Table of Contents
Introduction: My Year of Wasted Willpower
It began, as these stories often do, with the resolute optimism of a new year.
As a sociologist who spends my days studying the intricate webs of community, I found myself ironically, profoundly alone.
My goal was simple: get fit.
The solution seemed equally simple: join the biggest, most impressive gym in the city.
It was a cathedral of chrome and glass, a sprawling complex with every machine imaginable, promising transformation for the price of a hefty monthly membership.
I signed the contract, bought the gear, and walked in ready to conquer my inertia.
The first few weeks were a blur of adrenaline and novelty.
I followed the prescribed routines, dutifully logging my time on the treadmill and navigating the labyrinth of weight machines.
But as January thawed into February, a subtle disillusionment began to creep in.
The initial motivation, a finite resource, started to wane.
The gym, for all its state-of-the-art splendor, was a sterile and isolating place.
It was a sea of headphones, a collection of solitary individuals engaged in parallel struggles, their faces grim with determination.1
I was an anonymous number, swiping a card to enter a space where I felt no connection, no camaraderie.
The low-grade anxiety of waiting for a squat rack during the 6 P.M. rush became a familiar dread.2
My workouts, once a symbol of self-improvement, slowly morphed into just another task on my to-do list—a chore.4
By April, the visits became sporadic.
By June, they stopped altogether.
I had become a statistic, another well-intentioned person quietly quitting, my expensive membership a monthly reminder of my perceived failure.5
For a long time, I internalized this as a personal failing—a lack of willpower, a deficit of discipline.
But as a sociologist, I couldn’t shake a nagging question.
The environment itself felt fundamentally mismatched to the goal.
It was designed for machines, not for humans.
I had the goal, the gear, and the membership.
What was missing? What if the problem wasn’t my motivation, but the place itself?
Part I: The Anatomy of Abandonment: Why We Quit the Gyms We’re Supposed to Love
The experience of quitting a gym is so common it has become a cultural trope.
Millions of people embark on fitness journeys with the best intentions, only to see their motivation evaporate within months.6
This mass exodus is not a collective failure of individual character.
It is a design failure.
The traditional gym model, in its very structure and philosophy, creates an environment that is paradoxically hostile to long-term human commitment.
The Warehouse of Willpower: Fitness as a Second Job
The conventional gym is, at its core, an equipment-focused facility.7
It is a warehouse of tools—rows of treadmills, forests of free weights, and complex resistance machines—where the primary offering is access to hardware.7
This model frames fitness as a transactional and deliberate activity.
It is a place you
go to in order to do a task, requiring you to carve out specific blocks of time from an already busy schedule.4
This structure inadvertently leads to what can be called the “chore-ification” of fitness.
By treating exercise as a scheduled, often solitary obligation, the traditional gym psychologically aligns it with work—what sociologists call a “second place.” It becomes another job, complete with performance metrics (calories burned, weight lifted, miles run) and a demand for disciplined, individual effort.
This is a critical flaw.
For many, the gym is meant to be an escape from the pressures of their professional lives, not an extension of them.
When fitness feels like a second job, it becomes one of the first things jettisoned when life gets stressful or busy.
The common excuse of “lack of time” is not just a scheduling conflict; it is a value judgment.5
We naturally deprioritize chores, especially those that offer no immediate joy or social reward.
The environment of the traditional gym, by feeling like a place of obligation, provides no intrinsic “pull” to counteract life’s inevitable “pushes.” The entire burden of motivation is placed squarely on the shoulders of the individual, a weight that proves too heavy for most to carry indefinitely.11
The Psychology of Quitting: A Vicious Cycle of Failure
The environmental flaws of the traditional gym create a fertile ground for the specific psychological barriers that lead people to abandon their fitness goals.
It’s a vicious cycle where the space itself generates the very feelings that make people want to leave.
