The Tribune

Health coach Ethan Quant, of Elite Wellness Solutions, has succeeded in his weight loss journey and now wants to share his methods with the Bahamas in an effort to foster a culture of wellness and conquer the obesity epidemic.

When I first started my 110-pound weight loss journey I started by myself, and honestly, it was a struggle. Then through a series of seemingly unrelated events I joined a fitness group. I actually joined Jay Fitness with Donovan Jay Rolle. I was with that group for about a year. Donovan is an awesome instructor who genuinely cares about his crew. It wasn't just him though, the other people in the group served as a major source of motivation as well. They would check up on me, there was friendly competition, but a whole lot of positivity. It really gave me the structure and support I needed, especially since I was just starting. And honestly, that's the biggest benefit of group fitness training, that sense of community.

I honestly wish I had gotten started with a group earlier in my process, but the truth is that I was very worried about being the "fat boy" in the group and I didn't want to be the slowest or weakest, and I didn't want an audience as I struggled to get in shape. Then there was the fear of getting lost in the crowd. How could I really benefit in a group if there are so many people that the instructor has to pay attention to? The reality is that my experience was nothing like that. The group was encouraging and Jay was supportive. Also everyone welcomed me. I remember when my car was down I had people offering to pick me up for our early morning sessions.

When you are looking for a group, try it out and see if you like it. Some offer free classes and some offer drop-in rates so you won't have to come up with the full membership fee upfront. But make sure the group is a good fit for you.

Below are my top picks if you are looking for a place to start your search for your fitness group.

1. Bowflex Barbie Fitness

The training is a dynamic combination of resistance training along with cardiovascular and plyometric elements designed to promote lean muscle, reduce body fat and improve overall fitness levels. Open to men and women, Bowflex Barbie Fitness has a team of trainers and instructors with specialisations in a wide range of areas, including weight loss and management, high-intensity interval training, strength and conditioning, and sports performance. They are located at the Balmoral Club, Sanford drive. Contact information: dekelnesbitt@bowflexbarbie.com; 455-2365.

2. CrossFit Potcake

A group session that approaches fitness in a manner that has people get the most bang for their buck when it comes to training, not necessarily with volume, but with intensity, And it doesn't matter what the workout is. Getting to your end point, that's really what drives change. Contact information: info@crossfitpotcake.com; 477-4015.

3. Get Fit with Jay

Jay Fitness offers fitness training to men and women of all fitness levels, in a fun family environment. Sessions will challenge strength, agility and endurance, but at the end you will get the results you are looking for. Contact information: jayfitness242@gmail.com; 359-1156

4. Physique Total Fitness

Fitcamp is a functional integrated training programme that is geared towards toning and conditioning. With this programme you can also gain strength, lose weight and boost confidence. Contact information: physiquetotalfitness@gmail.com; 427-4280.

5. Outdoor Fitness Bahamas

Outdoor Fitness Bahamas is an outdoor group fitness programme designed to help you achieve your fitness goals through fitness instruction, nutritional information and a large helping of motivation. They offer eight locations throughout New Providence. Contact information: outdoorfitbessbahamas@gmail; 424-0032 or 357-4026.

• If you need help navigating any part of your health, wellness and fitness process, you can contact Ethan Quant at ethan@elite-wellnesssolutions.com or on Instagram at @ethanquant.