If you’re navigating the London dating scene or looking to meet new people, and you feel like your approach could do with a switch up, then you’re definitely not alone. 74% of young adults say that finding a genuine connection feels harder than ever before – but it turns out the solution could be right under our noses… in our workout gear to be precise.
Müller UK & Ireland and Myprotein have teamed up to launch the NO RESTaurant, a free two day pop-up at Icetank Covent Garden on May 6-7, designed to capitalise on the post-work out glow that isn’t just about feeling good, but also the perfect window for social connection, as natural bonding chemicals are triggered in your brain.
So, rally your single mates, or anyone you know who’s keen to make new connections, and let’s make the most of this neurochemical sweet spot and meet some new people at the NO RESTaurant.
From fun games and interactive prompts, to delicious perfect-for-sharing post-sweat nutrition, this immersive pop-up offers a refreshing alternative to awkward meet ups and dating app-induced fatigue.
Get ready to hack your brain chemistry at the NO RESTaurant’s Sweat Zone – four fun challenges designed to ready body to meet new people and make real, authentic connection. Launch yourself sky-high on the Neuroleap to spark powerful myokines in your leg muscles, then hold tight on the Myprotein Hangbar, where arm compression releases feel-good neurochemicals. Next up, dive into viral fitness trends and film your own content before teaming up for the Balance Challenge, where you’ll support your partner (literally and emotionally!) on a pair of exercise balls to stay upright for as long as you can.
Then you’ll be perfectly primed to make your way to the Spark Zone – and this is where the science-backed bonding comes to life. The resident neuroscientist will give you a thorough breakdown of the theory, before setting you up in your ‘connection’ games. Forget the awkward small talk, here you’ll get straight to discovering surprising similarities with other attendees, with games like Mingle Bingo, before testing your memory in ‘It’s a Match’. There’ll even be some freebies to take home after!
You don’t need to bring anything except an open mind – and there’s no requirement to arrive already worked out either. The experience is designed to create the conditions for connection regardless of your fitness level or previous activity, so no stress, endocannabinoids will be flowing to get your brain primed for connection. But, if you’re looking to maximise the neurochemical benefits, a workout before arriving could just enhance your experience that bit further!
Whilst a tasty Müller yoghurt or Myprotein shake seems like an obvious post-workout ritual, a date may feel like an unusual thing to include in your recovery routine. But with dating, timing is everything, and recent research reveals that just ten minutes of exercise increases oxytocin – the connection hormone – boosting your mood and making you more receptive to forming bonds. And who are we to argue with chemistry?
The NO RESTaurant takes reservations throughout the day, to accommodate all workout schedules. Book yours at 7am-9am, 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm, 4pm-6pm, or 7pm-9pm.
18+ only.