- Intimidation and “Gym-phobia”: For newcomers, the traditional gym can be a deeply intimidating space. The sight of hyper-fit regulars, the cacophony of clanging weights, and the bewildering array of complex equipment can induce a state of anxiety often referred to as “gym-phobia”.5 This feeling of being watched, judged, or out of place is a powerful deterrent. The culture can feel exclusive, dominated by cliques or loud, ego-driven lifters that make beginners feel unwelcome and invisible.3 Without clear guidance, many are left to navigate this confusing landscape alone, increasing not only their anxiety but also their risk of injury from using equipment improperly.5
- Boredom and Monotony: The human brain craves novelty. The self-guided, repetitive nature of many traditional gym routines—running on the same treadmill, lifting the same weights—quickly leads to monotony and disengagement.3 When a workout becomes boring, its perceived value plummets, and the willpower required to perform it skyrockets. An overemphasis on one type of exercise, such as endless cardio, can also lead to fitness plateaus, where results stagnate and frustration mounts.12
- Lack of Accountability and Connection: In the anonymous sea of a large commercial gym, members often feel like just another number.3 There is no social fabric, no sense of belonging. This lack of connection means there is no external accountability. No one notices if you don’t show up. No one is there to encourage you on a tough day. Relying solely on internal willpower is a fragile strategy; without a community to lean on, motivation is far more likely to falter.5
- Unrealistic Expectations and Lack of Results: The fitness industry often promotes a narrative of rapid, dramatic transformation. New members frequently arrive with unrealistic goals, such as losing 20 pounds in a month, which are physiologically improbable.6 The traditional gym model, with its focus on quantifiable but slow-moving metrics like weight on the scale, sets people up for this disappointment. When the promised extraordinary results fail to materialize quickly, discouragement sets in, and the motivation to continue collapses.5
These factors do not exist in isolation; they feed into one another, creating a downward spiral that ends in abandonment.
The following table illustrates this destructive cycle.
| Table 1: The Cycle of Gym Abandonment | |
| Common Traditional Gym Characteristic | Resulting Psychological Barrier |
| Overcrowding during peak hours; long waits for equipment 2 | Frustration, anxiety, and the feeling that the workout is an inefficient chore. |
| Equipment-centric, individualistic focus with a no-frills environment 7 | Social isolation, loneliness, and a lack of external accountability or support. |
| Culture of comparison, visible “experts,” and intimidating atmosphere 3 | “Gym-phobia,” fear of judgment, self-consciousness, and a reluctance to try new things. |
| Lack of guidance, support, or clear onboarding for new members 3 | Confusion, feeling lost, increased risk of injury, and a sense that “this place isn’t for me.” |
| Repetitive, self-guided workout routines 4 | Boredom, monotony, mental disengagement, and a higher likelihood of hitting a progress plateau. |
Part II: The Sociologist’s Secret: An Epiphany Outside the Weight Room
My own failure at the “warehouse of willpower” left me convinced that my gym-going days were over.
Yet, months later, a friend’s persistent encouragement led me, reluctantly, to try one more time.
The place they recommended was different.
It didn’t call itself a gym; it called itself a “lifestyle center.” The term seemed like marketing fluff, but I agreed to a trial visit, expecting more of the same.
Discovering a New Species of Gym
The moment I walked in, the difference was palpable.
There was no intimidating, cavernous weight room at the entrance.
Instead, I was greeted by a smiling staff member at a small desk, behind which was a comfortable lounge area with a coffee bar.
People were chatting.
Some were working on laptops.
The air hummed not with the clang of iron, but with the low murmur of social interaction.
As I toured the facility, I saw the familiar equipment, but it was just one part of a much larger ecosystem.
One studio was hosting a yoga class, another a high-energy dance session.
A sign pointed toward a room for nutrition workshops and another for meditation classes.15
There were amenities I’d never associated with a gym, like a sauna, childcare services, and even a small library.7
It was clear this place was designed not just for exercise, but for well-being in a much broader sense.
It didn’t feel like a sterile facility you visit for a task; it felt like a vibrant community hub you become a part of.
The “Third Place” Revelation
As a sociologist, this environment triggered a powerful connection to a concept that has been central to my field for decades: the work of urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg and his theory of the “third place”.18
Oldenburg’s framework is elegant and profound.
He argues that for a healthy, balanced life, individuals need to engage in three distinct realms:
- The First Place: This is our home, the private, domestic sphere of family and sanctuary.
- The Second Place: This is our workplace, the structured, economic realm of obligation and productivity.
