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. They grab their mat as they head to Yoga and Pilates classes in the hope of meeting a romantic partner. New research reveals this trend.
The Annual Fun Report by PlayOJO examined the nation’s attitude towards leisure activities. It included insights on how dating preferences have now changed. The report revealed 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.
They are hoping to meet someone like-minded. 17% of Brits wish to impress with their general knowledge at their local pub quiz. Outside of Yoga/Pilates, nearly one in 10 people (9%) want to lace up their trainers. They hope to 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 is leading the charge when it comes to unconventional ways to meet a romantic partner. 12% of Gen Z admit they always keep an eye out at their local run club or Yoga/Pilates class. 10% are hitting gym classes or cycling clubs, hoping to meet their new beau.
Typical ‘date’ style activities stay superior once Brits have secured the first date.
Over a third (35%) favour a dinner date. In true British fashion, nearly a quarter (23%) head to the pub for a drink. Women are much more likely to favour an intimate dinner at 45%. In contrast, just 23% of men prefer this choice. Men prefer to get to know their date over a drink at the pub. 30% of men favor this choice compared to just 20% of women.
The tide is turning. A large proportion of people are choosing physical activities to get to know their date. 7% are heading to their local court and playing a racket sport like 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. 3% of people, the equivalent of 2 million Brits, are booking adrenaline sports. These sports include activities like 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.”
