Being a part of the Meals Matter team, I’m well aware of the importance of healthy food choices and physical activity. I’ve used MyFitnesss Planner and have read numerous articles on the benefits of being active. Among colleagues and friends, I’ve enjoyed pilates, yoga and other exercise sessions organized as part of our Workplace Wellness program.

But no article or online tool could help me get over my fear of joining a gym. The thought of exercising among total strangers was terrifying. Being overweight, I was sure everyone would point and stare as my face got redder and redder with exertion.

When a close friend suggested an exercise class as a way to spend more time together, I was elated. Knowing I’d have someone to walk with into the class and succeed or fail without judgment was exactly the kind of support and encouragement I needed to increase my physical activity.

We settled on a local community center with a Latin-inspired dance-fitness class. I was so nervous walking into class that first day, even with my friend. But looking around the room, I saw women and men of almost every age and ability. By the time we finished the first song, I was paying more attention to the music and the moves than I was to what I—or anyone else—looked like. A smile spread across my face as perspiration dripped down my back. I was exercising among strangers and loving it.

On the drive home, my friend and I talked about struggling to follow the instructor and fumbling through more advanced steps. I told her what some of the songs meant in Spanish and how our instructor would tell us to go right when the song said to go left. We made plans to go again later in the week.

When I got home, I stirred up a glass of chocolate milk to help my body recover from new physical activity. I woke up the next morning feeling great, with almost no muscle soreness. I was glad I read that article, too.

It’s been about a month since taking my first class. My friend and I are now going to group exercise classes three days a week. I’ve even attended some classes and events on my own. Working hard on my body makes it easier to make healthier food choices, too. My coworkers and family have said my face looks thinner, my body feels stronger and I have more energy and confidence overall. 

So if you’re looking for a way to spend more time with a friend or know someone struggling with their weight, suggest taking a walk around the block or checking out an exercise class together. Maybe like me, all they are waiting for is that one friendly face.