Here at WH, we’ve long believed that now is the best time to smash your fitness goals. One stumbling block? Sticking to your workout plan when you’re cold, sleepy and generally moody. But with a BFF, trying to reach your fitness goal can be a lot easier. We tapped our Fit Squad, Caitlin Hood & Mapule Ndhlovu, for their tried-and-true hacks to take the fitness challenge out of the group chat and through the finish line.
Fitness Goals, Meet Social Fitness
Let’s play a word association game. Hyrox. Marathons. Obstacle course races. Relays. Ball sports. What do they all have in common? They’re all team sports. The evidence: marathon runners use pacers to maintain consistent speed. Over 50% of Hyrox participants enter as a team. Obstacle course races lean heavily on group participation, according to registration stats. And nobody’s kicking a ball around by themselves.
Clearly, friends have benefits. And with South African women ranking among the least physically active in the world, could roping in some peer pressure be the key to success? Science says yes. Studies show that women who exercise in groups are 45% more likely to report good mental health.
Research also shows that people who have support from family and friends are more likely to stick to their exercise routines. But with a laundry list of life demands, statistics only go so far toward helping you reach your fitness goal. So we tapped the experts – trainers, racers and their partners – to zoom in on the secret spice for keeping the fitness pact alive.
READ MORE: Don’t Fall For These Common HYROX Mistakes
How Caitlin Hood & Mapule Ndhlovu Teamed Up To Reach Their Fitness Goals
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The goal: Hyrox Doubles
Secret sauce: their fun-loving bond
When WH cover stars Caitlin Hood and Mapule Ndhlovu enrolled in the Cape Town Hyrox, they only had one week to prepare. For us mortals, that would feel like a death sentence, but for these elite athletes, the real test wasn’t the course, but how they’d approach it. Instead of using the race to test their mettle (or a coveted spot on the podium), the duo decided to make it as fun and relatable as possible.
“Our goals were really clear,” says Caitlin. “A joyful, strong finish; demystifying Hyrox for women who find it intimidating.” Importantly, Mapule and Caitlin had only met once before – Caitlin had reached out to Mapule, having been a long-time fan from her first time gracing the WH cover. “Knowing that I had inspired her and seeing how much this meant to her pushed me to take on the challenge,” reflects Mapule.
READ MORE: 6 Of The Best Toning Moves You Can Do While You Walk The Dog
How Caitlin & Mapule Prepped For Hyrox Together
To get ready, Mapule and Caitlin relied on their strengths. For Mapule, it was her erm, strength. For Caitlin, running was a strong suit. “I knew I really needed to focus on my running so I could keep up with her [Caitlin],” says Mapule. “That became one of my biggest commitments during the preparation.” To keep things fun, the pair communicated through WhatsApp voice notes and Instagram memes.
They also had one hour-long race simulation before the race. “I saw my life flash before me,” says the veteran ultra-marathoner. “That session kinda left me rattling with nerves.” Mapule, Caitlin recalls, was cool as a cucumber, choosing to treat the moment as a way to pinpoint areas for improvement. “It [the simulation] showed us what we needed to work on more, and how we could get better together so we’d be fully prepared for the race,” Mapule relays.
“My biggest tip is to find someone you genuinely vibe with!”
– Mapule Ndhlovu
The Payoff
“Crossing the Hyrox finish line, sweaty, laughing, dancing – chommies, we danced, okay!” says Caitlin. Mapule felt the same. “There was trust, understanding, and mutual motivation, and because of that, I truly believed we had this from the start,” she says. In the end, the Hyrox finish line proved to be the start of a budding bond, the type that transcends PBs. Almost immediately, the two began plotting new races to enter, even international events. “At the end of it all,” muses Mapule, “the experience became so much bigger than just training – it was about commitment, teamwork, growth, and pushing each other to become better.”
READ MORE: Exactly How To Start Weight Training For Weight Loss, According To Experts
Steal Their Playbook
Tips on making your own fitness goals with your BFF stick, from the pros
Find your vibe
“Pick a Chommie, old or new, whose values align. If your energy matches, great! These two things make it easier to trust each other. If you don’t want the same kind of feeling at the end of a session, you’ll never cross that start line,” says Caitlin.
Stay accountable
“It’s important to have a partner who will do their part, just as you commit to doing yours. Once you both trust each other and know you’re in it together, everything flows so much better,” says Mapule.
Keep growing
“As soon as one goal is done, establish the next one together before the post-race motivation fades,” says Caitlin.
This article first appeared in the Jul + Aug 2026 Issue of Women’s Health South Africa. Words by Michelle October.