Sports clubs, running groups and fitness centres are the New Third Place!
A traditional date night question 😊, that has now become largely a routine morning question for us. Should I work from home, watch movie in a theatre or OTT, should I meet friends at a bar or restaurant or invite them home, should I go to a gym or workout at home.
Adults spend 1/3 of our time at work, 1/3 sleeping(ideally) and rest is at home or outside socialising. Post covid these norms changed a bit in such a way that either we prefer doing all these at home or we are absolutely frustrated staying indoors that we want to do all the 3 outside our confined walls, well sleep maybe ☺
The Third Place - a concept Ray Oldenburg introduced in his acclaimed book, "The Great Good Place," delineated the places we spend our time into three categories: the 'First Place' (home), the 'Second Place' (work), and the 'Third Place' (social environments). This third place, according to Oldenburg, is essential for community building, democracy, and a sense of belonging.
In the past, in most communities, a perfect Third Place would be a Town Square. A public space is largely a sense of identity for that town to remind life is about taking a pause sipping on a nice coffee or just relish that local delicacy. But most modern cities are built now without Town Square, and it is affecting the quality of life for humans who live there. To nurture civil society, we need places that people meet, bond over shared ideologies and debate over the conflicted ones and yet build a sense of belonging.
Third place concept these days is more about anywhere else, cafes, sports clubs, bars, parks, anywhere that you can feel like working better, socialising better and live a better quality of life. Today a third place for a lot of us is the World Wide Web. We have global friends on twitter and Instagram, while we won’t know who are neighbours really are, forget about the town. The digital dopamine is undeniable which led me to think; how do we establish a Third Place that breaks away from incessant dopamine need and fosters a community belongingness?
An increasing trend that I have seen off late is that humans want ever more increasingly: to be fit, seeking longevity, a sense of belonging to a tribe: a tribe of fit people!
While First & Second Places have thrown up concepts like Co- Working in a café like set ups, I see the third place now becoming your sports/Fitness centers.
Sports clubs, are a perfect embodiment of this concept of the new Third Place. Whether it's a football club, a gym, a local running group, or a yoga studio, these spaces offer more than just physical activity. Most of those who get into fitness, are now trying to find more time to expand goals in fitness. There is a reason yoga workshops these days are followed by healthy breakfast meetups at the facility or a fitness bootcamp has a get together after the session.
These places foster healthier lifestyles, not just through physical activity, but through their social aspects as well. They offer a space for recreation, relaxation, and human connection - all elements that contribute to overall well being. A nexus for social interaction, community engagement, and a sense of camaraderie. Don’t you think?
Why I think Sports or Fitness clubs exemplify the essence of the Third Place:
Neutral Ground: Sports clubs are accessible to all, regardless of societal status. They offer an environment where everyone, from beginners to experts, can participate and interact freely.
Leveller: In a sports club, the primary identifier is not your job title or social status, but your love for the sport. Here, everyone shares a common interest, which transcends societal hierarchies.
Conversation is the Main Activity: Although physical activity is a central component, conversation is key in these clubs. From discussing game strategies to sharing personal stories, the dialogue in sports clubs facilitates deeper connections among members.
Accessibility and Accommodation: Most sports clubs are open for extended hours, allowing members to visit at their convenience. They adapt to the schedules of their members, rather than the other way around.
As society continues to evolve, the importance of the 'Third Place' becomes increasingly evident. Sports clubs, with their community-oriented ethos and inclusive environment, represent an essential aspect of this concept. They provide a setting where we can engage with others, build relationships, and feel a part of a community - proving their importance in today's society.
I have humoured myself to a challenge to play various sports, and in the process, made new friends, who meet for morning runs, at the gym or a court. I plan work in a manner that enables me to play a game on my way back. While I still find enough time to meet for a coffee & beer, but given a choice, I would like to meet for a game first and then see if we have time for a coffee ☺
So, shall we meet at your court or my court? Let’s Play!