Why group exercise is better than working out alone

Growing up, I avoided team sports at all costs. Hand-eye coordination is not my strong suit. I also have an unhealthy competitive streak. Put them together and sports become a source of frustration rather than fun. But recent research has made me rethink this attitude. It turns out that group exercise, especially team sports, may be better for our health than working out alone.

2023 analysis showed that participation in sportsPracticing, whether recreationally or competitively, is associated with less stress, less anxiety and improved mental health, such as higher self-esteem. And these effects were especially pronounced in team sports. In fact, such sports appear to improve mental well-being more than other types of exercise, regardless of the amount of physical activity.

The social aspect can also enhance the physical benefits of sport. First, playing sports with others makes you more likely to show up for your workout. In 2024 studyMore than 770 participants received cash rewards every day they visited the gym. But some of them also had to bring friends with them to earn money. These people came about 35 percent more often than those who could come alone. A follow-up survey found that this was because having a training partner increased accountability and made training more enjoyable.

Another study found that this pleasure may even improve performance. One study people who took part in free community runs found that those who did it with friends and family felt more energized, which in turn was associated with faster running. Study of Competitive RowersMeanwhile, they found that those who looked at a photo of a loved one while rowing were able to exercise about 20 percent longer than those who looked at a photo of a stranger.

While we don't know exactly why this happens, it probably has to do with how we deal with fatigue. Ultimately it is our brains, not our muscles causes a feeling of fatigue. Fatigue protects us: it prevents us from going beyond our physical limits and risking injury. So, working out with a friend (or even just a photo of them) can signal to our brains that we're in a safe environment, allowing us to avoid fatigue a little longer.

This idea reflects a broader shift in exercise psychology. Although the focus has been on how competition increases productivity, there is now more research examining impact of collaboration. After all, our greatest physical trait as a species—the ability to run long distances—most likely evolved through group hunting. We are probably programmed to work with others.

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

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