Why working out alongside others helps you stick with it

Motivation is easier to find when you are not the only one looking for it. That is not just a feeling, it shows up consistently in how people actually stay engaged with exercise over time.

The role social connection plays in consistency

Staying consistent with exercise is rarely just about willpower. A 2025 study of exercise providers found that older adults in real-time, interactive virtual sessions stayed more engaged and motivated than those following solo, pre-recorded workouts, even when everyone was training from home. [1]

This points to something worth paying attention to: the connection itself, not just the workout, seems to matter for staying consistent.

Why knowing others are showing up matters

There is something different about training when you know someone else is doing the same workout, even if you never speak to them directly. It creates a quiet sense of accountability. You are not just working out for yourself in that moment, you are part of something slightly bigger, even from your living room.

A simple way to put this into practice

This week, try dropping into the iFIT Community Facebook group. It's a welcoming space where members share workouts, wins, and encouragement, a lighter-touch way to feel that same sense of connection, even though this exact format hasn't been studied directly. If you would rather stay inside the app, joining an iFIT Challenge or checking the Leaderboard, both included with an iFIT membership, is another way to feel part of something too.

Building the habit with iFIT

The iFIT Personal Trainer App makes it easy to see this in action. After your next session, take a look at the Leaderboard, browse an active Challenge, both included with an iFIT membership, or head over to the iFIT Community Facebook group to share how your workout went.

Frequently asked questions

Does working out with other people actually help you stay consistent?

For many people, yes. A 2025 study of exercise providers found that older adults training in real-time, interactive virtual sessions stayed more engaged than those following solo, pre-recorded workouts. [1]

Do I need to know the people I am working out with for this to help?

Not necessarily, but the research is strongest for real-time, interactive settings, where people are engaging with others live rather than just seeing a static list. [1] It's a welcoming space where members share workouts, wins, and encouragement, a lighter-touch way to feel that same sense of connection, even though this exact format hasn't been studied directly.

Does this apply to virtual or app-based workouts, or only in-person classes?

It applies to both. The same 2025 study found that real-time, shared virtual sessions kept older adults more engaged than pre-recorded ones, even when nobody was in the same room. [1]

What is a simple way to add this to my routine?

Try the iFIT Community Facebook group, or join an iFIT Challenge or check the Leaderboard, both included with an iFIT membership. All are low-effort ways to feel connected to people working toward similar goals.

Reference

1. Mehrabi S, Drisdelle S, Dutt HR, Middleton LE. Defying Distance: Exercise Providers' Perspectives on Remote Physical Activity Supports for Older Adults

The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner's manual of your fitness equipment.