- The Third Place: This is the crucial, often overlooked, anchor of community life. These are the informal public gathering spots—the cafes, pubs, barbershops, libraries, and town squares—where people can gather easily, inexpensively, and regularly.21 Third places are where we exchange ideas, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging. They are, as Oldenburg calls them, the “great good places” that foster civic engagement, social cohesion, and individual happiness.18
Standing in the lounge of that lifestyle center, watching people interact, it hit me with the force of a revelation.
My old gym failed because it was a poorly designed “second place”—it was a chore, an obligation, a second job.
This new place was succeeding because it was a thriving “third place.” The owners might not have used that term, but they had intuitively recreated the essential elements.
The secret to its success wasn’t just better amenities or a wider variety of classes; it was that it was fulfilling a deep and fundamental human need for community.
This insight didn’t just solve my personal fitness puzzle; it reframed the entire problem of exercise adherence.
The challenge isn’t about forcing individual discipline; it’s about creating social environments where healthy habits can flourish naturally.
Part III: The Lifestyle Gym as a Modern Third Place: A Pillar-by-Pillar Analysis
The lifestyle gym’s success is not an isolated phenomenon in the fitness industry.
It is a response to a much broader societal hunger for authentic, face-to-face connection in an era marked by increasing social isolation and digital saturation.18
The erosion of traditional community anchors has left a void, and the lifestyle gym, by embodying the principles of a “third place,” steps in to fill it.
Its primary “product” is not fitness; it is belonging.
This explains why members are often willing to pay a premium price—they are not just buying access to equipment, they are investing in a community.8
Analyzing the lifestyle gym through the lens of Oldenburg’s framework reveals precisely why this model is so powerful and sustainable.
Pillar 1: Neutral Ground & A Level Playing Field
A core characteristic of a third place is that it serves as neutral ground.
It is an accessible, public space where people can come and go as they please, and where the social and economic hierarchies of the outside world are temporarily suspended.18
In a true third place, everyone is treated as a social equal, creating a “level playing field”.25
The lifestyle gym masterfully applies this principle.
It cultivates an inclusive, non-judgmental atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the intimidating culture of many traditional gyms.15
By explicitly welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels, it dismantles the “gym-phobia” that keeps so many people away.5
This is achieved through concrete strategies: offering beginner-specific programs and orientations to demystify the experience 3, providing adaptive equipment for those with limited mobility 26, and training staff to be welcoming and supportive rather than aloof and intimidating.11
This “leveling” function is crucial because it fosters psychological safety.
When members feel safe from judgment, they are more willing to be vulnerable—to try a new and unfamiliar class, to ask for help with their form, or to admit they don’t know how to use a machine.
This vulnerability is the essential prerequisite for both physical progress and the formation of genuine social bonds.
The lifestyle gym doesn’t just hope for this safety to emerge; it actively designs the environment to cultivate it.
Pillar 2: Conversation is the Main Activity
In a third place, the main activity is not transactional; it is conversational and social.
It is a place for talk, laughter, and light-hearted interaction.19
While the
purpose of joining a lifestyle gym is fitness, the day-to-day experience is often deeply social.
This is where group fitness classes play a pivotal role.
Activities like yoga, spin, Zumba, or small-group training are not just efficient ways to exercise; they are structured social events.7
They provide a shared experience that naturally breaks down social barriers and sparks conversation.
You struggle through a tough set together, you laugh at a clumsy moment, you celebrate completing the class.
These shared moments are the building blocks of community.
Furthermore, lifestyle gyms intentionally design physical spaces to encourage this interaction.
Communal areas like cafes, juice bars, or comfortable lounges become a natural staging ground for pre- and post-workout conversations.16
They host social events, wellness challenges, and workshops that have nothing to do with burning calories and everything to do with building connections.27
This transforms the gym from a place of isolated, parallel effort into a dynamic hub of interaction.
In doing so, it organically creates the very accountability that individuals so often lack when they are on their own.5
You don’t just show up for the workout; you show up for the people.
Pillar 3: The Regulars & A Home Away from Home
Third places are defined by their “regulars”—the core group of patrons who give the place its character, set its tone, and make newcomers feel welcome.19
Their consistent presence creates an atmosphere of warmth, comfort, and belonging, turning a public space into a “home away from home”.28
The community-centric model of a lifestyle gym is perfectly suited to fostering this dynamic.7
The regulars are the familiar faces you see in your favorite 7 A.M. spin class, the people you chat with by the lockers, and the members of the running club that meets on Saturdays.
