The Power of the Third Space
June 28, 2023
In a world where the daily grind of home and work can consume our lives, there's an urgent need to discover spaces that inject some much-needed fun and foster genuine connections. Enter the concept of the third space! Coined by the sociologist Ray Oldenburg, the third space offers a haven outside of our homes and workplaces where we can come together, engage, and build relationships. Read on as we dive into the importance of the third space and how your local gym can fill that missing gap!
The Third Space: Creating Social Bonds Outside of Home and Work
Third spaces are vital in enhancing our quality of life. Oldenburg referred to the third space as a sociocultural realm that is distinct from home (first space) and work (second space). It is a place where people gather, interact, and engage in informal social activities. By engaging with others in these spaces, we experience a sense of belonging, happiness, and overall well-being. Third spaces bridge gaps between diverse individuals, fostering connections that might not have occurred elsewhere.
The Club as a Third Space: Beyond Exercise
Although gyms are traditionally only associated with physical wellness, we are starting to see more and more studios and clubs offering services to foster mental health, which includes your social wellness! We at Chelsea Piers Fitness have always made sure to put community first when designing our spaces, making our member events a key part of the membership experience. By creating inclusive and welcoming environments with a wide variety of classes, events, and workshops, we attract individuals from various backgrounds, promoting diversity and camaraderie, making Chelsea Piers Fitness your ideal third space.
How to Be All-In: Make the Club Your Home
Ready to make the club your official third space? Here are a few ways to get more involved at the club and meet like-minded members and staff.
- Take a group fitness class! Take the time to introduce yourself to the instructor, or make small talk after class with those around you. Tip: Try AMP’d for a fun, community-fostering class, or a Pilates reformer class for a smaller, more intimate group class setting.
- Check out our member events calendar. In each of our clubs, we offer at least 3 events per month to foster those oh-so-important community vibes! We offer a variety of events such as kettlebell workshops, happy hours, movie nights + much more. There truly is something for everyone!
- Introduce yourself to the staff. Whether it's waving to the person checking you in at the front desk, getting to know our fitness concierge team checking you in for classes, or having a full conversation with our staff at a member event, getting to know your club staff will make your experience as a member much more meaningful.
- Work with a personal trainer. Your trainer can help familiarize you with equipment, help recommend classes to take, and help you feel more comfortable at the club! Your new friends at the fitness concierge desk can help you pick out the perfect trainer to match your needs.
Staying Connected: Online and IRL
When meaningful connections can sometimes be scarce, the importance of the third space cannot be overstated. Gyms, with their potential to serve as vibrant third spaces, provide a sanctuary where individuals can exercise, engage, and develop lasting relationships. We may have a partial viewpoint, but we think Chelsea Piers Fitness is as perfect a community as it gets! We hope to see you around the club, in classes, at a member event, or just enjoying the vibrant community that our club offers! Be sure to follow us on Instagram @chelseapiersfitness to stay up-to-date on the latest club news.