Fitness Accountability

Fitness Accountability Nearly everyone has dabbled in the world of health and fitness to some degree. It may be as small as the fitness-related New Year’s resolutions many of us make, or as intense as training for an Ironman competition. Some people choose to focus on the nutritional aspect of health, while others choose to spend time exercising; typically trying to burn unwanted calories. There are others still who have seemingly mastered the art of health and fitness and have conquered both the giants of eating to fuel their bodies correctly and training their bodies to peak physical performance.

Some people prefer to train alone and others prefer a group setting. Unfortunately, studies show that the vast majority of those who begin their training alone only last about eight weeks before quitting. Even with the best of intentions, without accountability, many resolutions last only a short time. To increase the chances of success in reaching a higher level of fitness it is vital to obtain accountability in order to keep on track.

So what exactly is accountability? Merriam-Webster defines it as: “An obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.” Because of the uncomfortable nature of accountability, we often attempt to avoid it. In our spiritual lives, accountability is the realization that we are responsible for our actions. Spiritual accountability encourages us towards a Christ-like walk and empowers us to remember the truths of the gospel in times of doubt, weakness and failure.

Just like spiritual accountability, accountability in fitness is vital to achieving success. Accountability in health and fitness is much the same as spiritual accountability: it makes people responsible for taking action and sticking to each health and fitness goal that has been set in order to reach a higher level of fitness.

Accountability is a very powerful tool in fitness, but not so easy to implement. Here are a few pointers that can help get your started on your journey to fitness success:

Step one – set a goal
Decide how, when and where you want to be. Define your goals and set a time frame for accomplishing these goals. Time frame is important, but even more so is the method of how to reach these objectives. This will allow you to monitor your progress and be encouraged to continue along the straight and narrow path.

Step two – track your fitness
Each day, record fitness related information for the day including nutrition, exercise, how you slept, how long you slept, how you felt, etc. Then compare your fitness notes as you move along. Go back to your first week, do the same work, see the difference, and note it. This is the best form of private accountability and responsibility for your level of fitness and your forward progress.

Step three – find your fitness and accountability partner!
Take someone along for the ride! They will appreciate it and so will you. Ask them to join you at the gym, or ask them what exercise they performed that day. Share your end goals with each other so you can encourage each other along the way. If you are both keeping track of your fitness, you can compare notes as well and watch each other’s progress!

Two are always better than one. In Hebrews 10, the Bible reads, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (vs. 24-25).

Set a goal and determine to reach it, not on your own, but with the loving encouragement of a friend. Accountability is the key!

Edwin Morales is the owner of Crossfit CVI in Pompano Beach. He is an ex-military and law enforcement officer, and is passionate about helping people from all walks of life achieve their health and fitness goals. For more information, visit crossfitcvi.com, call 954-972-4284 or email [email protected].

 

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