How to Stay Accountable in Your Fitness Journey Without a Workout Partner

More often than not, I find myself walking alone on my fitness journey with gym buddies coming and going. Sometimes this is helpful to focus on myself and my own development, but can offer its own challenges as I lose the accountability that comes with a workout partner. Here are the fixes I’ve found:

Commit to Yourself

This may seem like it goes without saying, but it is the most important step. Our biggest challenges are the ones in which we limit ourselves. Commit yourself to pushing through obstacles, showing up for yourself, and improving your everyday baseline. Make the mental change, treating this like your job (non-negotiable, rather than an expendable activity. 

Plan a Routine

Planning is one of the more difficult factors, especially if you’re a beginner. See these helpful tips for planning your workouts. By setting a plan, you are taking away excuses and setting yourself up for progress and success. Find a planner that suits you! If you are more digital, use your calendar tool on your phone, reminders, or sites like CoreCircle. If you prefer paper (my preference), get a planner that is fun and engaging: colorful, motivational saying, stickers, etc,.. 

Make a Timeline

The most meaningful accomplishments come through dedication. Try a smaller window of time at first to make it more manageable. Once you can see your commitment for 2 weeks, bump it up to 4 or 6 weeks. It takes time to make a lifestyle shift, but it’s possible!

Find a Fitness Challenge

Find a challenge that excites you! There are quite a few fitness Challenges out there that will suit your available equipment, accomplish your goals, and help provide accountability. There are challenges that fit every lifestyle and interest from Zumba and HIIT to Strength Training Challenges. Once you start looking, a world of opportunity
opens up.

Document your own Journey 

So many ways to accomplish this, so find a way that you enjoy most! Before and After photos, writing down your workouts, journaling, photos of your outfits, etc,. These are all ways to hold yourself accountable. One of my personal regrets is not taking photos when I started my workout journey. I was so self-conscious that I didn’t allow myself to appreciate my body in that moment or allow myself to see growth.

Conclusion

• Commit to your decision

• Plan

• Make a Timeline

• Find a Challenge

• Document