Turns out, the best part of the workout is the people

About a year ago, I walked into an air-conditioned studio and climbed onto a stationary bike for the very first time. It had been a rough day, but I was wearing my favourite co-ord set, and my cute (albeit overpriced) sipper sat by the bike—I was ready for the workout I’d been waiting to try out. Then the lights dimmed, the music kicked in, and we began to spin. There was something about moving with the rhythm, surrounded by people pulsing to the same beat—it felt less like cardio and more like dancing in a nightclub. I was hooked instantly.

In 2025, fitness has taken on a new form—it’s no longer a solo grind, but a shared experience. From the beat-driven rush of spin to the slow burn of Reformer Pilates or a weekend run with friends (or strangers), working out has evolved into a communal ritual. These days, movement is about showing up together, which might explain why collective fitness is having its moment. In a world where motivation can disappear as easily as a missed alarm, group workouts offer a powerful antidote: Accountability, renewed energy, and a sense of belonging.

MOVING TOGETHER

The past year has seen boutique fitness studios and outdoor wellness clubs grow into lifestyle hubs. Studios aren’t just about the workout anymore, they are communities in motion. Early morning reformer squads tend to grab coffee post-Pilates. Spin crews debrief in between sprints. And run clubs? They’re redefining what it means to connect in the real world—one mile at a time.

This shift isn’t all that surprising. As we search for purpose and connection in our hyper-digital lives, moving together taps into something primal. Shared goals. Shared breath. Shared endorphins. It’s more than a workout; it’s a collective escape.

“It’s no longer just about ‘me time’,” says holistic wellness expert Anshuka Parwani, founder of Anshuka Yoga. “People are looking to feel like they belong. There’s a beauty in flowing together—moving with one intention. Even in silence, the connection is real.” She points to the emotional elevation that often follows a group breath work or meditation session. “You smile, you feel seen, and supported. That resonance is powerful.”

COMPANIONSHIP + CONSISTENCY = CALORIE-BURNING

What makes group workouts so compelling beyond the camaraderie? For starters, the consistency. When we know someone’s expecting us on the mat, the bike, or at the park, we’re more likely to show up. Not because we have to, but because we want to. And once we take that first step, we’re often pushed to go further. There’s a healthy sense of competition that quietly fuels performance. Suddenly, holding that plank for an extra 30 seconds feels possible. One more rep? Sure. One more kilometre? Why not.

“I used to think of running as my alone time,” shares model Eugeniya Belousova, who now trains regularly with photographer Taras Taraporvala. “But running with someone you trust changes everything. You grow, motivate each other, and start to tune into how the other is feeling. It deepens the friendship—and it lifts the workout.” Taraporvala agrees, “We started with a couple of runs. Now, it’s a ritual. Early mornings, shared goals, and always breakfast after. Running together makes the whole experience more joyful and more disciplined.” This shared rhythm, along with the unsaid pact to keep showing up, is what keeps communities strong. Especially on the days we just don’t feel like it.

RESULTS FROM ROUTINES

The impact of collective movement isn’t just physical—it seeps into how we live, recover, and even look. That post-class flush? It’s more than a circulation boost, it’s evidence of something deeper: Better sleep, improved digestion, and lower stress levels. And while group workouts don’t guarantee glowing skin, consistency, hydration, and the detoxifying benefits of a good sweat certainly help. “Wellness seekers today aren’t just chasing aesthetics,” Parwani adds. “They want connection, purpose, a sense of grounding. They want to feel good, not just look it.” And that feeling—of being part of something, of celebrating strength in community—might just be the most powerful outcome of all.

SOME EXTRA FACETIME

Boutique fitness brands are leaning into this new era of social sweat. Reformers are arranged so you can see one another during the session. Mirrors in barre class reflect not just form, but community. Instructors encourage partner stretches and group challenges. Studios offer workshops, open-house sessions, and even themed playlists that members co-curate. At The Pilates Studio, founded by Namrata Purohit, the focus remains on customised training, but even she admits there’s merit to mixing it up. “Group classes make things fun,” she says. “That energy can motivate you to go a little harder. And when women support each other, incredible things happen.”

Still, Purohit is quick to note that group workouts aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. “Private sessions remain the most effective for individual goals. But sometimes, people need the social push—the variety, the laughter, and the collective willpower.” At her studio, the community isn’t accidental. It’s cultivated with events, workshops, and curated pairings that bring private clients together when needed. The result? A multifunctional space that meets you where you are, whether you’re seeking solitude or solidarity.

COLLECTIVELY WELCOMING WELLNESS

As the lines blur among fitness, lifestyle, and social interaction, group workouts are shaping the way we live beyond the studio. They affect what we eat, how we rest, and who we spend our time with. We’re witnessing the growing popularity of run clubs and weekend wellness retreats—participants come for the exercise but stay for the people, the structure, and the shared goals. From morning warm-ups to post-run avocado toasts, it’s the community that shapes the entire experience. It’s the same reason you’ll now find group mobility classes in parks, sunset yoga at festivals, or curated strength circuits under palm trees. Yes, the backdrop is beautiful, but it’s the bond between people that makes the setting feel magical.

Fitness is no longer confined to the gym. It’s a mood, a movement, and most importantly, it’s reflecting our growing need for connection in a chaotic, lonely world. While there will always be something sacred about plugging in, tuning out, and working through your own tempo, for many, the future of fitness is about moving forward together. Because when the playlist is just right, when your squad’s energy is contagious, and when you high-five after a brutal finisher set, you’re reminded of something that’s often forgotten: Strength is infectious. And in an era of social wellness, we’re not just getting fitter—we’re getting closer.

So, feel free to ditch the treadmill and book that group class you’ve been meaning to try. Let the beat drop, your breath sync, and the movement connect you—the invitation is open to all.

Lead image: Getty Images

This article originally appeared in the  April-May 2025 issue of Harper's Bazaar India.

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