The Kingston Courier asked young locals what activity they would be more likely to prioritise.
A survey of 128 young adults in Kingston suggests that young people are spending less time in the pub and more in the gym.
More than a third of respondents (34.8%) said they prioritise spending on gym memberships and fitness, making it the most popular activity overall. Shopping followed at 31.1%, while eating out at cafés or restaurants accounted for 23.5%. In contrast, only 8.3% reported prioritising clubbing, indicating that nightlife is less popular among young people now.
Our survey suggests going out has changed rather than gone into completely declining. Shopping and ‘Instagrammable’ cafés and restaurants are replacing clubs as the go-to place for young people.
Hans Khamajeet, 20, an international student at London Metropolitan University, said fitness shapes his routine and his spending habits.
“I prefer to invest my time and money on myself. I enjoy shopping for good food and clothes and spending my time at the gym,” he said.
Charlotte Blondeau, a local resident, says the gym is important to her mental wellbeing.
“I love being fit because it makes me feel strong and confident. Going to the gym motivates me as it helps me clear my mind. It also improves my mood,” she said.
The local trends appear to match those nationwide.
A UK-wide survey of 2,000 adults conducted by OnePoll for OriGym found that today people between 18–29 years old go out less compared to older generations at the same age. While 37% of people now aged 30–70+ said they went out several times a week in their twenties, only 18% of Gen Z report doing the same today.
The research also found that 43% of Gen Z said health and fitness is more appealing than drinking, compared with just 17% who prioritise nightlife.
For some, the shift is less about fitness and more about how social time is spent.
Bhethany Jugroop, another local resident, said her evenings with friends are more about food rather than alcohol.
“I still go out with friends, but mainly to try new restaurants and cafés,” she said. “I invest my money more in food than clubbing or drinks.”
