and then log in, all under one roof.
  ‍
• Lounge & Social Areas: Far from a utilitarian gym of the past, Laramie Fitness features comfortable lounge areas for members to chill and socialize. After a tough lifting session or group class, you can grab a protein shake or just kick back on a couch and chat with friends. The atmosphere invites you to hang out, not just work out. Large, open spaces and a friendly layout make it easy to bump into acquaintances or strike up conversations. This design aligns with what Gen Z wants – an informal social hub with a fitness twist. As one Gen Z member put it in a Guardian feature, “I go [to the gym] there instead of going out… It’s such a sociable place”. Laramie Fitness taps into that vibe by fostering community; members often describe the gym as feeling like a supportive family. There are even member events and group classes that bring people together in a fun way. From Zumba dance parties to yoga flows, the social energy is palpable. You’re as likely to make a new friend in a Laramie Fitness class as you would mingling downtown – but here, you’re all bonding over healthy shared interests.
  ‍
• Varied Workout Zones – Including an Outdoor “Playground”: Monotony is the enemy of engagement, and Laramie Fitness ensures you’ll never get bored. The gym boasts distinct areas for every fitness style: two fully equipped lifting rooms, separate circuit training rooms, dedicated cardio rooms, and even a specialized CrossFit room for high-intensity functional training. One Yelp reviewer noted, “They have a separate area for everything: boxing, lifting, cardio, CrossFit, machines, etc. Doesn’t matter your fitness style, they have a place for you to get after it. Indeed, if you feel like punching out some stress, step into the boxing cage – a rugged arena complete with heavy bags and gear for boxing or MMA-style workouts. If the Wyoming weather cooperates, you can take your training outside to the outdoor workout space and enjoy some fresh air while doing your cardio drills or yoga flows. This outdoor “fitness playground” lets you soak up the sun and scenery instead of being stuck indoors – perfect for those who crave variety or just a bit of nature with their exercise. With ample room to move freely, Laramie Fitness’s expansive layout means even at peak times, you won’t feel cramped. Gen Z gym-goers, known to seek out more space and equipment for their serious workouts, can appreciate that they won’t be waiting 30 minutes for a squat rack here. The facility was built to handle actual fitness enthusiasts, not just sell memberships. In short, whatever your workout mood – pumping iron, high-intensity circuits, a spin on the bike, or sparring in the boxing ring – there’s a dedicated space for it at Laramie Fitness.
  ‍
• Health, Wellness & Recovery Perks: Recognizing that holistic wellness is part of Gen Z’s lifestyle, Laramie Fitness goes beyond just equipment. The gym’s locker rooms include steam rooms (coming soon!) – a perfect place to relax muscles and socialize a bit in that “hot, steamy room” sauna culture (which many young members surprisingly love for its social chats as much as its health benefits). Winding down in the steam room or a post-workout massage (yes, they have an in-house massage therapist ) can be just as important as the workout itself. Additionally, Laramie Fitness has an on-site Clean Eatz meal prep service and Fuel Nutrition supplement shop. This means you can grab a healthy, macro-balanced meal or a protein shake right at the gym – no need to hit a fast-food drive-thru after your session. For a generation that cares about what they put into their bodies, having convenient nutritious food options and supplements readily available is a huge plus. It’s all part of making the gym a one-stop destination for health. You might come for a lift, then stay for a high-protein lunch and cold drink with your gym buddies in the lounge. Laramie Fitness basically wraps the wellness lifestyle together under one roof, so you can fuel up, work out, recover, and repeat.
  ‍
• Tech-Savvy Convenience (24/7 Access & Easy Membership): Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of Laramie Fitness for busy Gen Z-ers (and honestly, anyone with a hectic schedule) is its commitment to technology and convenience. The entire gym utilizes a state-of-the-art door access control system that enables 24/7 member access. For a small add-on, members get a secure key-fob or smartphone entry that lets them swipe in anytime – yes, even at 4 AM on a Sunday if that’s your thing. This level of freedom is unheard of in old-school gyms with limited front-desk hours. But Laramie Fitness knows young professionals and students keep unconventional hours, so they’ve made it possible to work out literally whenever it fits your schedule. Early bird, night owl, or spur-of-the-moment gym trip – you’re covered. Moreover, the gym’s modern self-service membership system makes joining and managing your membership a breeze. Laramie Fitness upgraded its infrastructure with a digital platform (GymFlow, integrated with Stripe) that allows easy online sign-ups, payments, and account management. The ease of self-service has not only attracted new members but also improved retention, since everything from enrollment to cancellation is under your control. No awkward sales pitches, no filling out paper forms in triplicate – you can subscribe or change your plan online in minutes, just like any other modern subscription. This tech-forward approach is exactly what digitally native Gen Z expects. After all, this is the generation that orders food, finds dates, and takes classes via apps – why should gym membership be any different? Laramie Fitness nailed that expectation by making the member experience as smooth as a Spotify subscription. And with high-speed Wi-Fi, even the music or fitness apps you use in the gym run without a hiccup.
  ‍
• Sustainability & Extras: As a cherry on top (and a nod to the eco-conscious values many young people hold), Laramie Fitness even provides an electric vehicle charging station on-site. Members can literally charge their car while they charge their own batteries with a workout. It’s a convenient perk that says a lot about the facility’s forward-thinking mindset. In partnering with tech firms, Laramie Fitness installed a cutting-edge EV charger, which not only supports green transportation but also adds a small passive income for the gym (hey, sustainability can be win-win!). These details may seem small, but together they create an environment where Gen Z (and all members) feel both welcome and understood.

