People would rather go for a run on a first date than go to a bar
People would rather go for a run on a first date than go to a bar
People say exercising on a date can 'break the tension'
A couple jogging together
People are shunning pubs and bars and are more likely to get into their gym kits for an active meet up, according to a new report. One in four of those surveyed would prefer to exercise on a first date - twice the number who would go to a pub or a bar.
One in 10 said they would go on a run or visit the gym for a first date, while 9% said they would choose an activity, such as bowling. And the figures are even higher amongst Gen Z, with one in 10 18-24 year olds saying a run would be their perfect first date after meeting someone.
The survey is part of Amazon's Chatterbox series that shines a light on the personalities and opinions of its employees. Amazon worker Stephen Hathaway, 26, from Bristol, runs four times a week, and said he would be happy to take a date for a run.
He said: "The hardest thing about dating is the anxiety around it, especially on how you're going to break the ice - and on a run you don't need to worry about that. You might be sweaty and fighting for breath at times, but that is going to break down the tension a lot quicker than if you were in a bar on your best behaviour, trying to make small talk - which can feel robotic and tense.
"Plus, you get a high after about half an hour of running which makes you feel naturally more confident. So if you go for a drink afterwards, conversation is going to flow.
"I think it's important to show your real self on a date, and not take yourself too seriously. If you go in knowing full well you're not going to look your best, then you'll break down those walls between you much more quickly.'
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But Farida Rizk, 21, who works at Amazon's Fulfilment Centre in Coalville, said: 'If I went on a jogging date, I'd be sweating, panting and fully focussed on not tripping over. Not exactly the first impression I'm aiming for. A first date should be a nice meal or a couple of drinks somewhere where you can actually talk and get to know the person. You want to come across as charming - not gasping for air.
'Sure, gym couples are having their moment - it's definitely a trend. But if we're being real, most people would secretly rather be on the sofa with a takeaway. That's the kind of love language I can get behind.
'One of my friends actually met her boyfriend through a running club, and I was genuinely baffled. How do you even flirt mid-run? I'd be too focused on not dying to make conversation. Honestly, if I'm lacing up my runners for a first date, I must really like you.'
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Oxford Mathematician Dr Tom Crawford said: 'The data obtained in the Amazon survey is a fascinating insight into the make-up of modern-day Britain. The fact that 92 nationalities are represented across a relatively small sample is particularly unique, as based on the data from the latest UK census in 2021 we would only expect around 60 countries to be represented.
'My calculations estimate that this particular dataset would rank in the top 10% for diversity of nationalities out of all surveys of a comparable size.'
The survey was part of Amazon's Chatterbox series, tying into Amazon's latest video - where workers tackle the ultimate question: would anyone still go for a run if they couldn't show off about it? Watch here.
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