Find your “Third Space” at The Spot

Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third places” to describe social environments that exist outside of the two primary spaces most people occupy: home and work. These are the places where community forms naturally, where people gather, connect, and feel a sense of belonging without pressure or obligation.

In today’s world of busy schedules, digital communication, and fewer organic in-person interactions, third spaces are becoming harder to find and more important than ever. We are increasingly overscheduled and disconnected, even while being constantly “in touch.” Having a place that supports genuine human connection is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity.

In The Great Good Place, Oldenburg and co-author Karen Christensen outline the defining characteristics of third spaces. They are welcoming, accessible, low-pressure, and centered around regulars who give the space its character. When I first read this, I found myself thinking about how many of these qualities show up at The Spot Athletics.

For many people, training becomes just one more item on a long to-do list and is often the first thing to fall away when life feels overwhelming. But when a gym becomes more than a place to work out, when it becomes a third space, it shifts from feeling like an obligation to something grounding. Making The Spot, or any gym, your third space allows you to experience social connection alongside physical and mental growth.

We all know exercise releases endorphins, but so does laughter, conversation, and shared experiences. These hormones help relieve stress and support overall well-being. An article from the University of Chicago notes, “While it can be difficult to extend oneself beyond the social spheres of home and work, it is infinitely rewarding to meet new people.” The challenge often is not desire, but time, stress, and feeling overextended. Consistency and routine, along with seeing familiar faces, can make showing up feel easier.

This is where the gym as a third space truly matters. You show up to train, and in the process, connection happens naturally. You are greeted by coaches who know your name and surrounded by people working toward their own goals. Over time, those small interactions add up.

A strong third space supports more than physical health. It provides structure, relieves stress, and reminds you that you are not doing life alone. When your gym becomes a place where you feel welcomed and connected, it stops being just a workout space and starts becoming a community.