Fitness classes are better than solo workouts, says study

According to experts exercising with friends lowers stress and improves quality of life significantly more than working out alone.

According to researchers, exercising with friends lowers stress and improves quality of life significantly more than working out alone. The researchers found that exercising in a group reduced stress by 26 percent. While individuals who exercise on their own do so for twice as long and do not experience any noticeable changes in day-to-day stress levels, scientists at a leading medical college revealed.

Dr Dayna Yorks and her team found that mental, physical and emotional well-being improves life, specifically for those in stressful jobs.

The study was led by Dr Yorks with researchers from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The lead author of the study added that the communal benefits of coming together with friends and colleagues, and doing something difficult, while encouraging one another, pays dividends beyond exercising alone.

According to Dr Yorks, 'Giving students an outlet to help them manage stress and feel better mentally and physically can potentially alleviate some of the burnout and anxiety in the profession.'

The study was published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.