Why is group exercise better than working out alone?

Growing up, I avoided team sports at all costs. Hand-eye coordination is not my strong suit. In addition, I have a harmful competitive streak. Pair the two together and sports become a source of frustration rather than enjoyment. But recent studies make me rethink this position. It turns out that group exercise, especially team sports, may be better for our health than exercising alone.

A 2023 The analysis found that participation in sportsWhether on a recreational or competitive level, it is associated with decreased stress, reduced anxiety, and improved mental health, such as higher self-esteem. These effects were particularly evident in team sports. In fact, such sports seem to improve mental health more than other forms of exercise, regardless of the amount of physical activity.

The social aspect may also enhance the physical benefits of sports. First, exercising with others increases the likelihood of showing up for exercise. In 2024 He studiesmore than 770 participants received a cash reward for every day they visited the gym. But some of them also had to bring a friend to take advantage. These people attended 35 percent more than those who could arrive on their own. A follow-up survey suggested this was because the exercise buddy increased responsibility and made the exercise more fun.

Other research has revealed that this enjoyment may lead to improved performance. one He studies of people who took part in group free runs found that those who did so with friends and family felt more energetic, which in turn was linked to running faster. Research on competitive rowersMeanwhile, it was discovered that those who looked at a photo of a loved one while rowing could exercise about 20% longer than those who stared at a photo of a stranger.

While we don’t know exactly why this is, it likely has to do with how fatigue is treated. It is our mind, not our muscles, that is in the end It generates feelings of exhaustion. Fatigue is protective, preventing us from pushing our physical limits and risking injury. So exercising with a friend (or even just a photo of them) can signal to our brain that we’re in a safe environment, allowing us to avoid fatigue for a little longer.

This idea reflects a broader shift in sports psychology. While this focused on how competition enhances performance, more studies are now examining how competition enhances performance The impact of cooperation. After all, our greatest physical trait as a species – the ability to run long distances – likely evolved through group hunting. We may be forced to work with others.

I find this comforting. It also helped me focus on the cooperative aspect of the sport, rather than the competitive aspect. I’m running a half marathon with my best friend soon and she suggested we run side by side. I think this might be what I need to help me cross the finish line.

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