Physical activity is often celebrated for its ability to boost cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles, and improve mental health. However, one of its most overlooked benefits is its positive impact on social wellness. Social wellness refers to the quality of our relationships and our ability to build supportive connections with others. It plays a key role in overall wellbeing, enhancing everything from emotional resilience to longevity.
Whether you’re participating in a group fitness class, joining a local sports team, or walking with a friend, physical activity provides countless opportunities to foster social connections.
The Link Between Physical Activity and Social Wellness
Humans are inherently social creatures. For thousands of years, we’ve thrived in groups, relying on teamwork and shared responsibilities to survive. In today’s world, however, modern life often leads to isolation, with work, technology and busy schedules creating barriers to meaningful human connections. This is where physical activity comes in – it not only strengthens your body but also serves as a powerful tool for building relationships.
Exercise provides a natural way to bring people together, creating shared experiences that build bonds, foster trust, and provide emotional support. Studies show that physical activity stimulates the release of oxytocin – often referred to as the “cuddle hormone”. This hormone promotes feelings of trust, reduces stress, and enhances emotional connection, all of which are critical for social wellness.
The Social Benefits of Physical Activity
Here are some of the most significant ways that being physically active can improve your social wellness:
1. Group Fitness Encourages Connection and Community
Group fitness classes – like yoga, Pilates, group cycling, or HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) – offer an ideal environment to meet like-minded people. By working toward shared goals in a group setting, participants form natural connections and a sense of community.
Why It Matters: Exercising in a group setting reduces feelings of isolation and provides opportunities to bond with others. You’re more likely to feel motivated when surrounded by people cheering you on.
What You Can Do: Try out fitness classes at your local Everyone Active Centre. Activities like Zumba, group cycling and Les Mills BODYPUMP encourage both physical movement and social interaction.
2. Team Sports Build Stronger Bonds
Participating in team sports such as football, basketball, or tennis doubles the benefits of physical activity: improving your fitness while also fostering teamwork and camaraderie. The shared highs of winning a match – and the lows of working through a loss – build deeper bonds.
- Why It Matters: Team sports require communication, cooperation, and trust, helping you develop strong social connections that extend beyond the playing field.
- What You Can Do: Join a local sports league or recreational team. If competition isn’t for you, consider casual games with friends at a local park or Everyone Active Centre.
3. Physical Activity Creates Opportunities for Social Interaction
Physical activities like walking, jogging, or cycling are great ways to incorporate social interaction into your daily routine. Exercising with friends or family can turn a workout into an enjoyable, shared experience.
- Why It Matters: Shared activities strengthen relationships, providing an opportunity to catch up, share experiences, and offer support – all while staying active.
- What You Can Do: Invite a friend for a walk during lunch breaks or set up regular “walking meetings” at work. You can also organise cycling trips or hikes for larger groups.
4. Group Challenges Foster Accountability and Encouragement
Joining a fitness challenge – whether it’s training for a 5K, completing a step-count challenge, or preparing for a marathon – creates a sense of shared purpose. Working toward common goals with others fosters accountability and strengthens connections.
- Why It Matters: Challenges offer an opportunity to celebrate milestones, encourage others, and build a team mindset, all of which improve social wellness.
- What You Can Do: Find local fitness events, charity runs, or online challenges where you can participate with friends, colleagues, or community members.
5. Exercise Builds Social Skills and Confidence
Physical activity – especially in group settings – helps develop essential social skills such as communication, leadership, and collaboration. It also boosts self-confidence, making it easier to connect with others.
- Why It Matters: When you feel good about yourself physically, it translates into greater self-assurance in social situations.
- What You Can Do: Step out of your comfort zone by joining new activities, meeting new people, and participating in team-building exercises.
6. Outdoor Activities Combine Nature with Social Connection
Spending time outdoors not only improves physical health but also fosters social wellness. Activities like group hikes, kayaking, or outdoor yoga allow you to connect with others while enjoying the mental and emotional benefits of nature.
- Why It Matters: Nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood, and sharing those experiences with others strengthens social bonds.
- What You Can Do: Organise group hikes, weekend trips to nature reserves, or beach walks with friends or family.
7. Volunteering Through Physical Activity Enhances Purpose and Connection
Participating in charity fitness events – such as runs, bike rides, or walks – allows you to connect with others while contributing to a greater cause. Volunteering to support these events can be equally fulfilling.
- Why It Matters: Volunteering promotes altruism, which has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a sense of belonging.
- What You Can Do: Join charity fitness events in your local area or volunteer to organise and support community fitness initiatives.
8. Shared Physical Activities Strengthen Family Bonds
Engaging in physical activities as a family, such as playing sports, going for walks, or doing fitness challenges together, strengthens relationships and creates lasting memories.
- Why It Matters: Family-oriented physical activity encourages bonding and teaches healthy habits that can be passed on to future generations.
- What You Can Do: Plan family hikes, bike rides, or fun fitness games at home.
9. Physical Activity Provides Emotional Support
When life gets stressful, engaging in physical activity with others can offer a much-needed emotional release. Whether it’s sharing a laugh during a workout or supporting a friend through a tough training session, exercise creates emotional connections.
- Why It Matters: Exercising with others encourages emotional sharing and strengthens bonds through shared experiences.
- What You Can Do: Use exercise as an opportunity to connect with a friend or family member who needs support.
10. Physical Activity Builds a Sense of Belonging
Being part of a fitness community – whether it’s a gym, sports team or running group – gives you a sense of belonging and identity. It connects you with people who share similar interests and goals.
- Why It Matters: A strong sense of belonging improves self-esteem, reduces loneliness and enhances overall happiness.
- What You Can Do: Seek out fitness communities or online forums where you can share your progress, exchange advice, and celebrate milestones together.
Move Together, Thrive Together
Physical activity is not just about strengthening your body – it’s about strengthening your connections with others. Whether you’re sweating it out in a group class, playing on a team, or walking with a friend, exercise provides countless opportunities to nurture relationships, build community, and enhance social wellness.
Start small: invite a friend for a walk, sign up for a local fitness class, or join a community sports league. Over time, these small actions can lead to stronger connections, improved mood, and greater emotional resilience.
By combining physical movement with social interaction, you’re not only boosting your fitness but also creating a more connected, balanced, and fulfilling life. Move together, thrive together – because health and happiness are better when shared.