As much as we are social beings, the past few years have taught us how valuable it is to be able to excel at and be comfortable spending time solo. For extroverts who enjoy the company of others and feed off the energy of being in groups, being in crowds and working with a team seems natural. According to research, introverts who thrive in isolation might have much to gain in a group setting, at least when exercising.
Some exercises naturally lend themselves to social interactions. For one, team sports and contact sports allow individuals to thrive and connect with like-minded people. According to a study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, team sports can be especially beneficial for those who tend to shy away from groups and heightened self-esteem. Playing for a team can help ease social anxiety and make individuals feel less intimidated in group settings.
A study observing older adults found that being in a social setting alone lifted moods and gave participants a sense of connectedness and support.
While team sports can help individuals fit better in group settings, it also positively impacts performance. The benefits extend beyond team sports and have similar effects for those who engage in daily activities with friends. Those who engage in classes like tai chi or yoga and cardio workouts like cycling or jogging benefit from experiencing a sense of camaraderie.
Individuals can benefit from personalised coaching and learning from classmates' mistakes in groups led by an instructor. Though studies have found that comparing one's progress to others can be harmful, some amount of competition can provide us with that little bit of extra motivation.
The benefits of group exercise were evident during the height of the pandemic when individuals turned to solo workouts. While online platforms such as Peloton and Vitruvian provided ways for people to keep moving, these service providers quickly realised that many users were missing that human connection.
Fitness platforms like these quickly adapted by incorporating elements of competition and engagement through leaderboards and options for hybrid classes that brought individuals back to gyms and studios.
Having groups of friends keep you accountable is an effective way to stay on track with fitness goals as well. Those who work out in groups are less likely to bail at the last minute and are more willing to push themselves to try new experiences. Turning to mobile apps is one way people are now able to find like-minded people to workout with. Apps like the recently launched Krunk are geared for adventures and exercise and to connect people with similar fitness goals and interests.
And if these upsides still have you questioning whether you should trade in a quiet workout session for a group one, the added benefit of safety might convince you to try it. Research has found that having a workout buddy maximises results and is safer than working out solo.
Also see: The downside of connectivity- can fitness apps and devices harm our health?