5 REASONS YOU SHOULD HAVE AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER
How many times have you scrolled through your social media feed and been inspired by fitness enthusiast to get your life together and get in shape? We've all been there. You know those fitness baddies who make working out look effortless and fun (Massy Arias). You see this and it sparks something in you. You think "You know what, I can do that, I'm going to start a new workout plan Monday!" You get excited, tell all of your friends, buy new workout clothes, look up what protein shakes and supplements you should take and may even go get a gym membership. Monday rolls around, and due to your epic Sunday Funday you don't want to get out of bed two hours before work to workout (It sounded like a great plan last week). Then you put your workout off until the end of the day, only to realize your job took every ounce of energy you had left and you just want to eat pizza and catch up on your favorite show (Queen Sugar anyone?). It happens to all of us. We have the best intentions, but fall short when it's time to execute. This is where having a good accountability partner comes into play. There are many benefits to to having a partner in crime to help you achieve your fitness goals. I will give you my top five:
1. Motivation - One thing that I love about having a accountability partner is that we keep each other motivated. Its' always good to pair up with someone who inspires you to be better and motivates you to work harder. You may be stronger in one area than your partner and vice versa. It usually balances out and you can push each other to crush your goals. If your partner doesn't inspire you to run a little faster, or to push out those last few reps when you want to quit, then you are paired up with the wrong person.
2. Emotional Support - I personally hold a lot of things in, especially when I am going through a trying time. I bottle it all up and eventually have a melt down. Working out with your accountability partner can be therapy, because its more than likely someone you can trust and feel comfortable enough to open up to. When I work out with my partner we usually talk about whatever is going on in our lives and give each other advice. Like I said....therapy.
3. A Cheerleader - I know that I can be extremely hard on myself. I get so caught up in what I'm not doing, and comparing myself to others, that I am blind to my own small victories. Small victories are important! When you have an accountability partner, they can point out your improvements and successes that you many not see. Remember your fitness journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Take the time to celebrate the time you shaved off of your run, or those extra reps that you were not able to do a couple weeks ago.
4. Having Fun - Working out with a friend can make the workout go by so much faster. You are grinding together, while working to reach your goals, and sharing laughs in the process. You will end up having a laundry list of inside jokes, good times, and memories. Working out doesn't have to be miserable. Its going to hurt sometimes, but at least you are doing it together. When your snatched summer body comes though, you'll be happy you did it.
5. Accountability - This is the most important part for me. Having fun, sharing laughs, and venting is great, but if your partner doesn't actually hold you accountable, you wont get very far in your fitness journey. It's good to sit down, set your goals, make a plan, and hold each other to that plan. You don't have to physically work out together but checking in with each other daily and sending pics when you are done with your workouts are great ways to practice of accountability when you work out separately. Team work makes the dream work.
-NG