what is better – team sports or solo exercise?

Exercise not only has a positive impact on your physical health, but also good for your mental health too. In fact, many people take up exercise as a way to enhancing their mental well-being. But are all exercises equally beneficial – and does it matter whether you do them alone or in a group?

One noteworthy study examined how the environment in which people exercised was linked to mental health. The study involved students aged 16 to 24, comparing those who took part in team sports, informal fitness groups (such as yoga classes or running groups) and those who exercised alone at least once a week. The study continued after six months to measure their mental health.

The study found that students who did group physical activity (both team sports and informal fitness groups) had better mental health than those who exercised alone. Students who exercised in groups were also more physically lively, doing almost twice as much activity as those who exercised alone. They also reported feeling more connected to the people around them.

Researchers suggest that the reason students who exercise in groups experience better mental health may be due to the social support network they develop during group exercise classes.

My own research also investigated how informal soccer programs helped with mental health recovery. My colleagues and I conducted two studies, one of which looked at Community football initiatives and the second in football programs NHS Mental Health Services. We interviewed people who played soccer in sessions where players, coaches and medical staff participated in activities together.

We found that participants valued group activities because they could connect with people with similar interests and experiences. Participants also said that having the choice to play a sport they enjoyed contributed to their mental health. These programs can support mental health recovery by allowing participants to live a hopeful and fulfilling life despite any limitations caused by mental illness.

However, our research suggests that physical activity itself may not be as crucial as the reason Why person exercising.

Reasons why we exercise

The motivations behind why a person exercises also influence mental health outcomes. The relationship between motivation and mental health can be explained by self-determination theorywhich assumes that our personal experiences, in addition to cultural and social factors, influence why we decide to participate in some types of physical activity.

Exercise is more likely to provide mental health benefits if the environment makes us feel good more choice and controlwe feel more capable or more likely to succeed, and when we have stronger connections with others. If these aspects are perceived in the environment, we tend to participate in activities because they are enjoyable or personally crucial to us. This is known as “autonomous motivation”Research shows that when people take action for these reasons, feel happier and have more energy.

On the other hand, feeling like we have less choice or control, or that we are not good at what we do, can have negative impact on well-being. When we feel this way, we tend to perform actions to avoid feeling guilty or punished – or receiving praise or attention from others. This is known as “controlled motivation”.

While these reasons may be an effective way to start exercising, we are much less likely to continue with physical activity. for longer period of time because we don’t do things for our own pleasure. Most importantly, this type of motivation It was shown have a negative impact on mental health.

For example, if I choose to run alone because it’s crucial to me, it’s likely to be better for my mental health than if I were to play a team sport where the only reason I participate is because I’m afraid I’ll let my teammates or coach down. That would be because I’m not choosing to participate in the sport for my own reasons, but for the good of other people.

Research into why people participate in team sports and their mental health Great Britain AND Ireland shows how crucial the right kind of motivation is in the context of mental health.

Team members who had the ability to make decisions about their training, felt connected to the people around them, and performed well in their sport had better mental health. However, when these aspects were lacking, the athletes’ mental health was poorer, which shows how crucial it is to create the right environment, regardless of the activity.

Finding ways to give individuals more choice and facilitate them develop relationships with others could be crucial for trainers, exercise instructors, and even gym buddies to facilitate people better improve their mental health through the exercise they do. The activity itself may not predict mental health benefits—but the way people feel while doing it can.

Is it better to exercise alone or in a group? In practice, there is some evidence that group exercise can be better for mental health. But the reason a person exercises and the environment in which they do it are just as crucial. Put simply, choosing an activity that you love – whether it’s because it makes you feel good or because it allows you to be part of a community – will give you the best mental health boost.