Do You Have A “Third Place?” This Is Why It's Good For You

I'd never heard of a "Third Place" until a few weeks ago in a meeting with one of my mentors.

We were talking about the TrainSmarter community and he said, "Well, ideally you want to be your clients' Third Place...." That caught my ear because the expression was new to me. So I did a little research.....

Our home is our "happy place" where we spend most of our time in the company of our nearest and dearest. That's our First Place.

Then there's our workplace, where we develop relationships through shared experiences amongst people with whom we often spend a great deal of time.

What's a Third Place?

Third Places are typically informal settings where we can relax and engage with others. Maybe you connect with others by hanging out and chatting in a coffee shop or engaging in activities in which you share common interests.

A Third Place.....

Is Restorative Psychologically and Emotionally

A Third Place provides one of our 6 Pillars Of Optimal Health--Social Connection.

Humans need connection to prevent loneliness and isolation, two health risk factors. Third Places promote relaxation, creativity, and stress relief.

Fosters Personal Development

Third places often involve recreational or educational activities, from playing tennis or golf to art classes to book clubs to exercise studios. See where I'm going here?

Encourages Collaboration and Togetherness

Third Places increase the diversity of your social group while simultaneously bringing together people with shared experience and interests who might not otherwise have met.

Here's what a Third Place looks like......

One of our clients sadly and unexpectedly lost his mom on Saturday. Every client who's worked out with him has expressed sympathy and concern, including one who came this morning hoping he'd be at the workout so she could give him a hug.

I didn't expect to see him, with all he has going on, but in he walked! He knew he would find a supportive community and we wanted to be that for him.

We share the gamut of life events from scary health situations and tremendous loss to minor things like my Christmas tree skirt debacle--and thank you all for your help and advice on that one!

The greatest compliment is hearing "This place is like Cheers!"

At TrainSmarter, sooner or later everyone knows your name.

If you remember (and are old enough to remember!), Cheers brought together a diverse group of people who had every imaginable quirk--like a big extended family who enjoys each others' company.

Creating a special community has been one of my goals since the beginning. There's nothing more heartwarming than seeing clients encouraging each other.

I want to provide a place where you can come and feel safe, supported, encouraged, and yes, challenged.

If you have a Third Place (or more than one!), good for you!

If you're looking for a Third Place, reach out and let me know. I have an extraordinary community that would love to meet you!

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