A Community Hub for Laramie and Beyond

What does all this mean for Laramie and the surrounding Wyoming community? It means Laramie Fitness isn’t just a gym – it’s a social and wellness hub for a generation that values healthy living as a lifestyle. In a college town like Laramie (home to the University of Wyoming), this approach is especially powerful. Students and locals alike finally have a place where they can meet up with friends, get active, study, and network all in one venue. It’s not a stretch to say Laramie Fitness is cultivating the next-level “third place” (that is, a social space beyond home and work) for the area’s young adults. Instead of meeting at a bar or the student union, friends are meeting at the squat rack or in the co-work café area. The vibe is inclusive and energetic – walk in at 6 pm and you’ll see college kids lifting alongside professors, and young professionals swapping tips in the lounge.

‍
Crucially, this new hangout paradigm doesn’t exclude older generations – it just sets a positive tone that everyone can enjoy. Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers in Laramie are also embracing the friendly, community feel at the gym. Who wouldn’t prefer a clean, open, healthy space to socialize in, rather than shouting over music in a crowded bar? Especially when that space helps you improve yourself at the same time. As one Gen Z member noted, “for this generation, the gym isn’t just a place to shed a few pounds; it’s a hub for improving mental health, physical strength, and social connections”. That ethos seems to be spreading to all ages. Laramie Fitness has capitalized on this trend artfully, designing their offerings to be edgy enough for young trendsetters, but welcoming and beneficial for all.

‍
In summary, the surge of Gen Z gym culture is real, and Laramie Fitness is living proof of how to get it right. By providing the high-tech convenience, diverse spaces, social atmosphere, and holistic wellness options that today’s members want, the gym has become the place to be in Laramie for those who choose squats over shots. So next time you’re headed out to meet friends, you might find them by the weight racks or in a yoga class instead of at the pub. And if you’re curious about joining this movement yourself, swing by Laramie Fitness (or check out their [membership options] ) – you’ll see firsthand how a gym can transform into a community playground for the fittest generation. Embracing this new lifestyle is as refreshing as a post-workout smoothie, and at Laramie’s favorite fitness hub, the door is always open (literally, 24/7!).

‍

Sources:

1. Clinton, Jane. The Guardian – “Gen Z prefers gym to pub” (May 2025)
   
   
2. Upton-Clark, Eve. Business Insider – “The Swolest Generation: Gen Z Fitness Trends” (Aug 2024)
   
   
3. Robinson, Jon. City A.M. – “Gen Z ditching the pub for the gym” (May 2025)
   
   
4. Cleveland Clinic – “Gen Z Drinking Less, Healthier Lifestyles” (Nov 2023)
   
   
5. Laramie Fitness – Official Website & Blog: Amenities and Membership Details
   
   
6. Mondo Case Study – “Laramie Fitness’s Digital Transformation” (2024)
   
   
7. Yelp Review – Customer insights on Laramie Fitness facility (2019)