If you’ve managed to stick to your exercise routine through the fall, congratulations! Resisting the temptation to stay glued to the couch, gorging on comfort food, takes strength. That said, there’s still lots of work to do and achieving your fitness goals is far from over.
Related article: Essential tips for sticking with your exercise routine during the fall
You may be eating right, buying only at a whole foods market, and exercising regularly. But we’re not going to lie: sticking to your fitness routine won’t be any less challenging as the weather gets colder, especially if you are going at it alone.
Luckily for you, we have not run out of tips for boosting your fitness progress. Here’s another one: find an accountability partner.
What is an accountability partner?
This is someone who will be as invested in your progress as you are. It’s not just a friend to take selfies with you as you do the bare minimum at the gym. Instead, he or she will give you that much-needed push you need to achieve your fitness goals faster.
It’s really not as intimidating as it sounds. Having an accountability partner simply means having someone who will encourage you to commit to your fitness routine, check in on your progress, and motivate you in times of weakness.
There are different ways to find the right accountability partner. It largely depends on the level of accountability you wish to have as you work toward your goal. You can find a mentor or an expert who will urge you to lift heavier, push a little more on the treadmill, or get off the sofa when you’d really rather not. Overall, they hold you to a higher standard than you would normally hold yourself. As an alternative, you can join a group whose members help each other in maintaining their commitment to getting fit.
The great thing about the fitness accountability partner idea is that you can apply it to other areas of your life, including work, home, and social circles. Accountability partners are people who motivate you, are honest with you, and ideally, share the same outlook on becoming a better individual.
3 Reasons why you need an accountability partner
#1. They keep the experience positive
Working out should be fun. Feeling tired after a particularly heavy workout can be demotivating, so your partner should be someone who will help you rebound. Importantly, your partner should share in celebrating your milestones as you get closer to attaining your goals.
#2. Scientists say they boost progress
According to research, couples who enter a fitness program together are less likely to drop out. It doesn’t matter if you buddy up with a friend, spouse, or a group. What scientific experts agree on is that the support you get from an accountability partner is an effective motivator.
#3. They keep fatigue at bay
Everyone gets fatigued at times — even the fittest people at the gym. No one knows your body more than you, so you usually know whether you just need to take a short break, or if you’re done for the day. But sometimes you’re not the best judge of your condition, and that’s where having a workout partner comes in. It pays to have someone who can help push you to your limit, but also lets you know when to hold back.
An accountability partner is someone who will help keep you motivated and on track to reach your fitness goals, even if all you want to do in the fine fall weather is sit on the sofa all day.
Don’t have someone who can keep you motivated? Here’s an idea — find an accountability partner at CLUB4Fitness. Our nationally certified personal trainers can help you stay on track and motivate you, no matter your fitness level.