A few years ago you would have never caught me dead in active wear. I was petrified to even step foot in a gym, let alone step on a treadmill. I had always wanted to be fit but I didn’t know how or where in the world I was supposed to start. Does anyone else notice how impossible a task may feel when you face it alone?

I started my fitness journey slowly. My best friend was VERY patient. We would strap on our Vibram toe shoes (this is a no-judgment zone right?) and head out in the dead of night to “run”. The idea was that if we ran at night, people wouldn’t see how much I really hated every moment of it.

The thing is, if I didn’t have someone to convince me that it was possible, I would have never started. So, how do you find your “swolemate”, the person who will push you when you are stuck in your ways, lift you when you’re a little heavier or pick you up when you fall down?

1. Surround yourself with people who encourage change. You know that friend who is always up for adventure, trying new things or encouraging your growth? Sign up for a yoga class/ dance class/ weight training with them! Actively seek these people.

2. Don’t be afraid of being uncomfortable. I promise you this: trying something new is absolutely terrifying, but after a month or two it becomes routine. Having a friend keep you accountable when it gets tough or you really don’t want to show up will make a world of a difference.

3. Have a few “swolemates”, the more the merrier. Instead of meeting a friend over a glass of wine, catch up in a HIIT class, an evening walk on the beach or Saturday morning yoga followed by coffee. When you create a fitness schedule that includes friends, you are more likely to stay committed to your new fitness lifestyle.

Last Thursday, I found myself running. That’s right, running. No one was chasing me either. I had convinced a friend to join my yoga class (his first yoga class ever) and to my dismay he asked me to go for a run after class.

My heart immediately started racing and I starting thinking of every excuse possible to let him down gently. Is it possible to be allergic to running? But I didn’t wimp out and something strange happened that night: I ran and actually enjoyed it. When I had someone by my side, encouraging me to run harder, faster, stronger, I did! There is definitely strength in exercising in numbers!

Cassandra Matcham is a Yoga Alliance-certified yoga instructor, studio and group fitness manager at Alchemy Fitness. She specialises in accountability and goal-setting to help clients reach their full potential. Follow Alchemy Fitness on Facebook: https://www.face book.com/AlchemyFitnessBermuda or e-mail info@alchemy.bm.\