In Spain, gyms have evolved beyond physical exercise to become multifunctional spaces where friendships, business deals, and romances are forged. With 4,800 centers in the country, these venues reflect post-pandemic social shifts, attracting young and older people alike. Experts highlight both their benefits for daily integration and risks of body obsession.
The article explores how gyms in Spain have transformed into integral social centers. In Lleida, Viding Ekke gym, directed by 61-year-old José Luis Castarcelas, has over 8,000 members paying about 55 euros per month. This 8,000-square-meter center has operated for 18 years and offers not only fitness but also a pool, spa, cafeteria, play area, and padel courts. Castarcelas notes an increase in young and older patrons post-lockdown: “Since the lockdown we've noticed a big increase in younger crowds... The older age group has also grown”.
Joaquín Prenafeta, 49, a seven-year member, describes the place as “a strong social and relational axis”, where one can spend the entire day. Padel courts boost socialization, with tournaments leading to dinners and weddings: “I've been to several weddings of couples who met in this gym”.
Psychologist Violeta Alcocer sees positive aspects in this activity concentration: “it facilitates habits, reduces barriers, and allows integrating movement into daily life”. However, she warns of risks: “The gym becomes a total ecosystem, where everything revolves around the same idea of bodily success”.
In Madrid and Barcelona, chains like Synergym (expanding to 210 centers, 30-euro fees) attract an under-30 crowd. CEO Jordi Bella observes more socialization in the fitness area: “Currently socialization also happens in the fitness room, where we see groups of young people training together”.
Studies show 66% of Spaniards who exercise do so in gyms, and 25% of youth choose weight training. Professor María José Camacho criticizes the lingering male gaze: “the gym remains an essentially male space”.
Boutique centers like Serotonin Studio in Barcelona, with 115-euro fees and 90% female clients aged 40-50, prioritize closed communities. In the luxury segment, David Lloyd in Boadilla del Monte (Madrid) offers coworking and events for 229 euros monthly, drawing 4,000 members. Soho House's Caroline Curry emphasizes professional networking: “it has become a key element in their way of relating”.
Sociologist Pau Mateu highlights fitness's accessibility for youth without team commitments, though he cautions against ideological caricatures. Overall, as 40,000 bars close in 15 years, gyms thrive as new agoras.
