The Rise of Social Wellness Clubs: A New Era of Mental and Physical Well-Being

In today’s hyper-connected yet deeply isolated world, stress, anxiety, and loneliness have become the norm. The convenience of digital interaction has paradoxically left many feeling more disconnected than ever, and the rise of remote work and virtual relationships has only amplified this divide. While our modern lives offer efficiency, they often lack something essential—genuine human connection and embodied experiences that ground us in the present.

But what if the path to better mental health isn’t found in another mindfulness app or a solo gym session with noise-canceling headphones? What if it’s about something older, something instinctive—a return to shared rituals, movement, and sensory engagement? Enter the resurgence of social wellness clubs, a modern reinvention of ancient communal spaces where people come together not just to care for their bodies, but to reconnect with others in the process.

The return of bathhouses, contrast therapy, and holistic wellness spaces reflects a growing awareness that self-care is more powerful when shared. These spaces provide not only the physiological benefits of movement, heat exposure, and cold immersion but also the critical, often-overlooked aspect of human connection. They represent a shift away from isolated wellness routines toward collective experiences that nourish both mind and body.

By blending physical activity, temperature-based therapies, and communal engagement, social wellness clubs are transforming the landscape of self-care. Instead of treating mental health as a solitary pursuit, they invite us to step into a more immersive, multi-sensory, and socially enriching approach to well-being; one that may be the key to combating the modern epidemic of loneliness and stress.

The Rise of Social Wellness Clubs

Social wellness clubs are redefining traditional spa experiences by integrating health treatments with social interaction. Facilities like Remedy Place in West Hollywood, New York, and opening soon in Boston, exemplify this trend, offering a space where self-care and human connection coexist. Founded by Dr. Jonathan Leary, Remedy Place positions itself as the world's first social wellness club, emphasizing treatments that challenge the body physiologically while fostering social bonds.

These clubs cater to individuals seeking healthier social alternatives, moving away from conventional activities centered around alcohol or passive entertainment. Members can engage in various treatments—such as ice baths, saunas, and hyperbaric chambers, designed to enhance well-being and encourage shared experiences.

The Psychological Benefits of Movement

Physical activity is a cornerstone of mental health, with research consistently demonstrating its efficacy in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Engaging in regular exercise regulates neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, enhances neuroplasticity, and reduces inflammation—all factors implicated in mood disorders.​

Interestingly, body temperature also plays a role in mental health. Elevated body temperature has been linked to depressive symptoms, suggesting that thermoregulatory effects of exercise, along with temperature-based interventions like contrast therapy, may significantly impact mental well-being.​

Contrast Therapy: A Biological and Psychological Reset

Contrast therapy involves alternating exposure to hot and cold temperatures, leveraging the body's natural responses to thermal stress. This practice promotes circulation, reduces inflammation, and triggers endorphin release. Saunas, cold plunges, and steam rooms have been integral to various cultures, from Finnish saunas to Japanese onsens, and their resurgence in urban wellness spaces reflects a growing recognition of their benefits for both physical and mental health.​

The physiological effects of heat and cold immersion, such as stimulation of heat shock proteins, vasodilation, and increased parasympathetic nervous system activation, mirror many benefits observed in exercise, further reinforcing the role of thermoregulation in emotional resilience.​

The Return of the Bathhouse: A Social Renaissance

Beyond physiological benefits, human connection is an essential component of wellness. The resurgence of communal bathhouses and social wellness clubs reintroduces spaces for genuine, in-person social interaction. In pre-digital societies, bathhouses served as vital gathering places, fostering conversation, community, and shared rituals. Modern establishments like Remedy Place continue this tradition, offering environments where individuals can engage in health-promoting activities while building meaningful connections.

The psychological impact of in-person socialization is profound. Face-to-face interactions trigger the release of oxytocin, reduce cortisol levels, and enhance feelings of belonging; key factors in combating stress and depression. Therefore, these modern bathhouses serve not only as sites of physical recovery but also as remedies for the widespread loneliness characterizing recent decades.​

Reclaiming Social Wellness

While digital communication has its place, it cannot replace the visceral experience of sharing space with others. Engaging in shared rituals, whether it's a post-run sauna session, a cold plunge, or a steam room conversation, reintroduces social cohesion largely lost in the West. The combination of movement, contrast therapy, and social engagement creates a holistic intervention for mental well-being. Physical activity primes the body for recovery, contrast therapy enhances neurobiological resilience, and human connection provides the emotional reinforcement needed for sustained mental health improvements.​

A New Paradigm for Mental Health

Integrating exercise, temperature-based therapies, and communal experiences may be key to redefining mental wellness. The revival of bathhouses and the rise of social wellness clubs align with our innate need for movement, physiological regulation, and human connection. Rather than treating mental health in isolation, this approach embraces a multisensory, embodied, and communal framework—one that is as ancient as it is necessary for modern life.​

In an era marked by digital saturation and social disconnection, perhaps it is time to return to the heat of the sauna, the chill of the plunge, and the warmth of human company.