Movement for Real Life
A Monthly Wellness Feature / February 2026
By Petra Lehman-Brauer
Owner – Create Power Yoga
Thinking about trying yoga, dancing, pickleball, or any other new movement practice? It’s a fantastic idea. The benefits to introducing a variety of movement into your life are endless: less stress, more energy, fewer aches, and a greater sense of calm. Clearly, I think you should do yoga, but really the possibilities are endless. The hard part, if you’re like most people, isn’t knowing what you want to do – it’s actually doing it, consistently.
Here’s a simple, powerful secret that can make all the difference: don’t go alone.
Starting a new routine with a friend, partner, or family member isn’t just more fun; it’s the single most effective strategy for making it stick. A landmark long-term study from the University of Pittsburgh’s Medical School discovered that having a partner wasn’t just helpful, it was the biggest factor predicting long-term success.
The results were clear: a staggering 95% of people who started a fitness program with a friend completed it. Even more impressive? A year later, those with a partner were about twice as likely to have either maintained their practice or improved their results.
The science confirms what we intuitively know: going it alone is hard. But why is a buddy so transformative? Let’s break it down.
1. It Turns Intimidation Into Invitation.
Walking into a new studio for the first time can feel daunting. Where do you put your shoes? Where do you put your mat? What if you can’t do the poses? Doing this with a friend instantly cuts the anxiety in half. You have a built-in ally to share the nervous laughs, decipher the schedule, and navigate the new environment together. The experience shifts from “I have to do this scary thing” to “We get to try this cool thing, together.”
2. It Creates Built-In Accountability (Without the Guilt).
When your motivation wanes – and it will sometimes! – a text from a friend saying, “See you at 6?” is far more powerful than any internal pep talk. This positive social pressure is a gentle nudge that gets you out the door on days it feels hard to get up and go. It’s accountability rooted in mutual support, not solitary willpower.
3. It Deepens Your Connection.
Sharing a new, vulnerable experience is a profound way to strengthen a relationship. You’re not just grabbing coffee; you’re learning, struggling, and progressing together. You’ll celebrate each other’s small victories – holding a balance pose for three more seconds, finally reaching for that block – and offer encouragement when life gets in the way and the going gets tough. This shared journey builds a unique bond that extends far beyond the studio walls.
4. It Makes the Practice More Joyful.
Let’s be honest: movement should be enjoyable. Having a partner transforms practice from a solitary task into a shared activity. You can debrief after class (“What did you think of that sequence?”), turn post-class errands into a continuation of your hangout, and simply enjoy the fact that you’re investing in your well-being alongside someone you care about. The joy of connection makes the effort feel easier and more sustainable.
How to Start With Your Buddy
- Choose a Studio Together: Look for a place known for being welcoming to beginners. Many studios, like ours, offer introductory passes or buddy deals specifically designed for new duos.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Commit to a specific schedule together (e.g., “Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 PM”). Start with once a week if that’s what’s manageable.
- Focus on the Experience, Not Just the Outcome: Your goal isn’t perfection. Your goal is to show up together, move, and see how you feel afterward. Celebrate the act of showing up.
The University of Pittsburgh study gave us the data, but the lived experience that we see in-studio every week gives us the story. Starting a movement practice with someone else isn’t a cheat code; it’s the wisdom of community. It’s understanding that the support of another person can be the very thing that turns a fleeting experience into a lasting, life-enhancing habit.
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About the Author
Petra Lehman-Brauer has been teaching yoga to students of all levels since 2013. She owns Create Power Yoga in Rumford, RI, where her mission is to create a space where students feel safe, supported, and empowered in their practice; where yoga isn’t about perfection, but about showing up, exploring, and building a deeper relationship with yourself.
Do you have a question or a Yoga – Health & Wellness topic you would like to see Petra cover? If so, email: Info@EastProvHospitality.com with “Create Power Yoga” in the subject line.
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