Their presence transforms the experience from an anonymous transaction to a personal interaction.
They are the ones who will notice when you’ve been gone for a week and ask if everything is okay.
They are the ones who will cheer you on when you hit a new personal record.
This sense of being part of a “tribe” is an incredibly powerful motivator.15
It shifts the entire dynamic of the fitness journey.
It’s no longer a lonely battle against your own inertia.
It becomes a shared pursuit, buoyed by the support and encouragement of a community.
The gym becomes a place you
want to be, a source of positive social energy, not just a place you feel you have to go.
Pillar 4: Accessibility, Accommodation, and a Playful Mood
Finally, third places are convenient, accommodating, and possess a light-hearted, playful mood.
They offer a respite from the seriousness and obligations of home and work.19
The “lifestyle” aspect of the gym directly addresses this pillar by integrating fitness seamlessly and joyfully into a member’s life.
- Accessibility and Accommodation: By offering flexible class schedules, online resources, and essential amenities like childcare, these gyms lower the logistical barriers to consistent attendance.11 They accommodate the whole person, not just their muscles. The inclusion of holistic services—such as nutrition counseling, stress management workshops, saunas, and massage therapy—caters to a broader definition of well-being.7
- Playful Mood: The emphasis on fun, variety, and innovative workouts is a direct antidote to the boredom that plagues traditional gym routines.5 By offering everything from dance and martial arts to rock climbing and aquatics, they reframe exercise as a form of recreation and play, rather than a grim duty.
This holistic and accommodating approach creates what could be called a “portfolio of value.” A member’s return on their investment is diversified.
One day, the value might come from a great workout.
Another day, it might come from a relaxing session in the sauna, a breakthrough in a nutrition workshop, or simply a supportive conversation with a friend at the juice bar.
This makes the membership resilient.
Even if weight loss stalls or strength gains plateau, the member is still deriving immense value from the experience.
This prevents the motivational crashes that are so common in a purely results-focused environment and makes the habit sustainable for the long haul.
The following table provides a clear, side-by-side comparison, illustrating how the two models stack up against the core principles of a “third place.”
| Table 2: A “Third Place” Comparison of Gym Models | ||
| Key Characteristic of a Third Place | How Traditional Gyms Fall Short | How Lifestyle Gyms Embody the Principle |
| Neutral Ground / Leveler 24 | Often intimidating, fosters a culture of comparison and “gym-phobia,” making newcomers feel unwelcome or judged.5 | Creates an inclusive, non-judgmental environment that is welcoming to all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels, actively dismantling intimidation.7 |
| Conversation-Focused 25 | Promotes an individualistic, silent, and transactional environment where social interaction is the exception, not the rule.7 | Designs for social interaction through group classes, communal lounges, social events, and workshops, making conversation a key part of the experience.15 |
| Has Regulars / Sense of Belonging 19 | Fosters anonymity and high member turnover; members often feel like a number, which prevents the formation of a stable community.3 | Actively cultivates a supportive “tribe” of regulars whose presence creates a welcoming culture and a feeling of being a “home away from home”.15 |
| Playful Mood / Respite 25 | Often feels like a chore or a “second place” of obligation; the mood can be serious, grim, and focused solely on performance.4 | Focuses on fun, variety, and holistic wellness, reframing exercise as a form of joyful recreation and stress relief—a true respite from daily life.5 |
Part IV: How to Find (or Create) Your Fitness “Third Place”
Understanding that the secret to sustainable fitness lies in community is the first step.
The next is translating that insight into action.
While the premium lifestyle gym model perfectly embodies the “third place” concept, its principles can be applied more broadly to help anyone find a fitness environment where they can thrive.
This involves shifting the evaluation criteria from a narrow focus on equipment and price to a broader assessment of community and culture.
The Third Place Litmus Test: A New Way to Choose a Gym
When searching for a new gym or fitness center, go beyond the standard tour.
Become a temporary anthropologist and use this checklist to gauge its potential as a true third place.
