Work. Home. Work. Repeat.
Algorithms, new online platforms, gaming devices, work from home, the weather? What keeps the cycle of work to home to work on repeat?
The sociologist Roy Oldenburg created the term “Third Space” to describe the time and place between your work and home life. Where you go to improve your mental health, discuss ideas and build relationships. While online communities are convenient, the benefits are not exactly the same.
Maybe there is connection with an online community via Instagram, but the pile of dishes is definitely staring from the sink. Maybe there is checking in with friends through video games, but the work laptop is still open on the coffee table. Maybe there is a quick Facetime with family but the TV is on in the background. The cycle is never disrupted and the daily grind continues.
There is power in disruption, separation and true engagement. The coffee shop down the street, the pub on the corner or to no one’s surprise, the gym. Third spaces can realign focus, shrink the world a little bit and reveal the influence of genuine connection.
The gym is more than just a place to work out. It is a place to connect with yourself and your community. A space to share interests and build relationships outside of your home or your workplace. The gym is designed to be your “third space”. There are no dishes, laundry, or work laptops. In some cases, we even take care of giving your kids a third space.
To get the most out of the Merritt Clubs Community, here are some offerings that the clubs have cultivated just for members.
Be a Member
There is no better way to experience the third space phenomenon than becoming a member and using the club. Aside from all of the community benefits, Merritt offers a plethora of giveaways just for showing up.
https://merrittclubs.com/current-offers/trial-membership/
Group Fitness Classes
Probably the easiest and most obvious. Most clubs offer between 50-75 classes per week. Our amazing instructors create a safe space to workout and connect with others!
https://merrittclubs.com/group-fitness-programs/
Guest Passes
Bring. A. Friend. That’s it. If there is someone stuck in the cycle, there is no harm in offering a glimpse of the benefits of a third space. They can also quickly become an accountability partner.
https://www.myrewardstore.com/merrittclubs/invitations/130
Community Connections
Merritt Clubs has gone a step further to offer additional connections in the community. These include discounts to coffee shops, restaurants and other services.
https://merrittclubs.com/community-connections/
Programs and Parties
Merritt offers additional programs for people of all ages. Look for additional opportunities to connect with like-minded people. Programs vary from club to club.
At Merritt Clubs, we want to put you in a space to be at your best and when you are feeling your worst, we want to be there for you then, too. That’s the idea of building community. It will always be here. Your only job is to show up.
