GEN GYM & THE SOBER CURIOUS

The way we approach health and socialising is changing, with two major lifestyle trends shaping a new generation: Gen Gym and the Sober Curious movement. Both are about prioritising wellbeing, making conscious choices, and challenging long-held norms—whether it’s how we exercise, socialise, or consume alcohol.

So, what’s driving these movements? And what are the latest trends in Australia and around the world?

Gen Gym: Where Fitness Meets Lifestyle

Gen Gym isn’t just about hitting the weights—it’s a mindset. Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are embracing fitness as a core part of their lifestyle, not just something they do to ‘get in shape’. Exercise is now about mental health, energy, and overall wellbeing.

Why is fitness so big among younger generations?

Mental health benefits – Exercise is widely recognised as a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. More people now work out to feel good, not just to look good.

Functional fitness – Workouts that mimic everyday movements (like squats, lunges, and bodyweight exercises) are growing in popularity, making fitness more practical and sustainable.

Social fitness – Gym sessions, running clubs, group workouts, and outdoor activities are replacing traditional ‘big nights out’ for many young Australians.

Technology & gamification – From fitness apps to wearable trackers, the digital world has made exercise more interactive, engaging, and community-driven.

Australia’s fitness trends reflect this shift. In 2024, the country’s top fitness trend was Exercise for Mental Health, highlighting just how much people now value the mind-body connection.

Globally, we’re seeing a similar pattern. Social fitness is booming, with more people choosing active experiences over alcohol-fuelled nights. Whether it’s hiking, yoga retreats, or ‘sweatworking’ (networking through fitness), staying active is now a core part of modern socialising.

What Does ‘Sober Curious’ Mean?

The Sober Curious movement is about rethinking your relationship with alcohol. Unlike sobriety, it doesn’t mean quitting drinking completely—it’s about being more mindful and choosing what works best for you.

This movement is:

Challenging drinking culture and norms – It questions the idea that alcohol needs to be central to socialising.

Improving individual health and wellbeing – People are realising that alcohol affects sleep, mood, and energy levels.

Supporting long-term, sustainable drinking habits – It’s not about strict rules, but making choices that align with personal goals.

By being more intentional about drinking, some people cut back, while others take breaks or even quit entirely—but the choice is theirs.

What Does a ‘Sober Curious’ Lifestyle Look Like?

A sober curious lifestyle looks different for everyone. Some common approaches include:

Taking alcohol-free breaks – Some people do month-long challenges like Dry January, febfast, or Ocsober. These can help reset drinking habits and highlight the benefits of cutting back.

Alcohol-free days – Others choose to have set days during the week where they don’t drink.

Drinking less at social events – Even in situations where alcohol is expected (like weddings, birthdays, or work functions), sober curious individuals might choose to drink less—or not at all.

Prioritising activities that don’t revolve around drinking – Fitness, outdoor adventures, creative hobbies, and social events without alcohol are all gaining popularity.

The key idea? It’s about creating healthier drinking habits that fit your lifestyle and goals.

The Benefits of Cutting Back on Alcohol

Even reducing alcohol—without cutting it out entirely—can have serious health benefits:

Short-term benefits:

Better sleep – Alcohol disrupts sleep cycles, so drinking less can improve rest and recovery.

More energy – Less alcohol means fewer sluggish mornings and more productive days.

Sharper focus & memory – Alcohol affects cognitive function, and cutting back can improve mental clarity.

Less ‘hangxiety’ – That post-drinking anxiety (aka ‘hangxiety’) is real, and drinking less helps avoid it.

Long-term health benefits:

Lower risk of chronic diseases – Regular drinking is linked to several health issues, including:

• Cancers (including throat, mouth, liver, breast, and bowel cancer)

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Liver disease

• Pancreatitis

• Gastrointestinal disease

Reduced alcohol dependence – Taking structured breaks from drinking can help people reset their habits and reduce long-term alcohol intake.

How Gen Gym & Sober Curious Overlap

It’s no surprise that those who prioritise fitness also rethink their drinking habits. Exercise and alcohol have always had a complicated relationship—many people drink less simply because they don’t want alcohol getting in the way of their training, performance, or recovery.

A growing trend is the ‘workout date’, where people swap pub nights for gym sessions, outdoor hikes, or fitness classes. More people are choosing socialising without alcohol, and it’s becoming easier to find alcohol-free events that don’t feel like you’re missing out.

Between Gen Gym and the Sober Curious movement, people are making choices that prioritise energy, fitness, and long-term wellbeing. The takeaway?

• Fitness is becoming more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle.

• Alcohol is no longer a default—more people are choosing when, how, and if they drink.

• Wellbeing is at the centre of it all.

By: Chris Rabba