This past year one of my blessings has been my workout buddies. My typical weekly workout routine includes Curves, swimming, and now yoga, and each of these activities I do with a good friend. In addition to the motivation these friends provide to actually show up and not wuss out, it's also emotionally energizing to spend time each week with them.

Mom and I have been going to Curves for several years now. Although I started going mostly just to support her, I am considerably more toned than I was when I began. But more importantly, I love having a reason to see Mom 3 times a week. The workout is a bit like our relationship - routine and comfortable.

HFD is my swimming partner. Considering our shared love for the ocean and dolphins and such, this is an appropriate activity for us to do together. The way our schedules work out, we both end up getting to the pool about 15 minutes before it opens for lap swimming. So we sit in the locker room and chat. And then we chat some more while taking breaks between lap sets. The place we swim is sorta ghetto, so there's also plenty of opportunity for snarking, something else we love to do.

I've just recently been brought back to yoga by another friend. She is 25 years my elder and has been so many things to me through the years - a teacher, a colleague, and always a mentor. Occasionally we'll go somewhere afterwards for a real conversation, but usually we just talk as we walk to our cars. But somehow, just moving through the poses together seems like enough. She has always brought me reflection and clarity, and yoga is yet another way that I can receive that, indirectly, from her.

It's such a gift to have a moment each week to reconnect with a close friend, to swap silly stories, share frustrations, or just see a friendly face. And these moments provide a continuity that I believe deepens our friendship. With the support, of mind and body, from these women, it's no wonder I'm feeling stronger than ever.