- Observe the Social Environment: Spend some time in a common area. Do people make eye contact and smile? Do they talk to each other before or after classes? Does the staff seem to know members by name? A vibrant third place has a palpable hum of social energy.27
- Assess the “Vibe”: Look around. Is there a diversity of body types, ages, and apparent fitness levels? Or does it feel like an exclusive club for the already-fit? A welcoming third place is a level playing field where everyone feels they can belong.7
- Inquire About Community-Building: Ask the membership staff specific questions about how they foster community. Do they host social events, team-based fitness challenges, or member appreciation days? Do they have programs specifically designed for beginners to help them integrate?.3
- Look for Holistic Offerings: A facility that invests in services beyond just exercise equipment—like nutrition counseling, wellness workshops, recovery zones, or even a simple coffee bar—is signaling a commitment to the whole person, not just their physical output.7
- Evaluate the “Lingering” Factor: Ask yourself: Is this a place I would want to hang out for 15 minutes before or after my workout? Is it comfortable and inviting? A key function of a third place is that it encourages people to linger without feeling pressured to leave, which is the foundation of spontaneous social connection.30
Beyond the Membership: Hacking Your Own Third Place
A formal lifestyle gym, with its premium membership fees, may not be accessible or practical for everyone.8
However, the core principles of a fitness third place are universal and can be found or created in many other settings.
The goal is to shift your mindset from seeking a
solitary pursuit to finding a shared activity.
- Join Existing Groups: Nearly every community has a wealth of existing fitness-oriented third places, many of which are low-cost or free. Seek out local running clubs, community center sports leagues (basketball, volleyball, soccer), hiking or cycling groups, or free workout meetups in public parks. These groups are built around a shared interest and naturally foster the camaraderie and accountability that make fitness sustainable.
- Create New Groups: If you can’t find a group that fits your needs, create one. The barrier to entry is incredibly low. Start a weekly walking or jogging group with a few neighbors. Use social media to organize a regular pickup basketball game at a local court.16 Form a small accountability group with two or three friends where you share your goals and check in with each other.
- Leverage Public Spaces: Libraries, community centers, and public parks are classic third places that can be adapted for fitness.22 Many libraries now offer free yoga or tai chi classes. Parks are perfect for bodyweight circuits, and community centers often have affordable access to pools or gymnasiums. The key is to go with a friend or to attend a scheduled group activity, transforming the space from a location into a community.
The specific activity is less important than the social context.
Whether it’s a high-end lifestyle gym or a free walking group in the park, the underlying principle is the same: fitness thrives when it is embedded in a web of social connection.
Conclusion: Fitness Isn’t a Goal, It’s a Place
My own fitness journey has been transformed.
I no longer view exercise as a battle of willpower to be won or lost each day.
It has become a natural and enjoyable part of my social life.
The gym I belong to now is more than a place I go to work out; it’s a place where I see friends, where I de-stress, and where I feel a genuine sense of belonging.
My consistency is no longer fueled by discipline alone, but by the pleasant anticipation of being in a positive, supportive environment.
I haven’t just found a better workout routine; I’ve found my fitness third place.
This experience has crystallized a central truth: the most sustainable path to health and wellness is not found in more sophisticated technology, more extreme workout regimens, or even more personal discipline.
It is found in rediscovering and nurturing our fundamental human need for community.18
The traditional gym model fails so many because it ignores this need, treating the human body as a machine to be optimized in isolation.
The lifestyle gym succeeds because it embraces it, treating the person as a social being who needs connection to thrive.
The future of fitness—and perhaps a key to improving our collective well-being in an increasingly fragmented world—lies not in building bigger, more intimidating warehouses of equipment, but in cultivating more of these “great good places.” We must shift our focus from the individual’s struggle to the environment’s design.
Because fitness, when it truly lasts a lifetime, is not a destination you finally arrive at.
It is a place you love to be.
