London's singletons are opting for dumbells and protein shakes over cocktails and dinner.
Call it a backlash against virtual dating sites like Tinder, but real-life hook ups are big right now - and the gym is fast replacing your local as the place to do it.
In response to a growing trend for sober dating, fitness guru Sapan Sehgal and his girlfriend Holiday Sidewinder (who met at the gym themselves and are living proof it works) have curated the UK’s first bespoke fitness class focussed around matchmaking like-minded singles.
Lovercise launched this Valentine’s Day at the cult gym London Fields Fitness but has proved so popular it is now set to run every week. The cheeky class is aimed at open minded singles who enjoy a rigorous, whole body workout and might otherwise be spending the evening watching box sets at home alone. The exercises, many of which focus around using your own and a partner's body weight, aim to get endorphins (and hearts) pumping. Participants are invited to come along alone or with a friend and be paired up with other up-for-it singles to test their chemistry on the gym floor. A refreshing change from the often contrived world of online dating.
Feeling shy? Fear not, colour coded mats let people know where you’re at; Red – ready for love, Pink – flirty & fun, Turquoise - cool & curious (just looking), Magenta - self-love.
'It can be really difficult to meet people in sober situations, the options are really limited,' says Holiday. ‘So many relationships have been forged at London Field's Fitness. We thought the Lovercise idea could be a fun way to expand on that. It's effectively a hybrid of Sapan's signature class, Booty Camp with a romantic twist and focusing around 'pairs work'. It's all about breaking down inhibitions and the social aspects of working out. Fitness increases confidence and happiness so at the end of the day if people find love in the class, that’s great, but really - our aim is to encourage people to make new relationships, be that friends or something more.' While Holiday says she can’t guarantee love, she can guarantee lots of laughs and a great group workout with other like-minded people.
Aphrodisiac refreshments will be served after the class - think oysters, dark chocolate covered strawberries, cherries, chai tea and red wine. Participants are encouraged to stay for a post workout cool down and mingle - and at just £10 for the class, it seems rude not to.
Intrigued? Turn off tinder and let’s get physical!
For more information or to bag your place visit: lovercise.club
