Discover the Health Benefits and Motivational Power of Working Out Together

When it comes to fitness, the saying “strength in numbers” holds true. Working out in a group has become an increasingly popular and preferred form of exercise, offering numerous advantages. Experts have explored the reasons behind the motivation derived from exercising with others and found that there is indeed truth to the concept of “strength in numbers.”

A study revealed that 95 percent of individuals who embarked on a weight-loss program with friends successfully completed the program. Rob McGillivray, personal trainer and founder of RETROFIT, emphasizes the rise of group activity as an indicator that exercising in a motivational pack or utilizing it to enhance competitive performance is becoming the favored approach to fitness. Spin cycling, aerobic and dance-based classes, CrossFit, and the tribe mentality it promotes have all contributed to the surge in group fitness.

Group workouts not only have a cultural moment but also significant impacts on our health. Research suggests that healthy behaviors exhibited by others have a positive influence on our own actions. A study published in the Journal of Social Sciences revealed that individuals tend to gravitate toward the exercise habits of those around them. Similarly, a study on obesity published in 2016 found that overweight individuals tend to lose more weight when they spend time with their fit friends, with the amount of weight loss increasing as the time spent together grows.

These findings provide a compelling argument for making workouts a communal activity. Here are some specific benefits that can be gained from exercising in a group:

1. Increase commitment to a fitness routine: Working out with others enhances consistency, duration, motivation, conversation, and inspiration. The presence of a group creates a sense of commitment, as missed workouts or cancellations become noticeable to others. Positive peer pressure plays a role in curbing the urge to skip a session or quit. In fact, studies show that those who start a weight-loss program with friends have a 95 percent completion rate, compared to 76 percent for those who tackle it alone.
2. Push yourself harder: The Köhler Effect suggests that nobody wants to be the weakest link in a group. In the realm of fitness, this translates to pushing yourself harder when exercising with individuals who are more fit than you. Research confirms that working out with a partner or in a group setting significantly increases exercise duration and intensity. For example, participants who exercised with a more-capable partner saw a 24 percent increase in their plank time.
3. Gain a competitive edge: Exercising with others fosters positive competitiveness. Striving to keep up with fellow participants can inspire you to push yourself beyond your limits. Studies demonstrate that people who work out with someone they perceive as better than them increase their workout time and intensity by up to 200 percent.
4. Capitalize on endorphins: Group workouts offer mental advantages beyond solo sessions. Smiling, for instance, has been shown to increase endorphin levels, which can enhance the overall exercise experience. People who exercise with a friend or in a group also report feeling calmer and enjoying the workout more than those who exercise alone.
5. Diversify your workouts: Exercising with a partner allows for a greater variety of exercises. Partner-assisted moves, creative exercises, and relays are just a few examples of the endless possibilities that emerge when working out with others.
6. Find support and accountability: Group workouts foster a sense of camaraderie and accountability. The relationships formed within a fitness community create a support system that encourages participants to stay committed to their routines. The shared struggle and achievement during tough workouts create bonds and a desire to return for future sessions.
7. Receive external motivation: Being part of.