The Power of Group Exercise: Boosting Fitness and Social Connections

Working out isn’t just about improving physical fitness—it can also be a powerful way to enhance social connections and boost mental well-being.

A new study by Nuffield Health reveals that exercising with others may offer greater benefits than previously thought.

From fostering motivation to reducing loneliness, group exercise is reshaping how we view physical activity.

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What Is Group Exercise?

Group exercise encompasses any form of organized physical activity performed together with others.

This includes in-person fitness communities like running clubs, CrossFit groups, and walking groups, as well as online platforms like Peloton and Zwift.

It also includes gym-based classes, such as Zumba and Pilates, and apps or communities like Strava and Garmin Connect that allow users to share their progress virtually.

Fitness Community Membership in the UK

According to Nuffield Health, a quarter (25%) of British adults are members of a fitness community, such as a running club or gym-based program.

Another 26% regularly participate in group exercise classes. Even in the digital age, 17% of adults engage in online group workouts or leaderboard challenges to stay socially connected while exercising remotely.

The study highlights age preferences within fitness communities. Adults aged 25 to 34 are more likely to join running or fitness clubs (43% of all fitness community members fall into this group), while those aged 45 to 54 prefer gym-based, instructor-led classes (21%).

Still, not everyone seeks a group setting for exercise. About 16% of Brits rarely socialize while working out, and 8% say exercise is strictly a solo activity, using the time as personal "me-time."

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Why Do People Choose Group Exercise?

Three main reasons drive Brits to exercise with others:

• Improved Physical Well-being (46%)
  
  
• Better Mental Health (45%)
  
  
• Accountability and Motivation to Train (43%)
  
  

Group exercise also addresses feelings of loneliness. Nearly one in four participants (24%) believe it reduces isolation, and almost half of fitness community members (46%) say it has enriched their social lives.

Additionally, 31% consider group workouts their primary social activity, while 25% see it as a way to meet like-minded people easily.

Group exercise can also alleviate common workout concerns. Around 29% feel it helps combat intimidating gym culture, while 27% say it reduces safety worries about working out alone.

For some, especially younger generations, having structured guidance from an instructor or community is essential. Over half of Gen Z (54%) and Millennials (54%) agree they need someone to curate workouts for them.

The Confidence-Boosting Effect

Group exercise doesn’t just enhance motivation; it’s also a game changer for self-confidence. The study revealed that 47% of people attribute improved confidence to exercising with others, while 51% said it enhanced their overall enjoyment of fitness.

With consistent participation, these communal workouts pave the way for forming long-term fitness habits.

Who Benefits the Most?

Everyone can gain something from group exercise, but some groups stand out:

• Parents of children under 18 feel more motivated to exercise in groups (75%) compared to adults without children (48%).
  
  
• Millennials (77%) and remote workers (72%) report improved social well-being thanks to fitness communities.
  
  
• Men (63%) and women (40%) agree that group exercise has positively impacted their social lives.
  
  

For busy parents, reluctant beginners, or those struggling with motivation, group exercise could provide the spark needed to stay active and engaged.

Why Not Give It a Try?

Whether you’re looking for motivation, seeking new friendships, or boosting your health, joining a local run club, a fitness class, or even participating in an online challenge could be the key.

The combination of fitness and camaraderie doesn’t just improve your body—it enriches your life.

Make the leap today. Group exercise might be the life-changing step your fitness routine needs.

Source: runnersworld

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.