What is the key to achieving your health and fitness goals? Consistency.
Countless studies show that having someone keep you accountable for completing a workout will increase your adherence, which will increase your results. And there’s nothing like a group of sistas that will motivate you to go after your goals.
There will always be 100 reasons to skip your workout, and the number one reason people quit on their goals is that there are no real consequences for their inaction. But that’s not the case when you have an accountability partner. “There is power in accountability because you know someone else cares about your success too,” says Deanna Robinson, Master Trainer, and owner of The Fab Body Factory.
In fact, Robinson says, “Accountability partners are like that poke to your motivation when the mood you made your commitment in, has left.”
And it’s quite true. If you’re still unsure if you need an accountability partner or not, here are 5 benefits of having one that will help you achieve your health and fitness goals:
You have your own personal cheerleader. Every workout is not going to be your best workout. But the fact that you got up, and got yourself to the gym is an accomplishment to itself. So having your own cheerleader is especially valuable during difficult times, when confidence is low or self-doubt creeps in. Having someone who picks you up and is cheering you on will help you keep going. A cheerleader reminds you to tell you, “Sis, you’ve got this,” even when it feels like you don’t.
They’ll keep you accountable. This is in fact, the most important quality of them all. If you’re accountability partner isn’t serious about they’re goals, then neither will you. You’ll end up skipping the gym every week, for drinks — and then what benefit will it be for either one of you? Choose wisely when it comes to your accountability partners. “A good accountability partner should be someone who is challenging, but not critical,” says Robinson. “They should be able to check you in love. You don’t need a cop waiting for their ‘gotcha’ moment, but rather someone in your corner who can be honest and supportive.”
Your workouts will be more fun. Who wants to hit the treadmill everyday (unless that’s your thing, of course). But when you’re with friends, you can switch it up and try dance classes, cycling, 5Ks, boxing, etc. The possibilities are endless, and the best part is, you’ll be doing it with someone else.
You’ll have someone to celebrate your milestones with. Ran your first mile? Climbed your first set of stairs without losing your breath? Conquered your first marathon? These are all huge achievements. But there’s nothing like celebrating with the person who was shooting with you in the gym — gym. Your accountability partner keeps your progress in perspective by giving you a pat on the back when you need it and helps you to remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.
You won’t have to do it alone. The journey towards bettering your overall journey is not always an easy one — especially if you have a larger goal. But the best part is, you’re not in this alone when you have an accountability partner. There will always be someone in your corner to help motivate you, dispel your fears or even give you a reality check when you need it.
