Chapter 1
The chemistry of green exercise
Chapter 2
The evolutionary power of the pack
Chapter 3
Global playgrounds of movement
Chapter 4
The physics and play of natural terrain
YOUR GOAL
Master of Why moving in packs outdoors rewires your brain
Ch 2 · The evolutionary power of the pack
thabo Evolutionary Power of the Pack
When we move in step, our brains release a double shield against the pain.
thabo Named after psychologist Otto Köhler, this subconscious drive makes people work harder in groups to avoid being the weakest link.
thabo Evolutionary biologists link synchronized movement to prehistoric human survival cooperation.
BETA
thabo Build your outdoor fitness crew to discover why training together works better than alone.
Fun Fact
Rowing power: Synchronized rowers experience a higher pain threshold even when they perform the exact same physical workload as solo rowers.
Glossary
endorphin (noun)
Any of a group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system that help block pain and induce feelings of pleasure. In 2009, an Oxford study found that synchronized team rowing triggered twice the endorphin release of solo training.
Any of a group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system that help block pain and induce feelings of pleasure. In 2009, an Oxford study found that synchronized team rowing triggered twice the endorphin release of solo training.
Quiz
By what maximum percentage did participants increase their plank-holding time when training with a slightly stronger partner?
Quiz
Which German psychologist discovered that individuals work harder in a group setting to avoid being the weakest link?
Quiz
Which neurotransmitter is released in massive amounts during synchronized group movement, acting as a natural painkiller?
Quiz
Researchers from which university discovered that synchronized rowing doubles an athlete's pain tolerance compared to solo rowing?
Quiz
What psychological obstacle does social accountability help bypass by making your workout schedule a pre-made commitment?
Quiz
According to a 2015 study, what percentage of people completed their fitness program when they started with a group of friends?
Quiz
What do anthropologists call modern group fitness communities that utilize shared rituals and vocabulary to build identity?