Works cited
- Common Gym Frustrations and How to Overcome Them | TikTok, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.tiktok.com/@bigjoegk/video/7471685698920402222
- 17+ Common Gym Member Complaints and How to Handle Them | Exercise.com, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.exercise.com/grow/gym-member-complaints/
- Top 16 Common Gym Problems And How To Fix Them – YR Fitness, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.yanrefitness.com/common-gym-problems/
- Traditional exercise vs Lifestyle exercise – Size Stream, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.sizestream.com/post/traditional-exercise-vs-lifestyle-exercise
- Why People Quit the Gym & the Curves Difference | Curves, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.curves.com/blog/belong/top-10-reasons-people-quit-the-gym-and-the-curves-difference
- 5 Reasons People Abandon Fitness Programs – The Summit Fitness Studio, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://thesummitfit.com/5-reasons-people-abandon-fitness-programs/
- What’s the Difference Between a Fitness Center & Gym | YMCA DC, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.ymcadc.org/whats-the-difference-between-a-fitness-center-and-a-gym/
- Fitness Center vs Gym: Which is Right for Your 2024 Fitness Journey?, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.napavalleyfitness.com/blog/fitness-center-vs-gym-which-is-right-for-your-2024-fitness-journey
- www.curves.com, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.curves.com/blog/belong/top-10-reasons-people-quit-the-gym-and-the-curves-difference#:~:text=Not%20Enough%20Time,on%20your%20to%2Ddo%20list.
- 6 Reasons Why People Quit Fitness (And How To Overcome Them!) – Healthily Toned, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.healthilytoned.com/single-post/6-reasons-why-people-quit-fitness
- Exploring THE Essential GYM Features to Look FOR – Onelife Fitness, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.onelifefitness.com/news/exploring-essential-features-look-gym
- Why your workout isn’t working: 7 common gym mistakes and how to fix them | Health, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/why-your-workout-isn-t-working-7-common-gym-mistakes-and-how-to-fix-them-101749729674496.html
- Fitness Frustrations: Why You’re Not Seeing Results And What To Do About It, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://drnathaliebeauchamp.com/tv/episode-11-fitness-frustrations-why-youre-not-seeing-results-and-what-to-do-about-it/
- 4 Reasons We Quit On Our Fitness Program [And How to Stick With It] – Gary Deagle, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.garydeagle.com/4-reasons-quit-fitness-program/
- Why a Lifestyle Gym is the Key to Sustainable Health?, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://anatomylifestylefitness.com/blog/lifestyle-gym-for-sustainable-health/
- Lifestyle Fitness Center/Gym – Kaweah Health, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.kaweahhealth.org/our-services/the-lifestyle-center-gym
- Lifestyle Wellness & Spa | Best 24-hour Gym in Forest City | 247 Oak Street Extension #145, Forest City, NC, USA, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.lifestylewellnessspa.com/
- “Third places” as community builders – Brookings Institution, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.brookings.edu/articles/third-places-as-community-builders/
- Ray Oldenburg – Project for Public Spaces, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.pps.org/article/roldenburg
- Third place – Wikipedia, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_place
- Ray Oldenburg & Karen Christensen: third places, true citizen spaces | The UNESCO Courier, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://courier.unesco.org/en/articles/third-places-true-citizen-spaces
- en.wikipedia.org, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_place#:~:text=Examples%20of%20third%20places%20include,and%20a%20sense%20of%20place.
- Community building happens in ‘third places’, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.yourcommunitypaper.com/articles/community-building-happens-in-third-places/
- thesystemsthinker.com, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://thesystemsthinker.com/making-a-garden-out-of-a-jungle-the-power-of-third-places/
- What Are “Third Places”: Examples & Benefits for Individuals – BetterUp, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.betterup.com/blog/third-places
- Achieve Your Best Self with a Lifestyle Fitness Approach, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.mr-maid.com/news/achieve-your-best-self-with-a-lifestyle-fitness-approach
- How to Choose the Best Gym Features for Your Fitness Business, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.glofox.com/blog/gym-features/
- What Is A Third Place? And How To Find One – The Good Trade, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/third-place-community-spaces/
- Become a LifeStyles Member | Akron General – Cleveland Clinic, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations/akron-general/lifestyles/request-information
- Creating Third Places – Places where communities gather – Extension, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/downtowneconomics/files/2012/07/creating-third-places.pdf
- Why Third Places Are Essential to Creating Community in Modern Society – Verywell Mind, accessed on August 11, 2025, https://www.verywellmind.com/why-third-places-matter-8584788
