Stronger Together
By Cindy Moore
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." — African Proverb
It was another busy workday, with back-to-back meetings, a never-ending task list, and messages pinging me every other minute. Five o'clock was finally here, and all I wanted to do was shut down my computer, unplug, and plop on the couch.
Right on cue, my husband poked his head in my office, “Are you ready to go?”
Oh, right, it’s Wednesday. Climbing night. Our weekly meetup with an awesome group of veterans at the local indoor climbing gym.
For a split second, I considered begging off. Then I remembered how good I felt after these sessions; energized, accomplished, connected. The workout challenges me, but the conversations in between routes are what really pull me back each week.
Why it Works
Turns out, that’s not an accident. The reason I continually grab my gear and make the trek to the gym has less to do with discipline and more to do with connection.
Think of community as a confidence-building super army.
Research shows that people are more likely to follow through with exercise plans when they feel socially supported. When someone is expecting you to show up, names you in a group message, or personally invites you to join in, follow through becomes easier. That external group accountability amps up our self-efficacy; our belief that we can do the thing we said we would do.
There is also a strong mental health boost here. Exercising with others has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and greater feelings of belonging. Any movement alone can boost endorphins, but adding in connections gives you something more powerful: shared experience.
For those who have been a part of tight-knit teams, doing the hard things alone can feel subtle, but very significant. We are wired for connection, and a sense of belonging matters more than we would like to admit. When exercise becomes a social meet-up instead of a solo endeavor, it moves from “one more task” to something you look forward to.
Connection isn’t just good for mood; it changes how we show up for each other.
Growing Skills Together
And the benefits don’t stop at feeling better; they show up in what we can achieve. Since we have joined the weekly meet-ups, our skills have improved. We attempt harder routes and push past the fear that used to stop us. Coincidence? Studies show that people often work harder and sustain their effort longer in group settings, without consciously realizing it. Effort increases while your perceived difficulty decreases. When others are encouraging you to keep trying, you often do.
Call to Action
If you've been flying solo, think of this as your invitation to find a wingman.
Join an activity group. Sign up for a challenge. Invite someone to your next workout. Mark yourself as going to an event and post in the group that you'll be there.
Surround yourself with others, in person or virtually, and see what happens.
Join the Wingman Challenge, starting March 15, 2026.
For this challenge, your workout only counts if you complete it with another person. Any activity counts.