When it comes to fitness, many of us are no longer satisfied with the closed-off, repetitive nature of solo workouts. We're moving toward joining a group where we can engage in collective exercises.
Working out alone often feels tedious and can lack the motivation needed to push through.
However, when we find a group of like-minded people, a fitness circle forms, and this dynamic brings us together to support, challenge, and encourage each other. A fitness circle not only makes exercising more enjoyable but also helps us stick with our fitness goals.
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The Power of Working Together
Fitness experts suggest that working out with others is much better for relieving stress and improving our quality of life than exercising alone. Having a support system during our workouts can be a huge motivator—almost like a form of group therapy.
When we're faced with tough training, it's the encouragement of our friends and fitness circle that makes the whole experience so much easier. The benefits of working together far exceed the results of exercising solo.
Take, for example, Wan Yani, a fashion-forward fitness enthusiast born in the '95 generation. She has over 100,000 followers on a live streaming app because she posts workout videos almost every day.
Wan says, "Through fitness, I've met so many optimistic and energetic people who share my passion for working out. We are always motivating each other and growing stronger together. Some of us even organize group workouts at the gym, outdoor activities, or travel plans."
"The best part is that we can encourage each other, which boosts our confidence and makes us better at what we do. It also helps eliminate the loneliness and monotony that sometimes come with exercising alone. Being part of such an environment really motivates me to stick with my fitness plan."
Fitness and Stress Relief: Better Together
One person who has found the power of group workouts is Huang Lixian, a client manager at a bank in Shanghai. With a busy work schedule, she often finds it difficult to stay committed to her fitness routine, especially as a woman working in a high-pressure job.
“Exercising alone is hard to stick with, especially for women," she says. "After work, I would sometimes head to the gym or go for a run near my house. But it felt so boring and I often gave up. Even when I did manage to go to the gym, I felt lonely and unmotivated.”
But that all changed when Huang joined a local running group in Shanghai. Now, every weekend, she joins group runs and has even encouraged her colleagues to do the same.
"We check in each day to see who's been active and share how many kilometers we ran. In the evenings, we compare our results and celebrate each other's progress," Huang says.
"Training together with friends makes exercising so much more enjoyable and gives me the support I need. It improves my health, releases stress from work, and even helps me sleep better at night. The camaraderie makes it easier to stay consistent, which in turn boosts my work efficiency.”
Research Shows Fitness Circles Boost Our Health
Studies on fitness have shown that working out with friends reduces stress by 26% and significantly improves quality of life. Exercising as part of a group can increase our physical, mental, and emotional health by 12.6%, 24.8%, and 26%, respectively.
On the other hand, those who work out alone rarely see such significant improvements in their stress levels or overall health. Group workouts bring benefits that go beyond the physical—helping us overcome difficulties together and enjoy the experience. This sense of support and encouragement leads to longer, more enjoyable workout sessions, and ultimately, better results.
Conclusion: Building Lasting Fitness Habits
For many of us, starting a fitness routine is easy, but sticking with it is a challenge. However, when we find the right fitness circle, something magical happens. We feel supported, motivated, and encouraged every step of the way. The benefits are undeniable, and whether we're training to be our best selves or just trying to stay active, we know that working together is the key to lasting fitness success.
So, Lykkers, don't hesitate to join a fitness community that motivates you to keep going. The journey becomes so much more enjoyable when we have friends by our side!
