The New Third Place: Why Health, Work, and Community Belong Together
Sociologists have long talked about the idea of a “third place.” The space outside of home and work where people gather, connect, and build community. For past generations, that third place might have been the neighborhood café, the church, or the local bar. But what about today? For Gen Z and Millennials, coffee shops feel transactional, gyms feel isolating, and coworking spaces often feel more like real estate than community. The old third places don’t fully serve the needs of a generation searching for connection, purpose, and well-being.
Why the Old Model Doesn’t Work Anymore
For decades, commercial gyms like Lifetime Fitness and Equinox defined what a “health club” looked like. Rows of machines, personal training, group fitness, maybe a pool or spa. It worked for a generation that wanted access to equipment and amenities.
But here’s the problem:
Gyms sell access, not belonging - Most people walk in with headphones, train in isolation, and walk out.
Work is siloed - Offices and coworking spaces often prioritize desks over connection.
Community is missing - Even in “social spaces,” authentic connection is harder to find than ever.
Gen Z and Millennials aren’t just looking for a place to work out or a place to plug in their laptop. They’re looking for a place where their whole life is supported.
The Next Evolution: Integrated Third Places
The next generation of third places will bring together what the old ones kept separate: health, work, and community. Imagine a space where:
You can train in the morning.
Recover with a sauna, massage, or IV drip.
Transition seamlessly into a productive workday surrounded by like minded people.
End the evening at a community event, workshop, or networking session.
That’s not a gym. That’s not a coworking space. That’s not a café.
That’s HUMN.
Why HUMN Is Different
HUMN isn’t a commercial gym. It’s a community club designed around three pillars:
Performance: World-class training and recovery in one place.
Health: Proactive, preventative care through our longevity clinic.
Media: Storytelling and education that expand wellness beyond our walls.
By bringing these elements together, HUMN becomes more than a place you go. It becomes a place you belong.
Why This Matters Now
We’re in the middle of a cultural shift:
Remote and hybrid work have blurred the lines between work and life.
Gen Z and Millennials are demanding wellness as a lifestyle, not a luxury.
Loneliness and isolation are being called the new public health crisis.
The future won’t be built by bigger gyms or larger coworking chains. It will be built by communities that integrate health, work, and human connection under one roof.
Final Thoughts
The café defined the third place for the last generation. HUMN is building the third place for the next one. Not another gym. Not another coworking space. A community club where health, work, and connection finally come together.
If this vision resonates with you, whether as an investor, founder, or future member, I’d love to connect. Because the future of wellness isn’t siloed.
It’s HUMN.
