Winter is Better Together: The Science and Soul of Practicing with Friends
- Jess Perryman
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
As winter draws us inward—with shorter days, colder mornings, and the quiet invitation to rest—it can be all too easy to let our wellbeing practices slip. But this season, perhaps more than any other, is when we need them most.
And what better way to stay committed, inspired, and connected than by practicing yoga or Pilates with a friend?
Whether you're rolling out a mat beside your bestie or bringing someone new into the fold, moving together in mindful ways doesn’t just feel good—it’s backed by science, rooted in connection, and deeply nourishing to both body and mind.
The Science of Social Sweat
Research has consistently shown that we’re more likely to stick with our fitness or wellness routines when we do them with others. A study published in the Journal of Social Sciences found that people tend to mimic the exercise behaviors of those they’re with—meaning your friend’s commitment can actually boost your own.
Not only that, but group movement—like a yoga or Pilates class—triggers the release of endorphins (our feel-good hormones) not just from the movement itself, but from the shared social experience. Practicing together can also increase oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding, trust, and connection.
Translation? Working out with a friend doesn’t just help you stay motivated. It actually makes you happier—and more likely to come back again and again.
Stay Accountable, Stay Inspired
When the mornings are chilly and the couch is calling, having a friend to meet you at the studio can be the extra push you need. It’s easy to cancel on ourselves—but harder to cancel on someone we care about.
This kind of accountability is golden in winter. It gets us out of bed, into our bodies, and back in touch with the sense of vitality that sometimes feels dimmed during the colder months.
And when you practice with a friend, you bring in a sense of shared purpose. You celebrate small wins together, encourage each other through challenges, and leave class with a shared glow that lingers long after savasana.
Community, Connection, and the Winter Blues
Human beings are wired for connection. And yet, in winter, many of us withdraw—not just from the cold, but from our communities, routines, and even from ourselves.
Mindful movement is one of the most effective tools we have for countering the winter blues. It improves circulation, elevates mood, supports immune function, and grounds the nervous system. Pair that with the warmth of practicing alongside a friend (or many), and you've got a potent antidote to winter's isolating tendencies.
At TEMPLE, our classes are designed not just for movement, but for belonging. Whether you’re flowing through sun salutations or pulsing in a Pilates bridge, you’re part of something bigger—a collective energy that uplifts and inspires.
Winter: A Time to Slow Down—But Not to Stop
Yes, winter is a season of slowing down. But that doesn’t mean stopping our self-care or stepping away from our wellbeing. In fact, it’s the perfect time to deepen those practices. To move with more intention. To check in with yourself—and check in with each other.
Practicing with friends reminds us that we’re not alone on this journey. It brings light to the darker months and joy to the daily routine. It turns a solo self-care moment into something shared, memorable, and full of meaning.
Winter is Better Together at TEMPLE
To help you stay warm, connected, and moving through winter, we’re launching our Winter is Better Together promotion.
From June 16–22, you can bring a friend for free to any class at TEMPLE. Just use the code WinterWarmer at booking, and share the gift of mindful movement with someone you love.
Because this winter, we’re not going it alone. We’re moving, growing, and glowing—together.
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