Move Together | The Benefits Of Exercising With Others

For many of us, exercising is often a solo pursuit. Lone runs and workouts, solo paddle outs, long rides with just ourselves for company. While there’s no doubt that exercising alone own can be effective and sometimes the 'alone' time we need, working out with others offers a range of benefits that can make a big difference in both motivation and results. 

 

 
Group exercise, or partner workouts, can be good fun but can also have significant physical, mental, and social benefits. In this blog we dive into some of the advantages of exercising with other people and why you might want to consider swapping some solo sweat sessions for social ones. 
 
Increased Accountability and Motivation

One of the greatest challenges people face when trying to maintain a consistent exercise routine is staying motivated. When you exercise with other people, you’re far less likely to skip a session because someone else is counting on you to show up. Whether it’s a scheduled gym date with a friend or a fitness class that you attend regularly, having others involved creates accountability. It’s much harder to hit snooze on your alarm or give a session a miss when you know that someone is waiting for you at the park for a morning run.

In a group setting, motivation comes naturally from the energy of others. Seeing others push themselves can inspire you to do the same. Friendly competition can drive you to go that extra mile, push an extra rep, or hold that plank a little longer than you would if you were alone.

Enhanced Performance Through Friendly Competition

Exercising with other people tends to spark a sense of competition, even if it’s unspoken. This natural competitiveness can lead you to push harder during a workout, increasing intensity and performance. When working out solo, it’s easy to plateau or stay in your comfort zone. However, when you’re exercising with a group or a partner, you’ll likely find yourself stepping up your game to keep up or stay ahead!

This competitive element can be beneficial for reaching personal goals faster. Whether it’s running a race or lifting weights, the presence of others who are striving toward their goals can help you aim higher and achieve more than you might when going it alone.

Greater Variety of Exercises and Improved Form and Technique

Exercising with other people, especially in a group led by a trainer or instructor, can also help introduce different variations of movement and improve your form and technique. If you’re working out with a friend or a group they can offer feedback or corrections that you might not notice yourself. Seeing the way others move is a great way to observe the variety that exists between how individuals move and offers a good opportunity to learn new and different ways to move your body. 

In group fitness classes, instructors are often able to offer tips or corrections to the whole class, which can benefit everyone. Even if you’re not getting personalized attention, simply observing others can provide insights into how to improve your own technique.

Social Connection and Support

Exercising with other people isn’t just about the physical benefits – it also fosters a sense of community and connection. Fitness can become a social experience, where you bond with others over shared goals and struggles. This can be especially important if you’re starting a new exercise routine or tackling a long-term fitness goal. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can make the journey more enjoyable and help you stay committed.

In group fitness settings, such as yoga, cycling, or CrossFit, there’s often a sense of camaraderie that develops over time. You celebrate each other’s milestones, encourage one another through tough workouts, and share in the successes. These relationships can transcend the space, becoming meaningful friendships that provide emotional support as well. These are the same benefits as we see in sports clubs and teams. 

Variety and Fun

Exercising with others often introduces more variety into your fitness routine. Whether you’re swapping workout tips with a friend or trying new fitness classes together, you’re more likely to mix things up. This variety not only keeps your routine from becoming stale, but it also challenges your body in new ways, which is essential for continued progress.

Group activities like boot camps, dance classes, or team sports bring an element of fun that solo workouts might lack. It’s much easier to stick with a fitness routine when it feels good. Laughing and sweating with others for some can turn exercise into something they look forward to, rather than something they dread.

Mental Health Benefits

Physical activity is known to reduce stress and anxiety, but working out with others can amplify these mental health benefits. The social interaction that comes with group exercise or partner workouts can enhance feelings of well-being and reduce feelings of isolation. Humans are social creatures, and exercising with others can help combat loneliness, particularly for those who may feel isolated in other areas of their lives.

Moreover, the encouragement and support of others can boost self-confidence and provide a positive reinforcement loop, which may result in feeling energized, uplifted, and a sense of achievement. All of which can benefit our mental health acutely and over time. 

In Summary

Movement is medicine. Exercising on our own is great but including some exercise or activity done with others offers a wide range of benefits, from increased accountability and enhanced performance to improved mental health and deeper social connections. Whether you’re looking to shake up your routine or find new motivation, working out with a friend or in a group setting can make fitness more effective and enjoyable. So, the next time you’re tempted to skip a solo workout, consider 'moving together' by joining a fitness class or inviting a friend to join you. You might just find that partnering with others is the key to staying on track and having more fun along the way.