Exercising with other people and the sense of belonging this creates can have a positive effect on your wellbeing, according to new research.
Joining others or taking part in group exercise gives people the chance to form friendships and have social interactions that are associated with improving wellbeing and mental health.
A new study from Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, published in the journal Social Science and Medicine, has shown how the conditions under which people exercise directly affects their personal wellbeing.
Governments and public health organisations promote physical activity as a way to improve people’s wellbeing but there is conflicting evidence on the relationship between physical activity and wellbeing.
Previous research has shown that in some instances, physical activity participation leads to wellbeing benefits, while in others it has negative effects on people’s wellbeing.
Now, a new research project has shown a direct link between the social situation exercise takes place and the effect on people’s happiness.
Yuhei Inoue, Professor of Sport Management at Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, said: “Our findings show that policymakers, government officials and health practitioners should pay closer attention to the social settings in which people engage in physical activity.
“The settings where physical activity takes place should be given more prominence in future public health policies as well as interventions aimed at improving wellbeing and tackling mental health issues through physical activity.”
Researchers conducted surveys with 1,118 members of women’s only fitness clubs in Japan about their social identification, life satisfaction, and their sense of wellbeing.
The study also included interviews with a sample of club members to understand how the nature of social relationships differed depending on the way they viewed and categorised themselves in the group.
Professor Inoue believes the results can be applied to anyone, regardless of nationality or gender, when linking exercise to wellbeing.
Professor Inoue said: “While our research focused on participants in Japan, the link between exercise and wellbeing is universal. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the conditions under which physical activity is associated with wellbeing.
“What we found was that people enjoy the benefits of exercising in a social setting when it gives them a positive identity and a feeling of belonging.
“We hope this can impact future thinking when it comes to formulating public health policies and the way we promote exercise when linked to wellbeing.”
