Keeping yourself motivated to ex­­ercise can be challenging, but physical activity is essential to our health and longevity. Why go it alone? Working out with others has several benefits, from keeping yourself accountable in your fitness routine to making the hard work more fun and enjoyable.

Several research studies have shown that people who have strong social support are more successful at sticking to an exercise routine than those who don’t. Whether you have a workout buddy, enjoy group fitness classes at the gym or seek out free public events in your community, making exercise social is an effective way to help you stay committed to exercise.

Many communities offer free group exercise...