Lack of physical activity has been shown to increase the risk of chronic illness and mortality. Yet, a large part of the American population fails to meet the government's recommendations for physical activity. According to a new study, competition might be the key to getting us to workout more. Competition drives us to exercise more, according to a new study. According to the National Center forHealth Statistics, 69% of Americans 18-24 years of age failed to meet the federal guidelines for physical activity in 2014. To remedy the situation, researchers and governments have tried to uncover key motivators for people to maintain a schedule of physical activity, as well as cost-effective strategies to increase motivation. Teaming up with friends and engaging in physical activity routines together is thought to be good for starting a new fitness routine, as the psychological costs of changing behavior are easier to bear in companionship. But how does social media affect our motivation? Does a friendly, supportive environment help promote physical activity? Or might competition be more effective?