happn: 61% of Dutch Gen Z Have Had Gym Crushes

A survey conducted by the dating app happn among 932 users in the Netherlands found that 36% of singles have had a crush on someone at the gym. The trend is especially pronounced among Gen Z, with 61% of singles aged 18 to 25 reporting a gym crush. However, most people do not act on these feelings. Eighty-seven percent of respondents said they have never made a move, even though 23% had considered it.

While this might sound like a niche statistic on paper, it could actually be very important as a marker of current dating habits and preferences. Over half of surveyed users essentially said that they had developed a crush on somebody in person, with a shared hobby connecting them, yet the majority had never acted upon them.

The main barriers include not wanting to disturb someone during their workout (39%), fear of rejection, and lack of confidence. Despite these hesitations, most singles are open to flirting at the gym if the situation feels appropriate. Eighty-four percent said they are not immediately negative about it. More than eight in ten Dutch singles expressed interest in meeting people through sports or fitness activities.

This could be a clear indication that users want to meet others in scenarios like this, but are too terrified of approaching the wrong person in the wrong way. Platforms that can facilitate these spontaneous connections – whether they’re dating apps used to find people with the shared hobby or platforms that only connect you with users in the same physical area – could push many people over that hurdle.

Sportiness appears to be a significant factor in attraction. Over 70% of singles said they are more attracted to someone who exercises regularly. The most appealing qualities were energy and mindset (28%), appearance (26%), and discipline and lifestyle (22%).

To help facilitate offline connections, happn partnered with fitness chain TrainMore to organize “Love at First Set” events in Amsterdam. These group workout sessions use duo exercises, partner challenges, and icebreakers to encourage natural interactions. Participants switch partners after each set, and the events include a DJ and drinks. Separate queer and straight editions were held.

Claire Rénier, Head of Communications at happn, noted that the gym has become a natural place for attraction to develop, but many still find taking action intimidating. The events aim to create safe and spontaneous opportunities for singles to meet offline.