MEET YOU AT THE MAT: OVER 7 MILLION BRITS ATTEND YOGA/PILATES CLASSES IN THE HOPE OF MEETING A ROMANTIC PARTNER
- 5 million Brits are heading to their local running club to bag a date
- One in 10 Gen Zs shunning dating apps in the hopes of meeting a partner at the gym
- 2 million Brits think adrenaline sports is the best activity for a first date
Over one in 10 Brits – the equivalent of over 7 million people – confess to ditching online dating apps and grabbing their mat as they head to Yoga and Pilates classes in the hope of meeting a romantic partner, new research reveals.
The Annual Fun Report by PlayOJO took a temperature check of the nation’s attitude towards leisure activities, including how dating preferences have now changed, revealing the top activities Brits would attend in the hope of meeting their next squeeze.
Nearly one in five (18%) have been hitting up their local supper club hoping to meet someone like minded, whereas 17% of Brits are hoping to impress with their general knowledge at their local pub quiz. Outside of Yoga/Pilates, nearly one in 10 people (9%) are hoping to lace up their trainers and meet someone special at their local running club.
Top 5 activities Brits would attend with the hope of meeting a romantic partner
- Supper club – 18%
- Pub quiz – 17%
- Book club – 14%
- Yoga/Pilates club – 11%
- Run club – 9%
The younger generation are leading the charge when it comes to unconventional ways to meet a romantic partner with 12% of Gen Z admitting they always keep an eye out at their local run club or Yoga/Pilates class and 10% are hitting up gym classes or cycling clubs in the hope of meeting their new beau.
Typical ‘date’ style activities still reign superior once Brits have secured the first date, with over a third (35%) favouring a dinner date and in true British fashion, nearly a quarter (23%) are heading to the pub for a drink. Women are much more likely to favour an intimate dinner at 45% compared to just 23% of men, whereas
men prefer to get to know their date over a drink at the pub at 30% and 20% respectively.
The tide is turning though with a large proportion of people picking physical activities as a way to get to know their date. 7% are heading to their local court
and playing a racket sport such as Pickleball or Padel. Other activities include, bouldering or rock climbing (6%) and belting out their favourite song at karaoke (5%).
For those who don’t like heights, be prepared as 3% – the equivalent of 2 million Brits – are booking adrenaline sports such as sky diving or bungee jumping as their first date of choice.
A spokesperson for PlayOJO commented: “Getting to know someone on a first date is supposed to be fun, so we understand why a large proportion of Brits are turning their backs on the traditional dinner date and taking their date to try something new together like Pickleball or bouldering.
“Having fun and taking part in leisure activities, whether on a date or not, helps to break up the monotonous cycle of everyday life, and offers numerous benefits like reducing stress, and aiding personal development. Better still, people find that they even make new friends, or even meet the love of their life, thanks to taking part in the activities that make them happy.”