Latest news with #StephenHathaway
Daily Mail
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Britons are more likely to spend a first date on a RUN than in a bar as sober Gen Z ditch boozy meetups, research reveals
When picking a date location in times gone by, a bar or a pub was likely the first port of call. However, preferences appeared to have since shifted because Britons are now choosing to spend a first date running rather than in a bar, a new survey has found. In a poll completed by UK Amazon workers as part of Amazon's Chatterbox series, one in four participants would prefer to exercise on a first date, twice the number of those preferring to visit a bar or pub. Meanwhile, one in ten claimed they'd rather go on a run or visit the gym for a first date, while nine per cent said they'd pick an activity to get to know the other person, like bowling. A fitness focus in dating was even more prevalent among Generation Z, with one in ten 18-24-year-olds agreeing that a run would be their perfect first date. It comes as an increasing number of Gen Z are turning their backs on alcohol, with 21 per cent of under-25s saying last year that they did not drink – up from 14 per cent in 2017, according to the latest annual survey in the UK by the Drinkaware charity. Avid runner and 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, [the] 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.' However, 21-year-old Farida Rizk, who works at Amazon's Fulfilment Centre in Coalville, challenged Stephen's viewpoint. She said: 'If I went on a jogging date, I'd be sweating, panting, and fully focussed on not tripping over. [It's] 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.' She concluded: 'Honestly, if I'm lacing up my runners for a first date, I must really like you.' Discussing the findings, dating expert Millie Shields said: 'Dating apps can be a struggle, especially when conversations fizzle out, messages are vague or inconsistent, and no one seems serious about meeting up. 'That's why more people are ditching the pub and opting for something more intentional - like going for a run on a first date. 'It's no surprise people are saying they're most likely to meet a future partner at the gym or a running club, as seen in a recent poll of Amazon workers as part of its Chatterbox series. 'People are moving away from the swipe-and-chat culture and gravitating toward more meaningful, in-person connections. 'That's why running dates are on the rise - they allow for real conversations, shared interests, and actual chemistry. 'Dating apps can feel performative, with people curating versions of themselves. Now, it's less about swiping and more about meeting through shared values. How to ditch the bar and go on a more active first date, according to dating expert Millie Shields 'Number one is definitely deodorant. Don't forget that. 2. Don't worry about hair and makeup When it comes to hair and makeup, focus on what makes you feel comfortable. If you're heading to a bar or club, you might go all out, but it's not essential. Amazon's Chatterbox survey shows only 25 per cent of Gen Z say looks were a top priority - and sometimes pulling your hair back and going barefaced shows confidence, which is more attractive than trying too hard. 3. Wear what's comfortable When it comes to running gear, wear what feels right for you. If someone judges you based on your trainers, they're not the right person. But if you've been dying to wear those new trainers, now is the perfect time - don't leave them gathering dust in your cupboard. 4. Leave your tunes at home Why have you gone to a run club if you're going to wear headphones? It's about socialising. So leave the AirPods at home. The Chatterbox survey by Amazon shows the third most common reason people join a running club is to meet a potential partner, so leave the AirPods at home. 5. Fake it until you make it If you're not feeling confident about striking up conversations, fake it until you make it. It can be uncomfortable at first, but that's where the growth happens. Even if no connections are made, you've stepped out of your comfort zone, which is an important win.'
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Singletons would rather do this on a date rather than share glass of wine
New research shows one in four would prefer a healthy pursuit with their love interest Fitness-focused Brits are more likely to share a first date on a run than to a bar, according to new figures. One in four of those quizzed in a survey of 2,000 Amazon workers would prefer to exercise on a first date - twice the number who would go for a drink. One in 10 said they would rather get their hearts racing on a run or visit the gym, while 9% said they would choose an activity such as bowling. And the figures are even higher amongst Gen Z, with 22% saying they would prefer to get to know a love interest while exercising. One in 10 18-24 year olds said a run would be their perfect date after meeting someone, compared to 7% who would go to a pub or bar. Amongst 25-34 year olds, 19% would prefer to hit it off on an active date, while 8% would opt for a boozy night out. And 17% of 35-44 year olds said they would choose bonding while exercising over the 9% who favoured the pub. The survey is part of Amazon's Chatterbox series that shines a light on the personalities and opinions of its employees. Stephen Hathaway, 26, from Bristol, runs four times a week, and said he would love to take a date for a run. He said: "The hardest thing about dating is the anxiety about 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.' But Farida Rizk, 21, from Nottingham, is not convinced. She 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.' Dating expert Millie Shields said: "People are moving away from the swipe-and-chat culture when it comes to dating, and gravitating toward more meaningful, in-person connections. "That's why running dates are on the rise - they allow for real conversations, shared interests, and actual chemistry." With a workforce of around 75,000 across the UK, Amazon is perfectly placed to explore the topics that matter most. The survey ties into Amazon's latest video which sees workers tackle the ultimate question: would anyone still go for a run if they couldn't show off about it? Watch here.
North Wales Live
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
People would rather go for a run on a first date than go to a bar
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.' 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.' 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.
Wales Online
16-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Wales Online
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.' Article continues below 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.' Article continues below 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.
