We’re wired to move together—not alone. New research shows exercising in sync—from yoga classes to team sports—boosts mood, builds resilience, and deepens our sense of belonging.
Exercising with others may not only enhance our physical health—it can also deepen our sense of connection.Being part of a group with which one strongly identifies is associated with higher well-being.
, and enhance sleep and mood. More recently, social connection has also been recognized as a powerful contributor to well-being. But what many of us may not realize is what happens when we combine the two: exercising with others may not only enhance our physical health—it can also deepen our sense of connection., found that group exercise was associated with greater reductions in depression. Similarly, a 2026 study of 218 college students found that participation in group exercise was linked to greater well-being. Students who engaged more frequently in group exercise reported less stress, higherstudy suggests that group fitness—whether through college team sports or community exercise classes—can reduce feelings of inferiority while naturally promoting social interaction and peer Together, these findings serve as a reminder of the importance of engaging in physical activity with others rather than always going it alone. It’s good for our body, mind, and heart. This idea also echoes something that I learned in graduate school nearly 20 years ago from social psychologist Jonathan Haidt: The self can be an obstacle to Suzie and her dear friend Marnie 💚 share movement, connection, and joy at “Yoga on the Field” at the Philadelphia Eagles practice facility.Through what Haidt calls the “hive hypothesis,” I realized that one way to increase my own happiness was to shift some of my exercise routines from solo activities to those performed in unison with others. I began incorporating more group activities that involve rhythmic and synchronous movement. Historically, such collective activities have fostered harmony and cohesion within groups and provided pleasure and connection—core human needs that are often lacking in Western society. As a result, many people today experience feelings of Haidt and colleagues argue that certain social practices evolved to promote “hiving,” helping groups function cohesively and stay together in a coordinated fashion. In this view, some of the most profound and enduring forms of human happiness arise when we engage in the type of activities that helped our ancestors’ groups be successful.Since the beginning of time, humans have shown an intrinsic love of “moving together in time”—through dance, ritual, parades, and other synchronous activities. These shared experiences strengthen social bonds and reflect our “hive-like” social nature.Yet, in today’s fast-paced society, many people opt for individualized forms of exercise, such as running, because they are efficient, flexible, and can fit into a busy schedule. And to be clear, we are not dismissing solo exercise such as running; it’s something we both enjoy and practice regularly.we do, we may be missing out on valuable opportunities for connection. Participating in group fitness classes, yoga, or community dance offers a powerful way to build cohesion while benefiting the individual as well. Research also shows that being part of a group with which one strongly identifies is associated with higher well-being. During shared activities—like team sports or group classes—we oftena feeling of connection, inspiration, vitality, and shared purpose. In these moments, we may even enter a state akin to what Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the pioneering co-founder of positive psychology, describes as group “flow,” where our individual concerns fade, and we feel connected to something larger than ourselves.To reap these benefits, consider making a commitment to yourself to incorporate more group-based movement into your exercise routine. Activities like yoga, which synchronizes breath, or dance, which coordinates movement, can be especially powerful. Think about the energy and sense of satisfaction you feel when your body moves rhythmically during a solo workout. Now imagine amplifying the experience in the presence of others. What better way to deepen joy than to share it with others? We already know that exercise alone improves physical and mental health. By applying the principles of “hive psychology” to the way we move, we can also strengthen our social bonds—building the kind of connection that may further enhance our well-being.Munro, N. R., Teague, S., Somoray, K., Simpson, A., Budden, T., Jackson, B., ... & Dimmock, J. . Effect of exercise on depression and anxiety symptoms: systematic umbrella review with meta-meta-analysis.Peng B, Chen W, Wang H, Yu T and Kong M . A study on the relationship between physical exercise and feelings of inferiority among college students: the chain mediating effect of social support and emotional regulation ability.Sadaf, J., Mustafa, G., Gul, S., Manzoor, S., & Bibi, F. . Group Exercise and Psychological Functioning in Female College Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.Don't miss an update! Get posts from Suzie Pileggi Pawelski, MAPP and James Pawelski, Ph.D. direct to your inboxFind a TherapistSelf Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.
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