Have you ever noticed how time flies when you’re spending time with friends? Or that sticking to a new diet or exercise routine is easier when you have someone to experience the journey with you?

It may please you to know, there’s some fascinating science behind the effects of social relationships and their positive impact on our health, motivation and behaviour.

In fact, research shows that older adults who regularly foster social relationships:

• Report more meaningful connections in their lives

• Are significantly more active than their peers

• Attend the doctor’s office less frequently

• Live substantially longer, healthier lives

When it comes to exercise specifically, the benefits of social connections are even more pronounced. Studies have shown that people who exercise with others are more likely to stick with their routines and report higher levels of enjoyment. However, this isn't just about having someone to chat with (though that's certainly a bonus!). The presence of others actually triggers psychological and physiological responses that enhance our wellbeing.

When we exercise in groups, our bodies release higher levels of endorphins – natural mood boosters that can make exercise feel more pleasurable. This chemical response creates a powerful motivational loop that keeps us coming back for more and can last for days after the acute effects of exercise have worn off.

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect is how social exercise can transform what might feel like a chore into an enjoyable social event. Whether it's catching up with friends during a morning walk, sharing laughs in a group fitness class, or competing in some friendly games, the social connections we build through exercise become a vital part of our support network.

Ready to experience these benefits yourself? Here are some simple ways to add a social element to your exercise routine:

• Join one of our group fitness classes designed for all ability levels
• Exercise at our Chermside Clinic for a welcoming and supportive environment to stay active with others

• Start a walking group with neighbours or friends

• Invite a family member to be your regular exercise buddy

• Participate in our active community events – such as indoor bowls, table tennis and even chair yoga!

Remember, every workout shared is a connection strengthened. Your journey to better health doesn't have to be a solo adventure – in fact, it's better when it isn't!

References

Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLOS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316

Holt-Lunstad, J., Baker, M., Harris, T., Stephenson, D., & Smith, T. B. (2016). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(3), 781-786. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691614568352

Farrance, C., Tsofliou, F., & Clark, C. (2016). Adherence to community-based group exercise interventions for older people: A mixed-methods systematic review. Preventive Medicine, 87, 155–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.02.037

Beauchamp, M. R., Dunlop, W. L., Carron, A. V., & Estabrooks, P. A. (2015). Social identity influences on adherence in older adults participating in group-based exercise. Annals of Behavioural Medicine, 25(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/25.1.1

Pilozzi, A., Hadi, F., & Doré, S. (2021). Roles of β-Endorphin in Stress, Behavior, Neuroinflammation, and Brain Energy Metabolism. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(19), 10133. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms221910133

Basso, J. C., & Suzuki, W. A. (2017). The effects of acute exercise on mood, cognition, neurophysiology, and neurochemical pathways: A review. Brain Plasticity, 2(2), 127-152. https://doi.org/10.3233/BPL-160040