Is fitness the new social life? How movement fills the connection gap

In 2025, 84% of consumers consider wellness a top priority, and 56% said they’re prioritizing it more than the previous year. Yet, at the same time they’re tracking macros, optimizing sleep, and investing in fitness plans, most are missing one of the biggest factors: social connection.

Loneliness doesn’t show up on wellness checklists, even though social isolation affects your health about as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day — increasing inflammation, disrupting sleep, and weakening immune function over time.

A survey of over 2,300 people found the majority didn’t believe social connection affects physical wellbeing — even those who reported feeling lonely. Among healthcare providers, most didn’t consider loneliness medically relevant.

So, while the research is clear, the response has been slow. And many aren’t waiting around for it.

Where the solution is happening

While healthcare figures out how to screen for loneliness, people are solving the problem themselves. Fitness communities are growing rapidly because they address two needs simultaneously: movement and meaningful connection.

Sweatpals, a fitness app with over 1 million users, reflects this shift. Co-founder Mandi Zhou found that fitness broke down barriers when she moved to the U.S. at 14. “Every time I’ve moved to a new city or felt alone, fitness has been my way to find connection,” she says. “It didn’t matter where I was from or what language I spoke when we were out playing on a field.”

“Now, Zhou says, while users stack socializing with movement, they’re also seeing better outcomes on their overall fitness and mental wellbeing. Some have become best friends, roommates, and romantic partners through the platform. “When you show up and sweat together,” Salar adds, “it opens the door to real relationships.”

Run clubs and group fitness are booming for the same reason.

Why sweating together works

Movement offers a different entry point for connection. You’re doing something together, not sitting across from someone trying to make conversation. The physical activity is the shared focus, which takes pressure off the social performance. And because people show up regularly — same time, same place — relationships have time to develop naturally.

We know that physical activity releases endorphins and reduces cortisol, which can make social interaction feel easier. People feel good and see health benefits, which reinforces showing up. And over time, that repetition is what builds real relationships.

Rethinking social wellness

Connection isn’t separate from health; it’s foundational to it. What might be less obvious, however, is how to prioritize it when modern life defaults to isolation.

Fitness communities can offer a practical entry point. They don’t require overhauling your social life or forcing yourself into uncomfortable situations. A weekly class, a neighborhood walking group, even one workout with a friend — these interactions compound over time.

The goal isn’t to make fitness your entire social strategy. It’s to recognize that movement can provide what connection needs: structure, repetition, and a shared purpose. Right now, for many people, that’s where meaningful relationships are actually forming.