OK, full disclosure: this is for my fitness peeps who are struggling with their 2022 fitness goals. I mean no offence to that special someone in your life – they can also be your accountability partner, if they would like.
However, for many of us, we are usually going through our fitness journey alone.
Throughout the year, it’s only natural that we face obstacles, lose motivation, take two steps backwards and even lose hope. I understand we need to take responsibility for our choices. We need to hold ourselves accountable for our actions and for our lack of action. However, I also understand that there is strength in numbers. I believe that your vibe attracts your tribe – you are more likely to be like the five people you hang out with most. Therefore, it is important to surround yourself with like-minded people.
An accountability partner is someone that helps you stay on track to achieve your goals and keeps you committed to the promise you made to yourself. Your accountability partner can be a friend, family member or spouse – but sometimes, those people may not be the best accountability partners for you. You need an accountability partner that is: trustworthy, non-judgmental, and dependable. They need to be able to provide positive reinforcement, and be honest with their advice.
Our friends are friends for a reason. They may not understand your dreams and goals and, they may feel uncomfortable calling you out when you are slacking.
Before choosing an accountability partner, you must have a clear understanding and a laser focus of what your actual goal is. What is your “Why?” Look for someone who may have a similar goal. Find someone that you respect and who would be willing to join you on your fitness journey. This could be as simple as joining a fitness class with you, meeting you at the gym three times a week and/or simply keeping you on track during meals.
Once you find that accountability partner, you must now give them permission to push you outside your comfort zone in order to get you closer to your fitness goals. You must give them permission to be honest. You must create a plan together, review your goals together, and communicate frequently.
Like I said earlier, there is strength in numbers. You may even find an accountability group/community instead of an individual accountability partner. An accountability group is a gathering of people who share their goals and support each other in reaching them. The group meets regularly to share their goals for the next week, to report on their progress from the week before, and to offer support to other members.
Why do you need to be held accountable? Well, it makes you responsible for your actions and choices. It gives you the power of ownership over those choices, as well as any successes or failures. It helps you measure your progress, improve your performance, build trust and confidence, and keep you motivated. It also validates your thoughts and ideas, pushes you outside of your comfort zone, and helps you face your fears, while eliminating the things that may be holding you back.
So, for this Valentine's Day – find yourself an accountability partner, take them to the gym, buy them a protein shake, give them a high-five and text them within 24 hours of your workout. Watch this relationship blossom with gains, results, and personal development!
Jay Raymundo is the owner of NRG Fitness Inc., as well as a personal trainer for the City of Airdrie, the co-owner of F45 Training in Airdrie, and the strength and conditioning coach for the Airdrie Martial Arts Centre.
