Sometimes, bringing your workouts to the next level means recruiting the help of friends and family.

The first few days and weeks of exercising can be challenging. Lacing up your training shoes and wearing your best workout gear can be an exciting ritual on the first day of your fitness journey. However, sweating on the treadmill and feeling your heartbeat out of your chest can be an entirely different experience.

You may find yourself weighing in the goals you want to achieve against the muscle pains your body is feeling. And at certain moments, you may feel as though your motivation is slowly declining. Other people like yourself are also searching the web for tips on how to stay on track.

However, knowing you’re not alone can be highly influential in bringing up your confidence when you get to these points.

Some individuals have found that setting reward systems pushes them harder to reach their goals. By promising rewards whenever they meet certain milestones, they’re constantly reminded that their hard work leads to satisfying results in the end.

But if this strategy doesn’t quite speak to you, you’ve got nothing to worry about because there are still several options for you to try out. If you’re one who primarily works well in groups, you’d be delighted to know that working out with others may be the motivational boost you need and more.

Here are four ways that group exercises can elevate your workout experience.

1. You produce more happy hormones

Fitness fans are well-familiar with the mood-boosting effects of exercise. But what may come as a surprise is that by working out with company, your body seems to produce more endorphins or happy hormones. These brain chemicals aid in supporting your mood and physical performance by improving your ability to tolerate pain. A study on a rowboat crew supports this claim as their pain threshold increased after training together compared to doing their routines on their own.

Some researchers also speculate that the social factor of group exercises is a motivating influence. Simple acts of smiling and laughing together also promote higher endorphin release.

2. You receive support from your group

Nothing feels more comforting knowing that there are people who have your back. When you’re feeling down, you can always rely on your accountability partner for a short pep talk to get you back on your feet. But even on regular workouts, there is an endearing benefit to sharing the experience with a friend. According to this study, exercising with someone may help you feel calmer after a session. And if you have specific weight goals you want to achieve, it’s also reassuring to know that your success rate may just increase if you’re doing it with a buddy.

3. You find more bonding opportunities

Leading busy lives can make it challenging to communicate with the people you care about. Especially when you live far from each other, it may take weeks or months before another catch-up session. That is why having a regular group activity provides an excellent avenue for you to keep the conversation going. For families with kids, using exercise as special bonding moments can aid in the welfare and self-esteem of children.

4. You’re motivated to take it a step further

Working out together is just the start. As you continue to exercise with like-minded individuals, you also become keener to explore ways to push each other to be healthier. But what’s more gratifying to know is that even unconsciously, you and your friends are also influencing each other’s behavior. For example, when you’re trying to shed some pounds by simply spending time with health-conscious friends, you seem to adopt practices that help weight loss.

Time to send invites

Now that you’ve heard all about the benefits of exercising as a group, it’s time to put it into practice. Make the first move and invite your loved ones for a short workout. Share with them all you’ve learned and make the first step to carving out more bonding opportunities. It can be as simple as walking or jogging around the neighborhood or doing yoga in the morning before you start the day. Whichever exercise activity you decide to do, know that you’re opening doors to healthier paths for you and your loved ones.

Getting additional support

Do you feel that your knees and joints may not be as strong and limber? When this is something you’re experiencing and affecting your mobility, visit your doctor to determine what may be causing these joint problems. You may also consider taking high-quality collagen supplements such as Recogen, which helps repair and regenerate cartilage. CAD3 dietary supplements are also viable options for calcium support for young adults and pregnant and lactating women.

Making your daily workout a communal activity rather than a solo mission expands the potential benefits you can receive. So if you want to feel more motivated, committed, and stronger during your workouts, it’s time to bring in some friendly faces by your side. — (MyPharma)