Gen Z Swaps Drinks for Yoga Mats

Every Friday at 6 p.m., Antonia Fantasia attends a Solidcore class. Afterward, she might catch up with a friend over dinner, indulge in some shopping, or return home to unwind with a face mask and a movie with her roommates before heading to bed early.

At 26, this marketing manager in Boston has embraced a lifestyle that’s new to her. After several years of attending group fitness classes, she initially scheduled them in the morning to avoid drinking, but eventually, she not only stopped making excuses but also completely eliminated alcohol from her life, solidifying a healthier routine.

Fantasia’s experience reflects a larger trend among young adults, who are increasingly favoring fitness over nightlife. A recent study by Bank of America indicates that alcohol consumption is at its lowest in 40 years while fitness spending continues to rise.

The wellness movement is gaining traction among Gen Z and millennials, with a reported increase in prioritization of health compared to previous years. According to a report from consulting firm McKinsey & Company, nearly 30% of these younger generations are placing greater importance on wellness, surpassing older demographics.

As interest in fitness continues to grow, many studios are adapting their schedules. For instance, SoulCycle has begun offering late-night classes at 10 p.m. in select New York City locations, creating an energetic atmosphere reminiscent of nightlife with vibrant music and lighting.

“It’s like a party in there,” Fantasia describes.

In a novel approach, some fitness studios have partnered with local bars to blend workouts and socializing. For example, the Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar in South Boston has hosted Pilates sessions before its dinner rush.

Barre Groove, a fitness studio in Boston, offers trampoline cardio classes alongside complimentary drinks at nearby venues like The Bosworth. The founder, Alanna Perry, began hosting classes at local bars after hours, crafting a social experience around fitness.

“We would teach class in the space and slide drinks to everyone, and we turned it into a social aspect,” Perry explained.

These partnerships foster community connections, with brands collaborating with fitness studios to offer perks for participants.

“We don’t want it to be just about class,” Perry noted. “You have where you live, where you work, and where you build your community.”

Emily Smith, a sculpt instructor at The Handle Bar, has observed the trend of workout classes adopting nightlife elements over the last five years. In her teaching of Pilates and sculpt classes, she aims to synchronize workouts with music, enhancing the participant experience.

“The highest intensity point at the peak of the music helps everything feel in sync,” Smith commented. “It feels empowering.”

Kara Lennon, another Boston-based fitness instructor, appreciates the friendships formed in group fitness settings. “As a person that’s been teaching and attending classes for so many years, it’s how I’ve made some of my best friends,” she shared.

Lennon also launched a women-only training program in Boston called “Hot Girls Lift Weights,” aimed at empowering women to learn safe weightlifting techniques.

Replacing nightlife with fitness appears to be a lasting trend. Carly Picarelli, a social media manager from Boston, has noticed this cultural shift toward health consciousness. With tools like Oura rings and Apple Watches becoming more prevalent, she feels that many people now prefer workouts over bar nights.

“I already did my fair share of drinking, so I’m definitely in a stage of life where I’d rather go do a workout than go to the bar,” Picarelli said. “It just seems like a cultural shift where wellness is on the rise, and this party lifestyle is declining.”

This story is part of a partnership between WBUR and the Boston University Department of Journalism.