Group Fitness and Mental Health Power of Exercising Together

Walking Into That Room Changes Everything

There’s Mike, 34, dragging himself to his first group fitness class after his divorce. He hasn’t been to a gym in years. But there’s something different about walking into that room full of sweating, struggling, encouraging people. Thirty minutes later, he’s walking out with something he hasn’t felt in months—hope. This story plays out thousands of times every day across America. Because here’s what the research shows: working out in a group lowers stress by 26 percent and significantly improves quality of life, while those who exercise alone put in more effort but see limited improvement.

The Simple Truth About Men and Connection

Let me tell you something straight. Men have been fed a lie for too long. We’ve been told we don’t need each other. That we should tough it out alone. That asking for help is weakness.

The science says otherwise.

Dr. Dayna Yorks, who led groundbreaking research at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, puts it plainly: “The communal benefits of coming together with friends and colleagues, and doing something difficult, while encouraging one another, pays dividends beyond exercising alone.”

Her study followed 69 medical students—people under crushing stress who barely had time to breathe, let alone exercise. What they found will change how you think about your workout routine.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Group exercise participants showed remarkable improvements across the board:

Mental quality of life: 12.6% improvement
Physical quality of life: 24.8% improvement
Emotional quality of life: 26% improvement
Stress reduction: 26.2% decrease

Meanwhile, the guys grinding it out alone? They worked out twice as long but saw almost no improvement except in mental quality of life (11% increase).

Think about that. Double the time. Quarter the results.

Why Your Brain Craves the Pack

Amy Connell, a group fitness instructor from Houston, sees it every day. “I’ve witnessed participants walking into class not feeling their best emotionally, [but] once the workout is complete, they’re smiling and chatting with friends, and it is easy to see they have completely changed their mindset.”

There’s real science behind what Amy observes. When you exercise in a group, your body releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals—dopamine, endorphins, even oxytocin (the bonding hormone). Dr. Steve Durant, a sports psychologist who works out with former rugby teammates every Saturday, explains it like this: “We may look and move like the Walking Dead but it’s a huge oxytocin boost and dopamine rush that also elevates testosterone, all of which help us to feel like we’re our younger selves.”

But here’s the kicker—it’s not just the chemicals. Research shows that social connections can act as a buffer against the impact of stressful or negative life experiences on mental health. For men especially, who often struggle with smaller social networks and less frequent emotional support, group fitness becomes a lifeline disguised as a workout.

The Male Connection Problem

Let’s be honest about something. Most men are walking around emotionally isolated. A study from Stanford shows that one in four Americans have no one they call a close friend. That number is even higher for men.

We’ve created a culture where men bond through shared activities rather than emotional conversations. Group fitness gives us exactly that—a shared struggle, a common goal, and the permission to support each other without having to talk about our feelings.

As one research participant put it, “Even though participants may not know each other before coming into the studio, during class there is a feeling that we are all in this together and they lift each other up so everyone has a successful workout.”

The Brotherhood Effect

Here’s what happens when men exercise together regularly:

Instant Accountability: That guy next to you struggling through burpees? He’s your witness. Miss a class, and he’ll notice. It’s social pressure in the best possible way.

Shared Suffering Builds Bonds: Nothing creates connection faster than sweating through a brutal workout together. War veterans know this. Athletes know this. Now you can know it too.

Permission to Be Vulnerable: In a good group fitness environment, everyone’s struggling. Everyone’s learning. Everyone’s improving. It’s safe to not be perfect.

Natural Mentorship: The guy who’s been coming for six months naturally helps the newcomer. Leadership emerges organically.

Kelly Moore, a group fitness instructor, captures this perfectly: “Once participants experience themselves becoming stronger and more capable of completing tough workouts, it gives them the ability to apply that experience to other life events.”

Take Action: Your Group Fitness Game Plan

1. Start With What Scares You Least

Not ready for CrossFit? Try a beginner’s strength class. Hate cardio? Look for functional fitness. Many group fitness programs now incorporate cross-training approaches that mix different exercise types for maximum mental health benefits. The goal is to show up, not to be perfect.

2. Find Your Tribe

Research different gyms and studios in your area. Look for places that emphasize community over competition. Read reviews. Visit during class times to get a feel for the culture.

3. Commit to the Pack, Not the Perfect

Sign up for a 4-week trial period. Don’t focus on being the strongest or fastest. Focus on being consistent. The mental health benefits start showing up after just a few sessions.

4. Embrace the Beginner’s Mind

Everyone was new once. The guys who look like they’ve been doing this forever? They remember being where you are. Most will go out of their way to help if you ask.

5. Make It Social Beyond the Gym

Research shows the benefits extend when you build relationships outside class. Grab coffee after a workout. Join the group chat. These connections become your mental health support network.

Try This Today

Find three group fitness options within 20 minutes of your home or work. Don’t overthink it. Don’t research for hours. Just find three options and write them down. Call one tomorrow and ask about their beginner-friendly classes. That’s it. Simple action, profound results.

The hardest part isn’t the workout. It’s walking through the door the first time.

The Bottom Line

Group fitness isn’t just about getting ripped. It’s about getting connected. And for men who’ve been taught that connection is weakness, it’s revolutionary medicine disguised as a workout.

Tomorrow, we’ll explore how to build accountability partnerships that go beyond the gym—using goals to create the connections that change lives.

🏃 Move your body, lift your mood

Resources

Dale

See Full Bio