“Exercising with peers significantly boosts workout attendance.”
Rich Bowen Photography/Alamy
As a child, I steered clear of team sports; my hand-eye coordination was lacking, and my competitive nature led to more frustration than fun. However, new studies are challenging my perspective. Research indicates that group exercise, particularly in team sports, may provide greater health benefits than going solo.
A 2023 analysis showed that participating in sports—be it for fun or competition—boosts mental well-being, decreasing stress and anxiety levels, and enhancing self-esteem. These outcomes are notably stronger in team sports, suggesting they have a greater positive impact on mental health than other exercise forms, independent of physical activity levels.
The social elements of sports can amplify these physical advantages. Exercising with others increases the likelihood of attending workouts. In a 2024 study, over 770 participants received cash incentives for gym visits, with some required to bring friends. Those with workout partners attended about 35% more often than individuals who could go alone. Follow-up studies suggested this was due to greater accountability and enhanced enjoyment from exercising together.
Other research reveals that this enjoyment can even enhance performance. In one study, participants in a free community run reported feeling more energized when joined by friends or family, resulting in faster paces. Additionally, research on competitive rowers revealed that viewing pictures of loved ones while rowing allowed participants to endure about 20% longer compared to those who looked at images of strangers.
The exact reason remains unclear, but it likely relates to how we process fatigue. Ultimately, our brain governs our muscles, and fatigue serves as a protective mechanism, preventing us from overextending ourselves and risking injuries. Exercising alongside friends (or even just seeing their photos) signals safety to our brains, potentially delaying fatigue.
This concept aligns with a significant shift in exercise psychology, previously emphasizing competition as a performance enhancer. Increasingly, research is exploring the impact of cooperation. After all, our innate ability to run long distances likely developed through collective hunting, suggesting we may be inherently designed to exercise in groups.
This revelation brings me comfort, prompting a shift in focus from competition to collaboration in sports. I’m planning to run a half marathon with my best friend soon, and her suggestion to train together feels like the key to reaching the finish line.
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Source: www.newscientist.com
