By Jose Axel
Last Updated Oct 28, 2023We all know that setting fitness goals is the easy part — it's sticking to them that poses a real challenge. Here's the thing: The path to health and wellness isn't a sprint; it's more like a marathon. Sure, motivation gets you started, but it's accountability that carries you to the finish line.
To help you stay on track, let’s dive into some consistent strategies so you can stay true to your fitness goals.
What if you had a secret weapon to keep you accountable … a motivator, a guide, and a personal cheerleader all rolled into one? That's what a Certified Personal Trainer, particularly one with a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (NASM CPT) qualification, can be for you.
NASM CPTs are lauded in the fitness industry for their extensive knowledge and commitment to clients' success. Their rigorous training involves understanding human movement, designing effective workout plans, and, most importantly, creating an environment that fosters accountability.
Collaborating with a NASM CPT means that there's always someone expecting you at the gym, someone observing your progress, and someone reminding you of your goals. Still, you can’t put everything in the hands of a personal trainer. Some of it is up to you — so let’s talk accountability!
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It's not just about stating, "I want to get fit." Instead, think along the lines of, "I aim to run a 5K in 30 minutes within the next two months." See the difference?
A SMART goal provides a clear vision, a way to measure success, a sense of practicality, relevance to your life, and a deadline to work towards. When you have such a well-defined target, staying accountable becomes less of a chore and more of a mission!
Welcome to the 21st century, where technology is our ally in the quest for fitness. Fitness apps and trackers are the modern-day versions of personal trainers and accountability buddies.
Whether it's a step tracker, a calorie counter, a sleep monitor, or a fitness challenge app, these digital tools not only keep a record of your activity but also motivate you to push a little harder each day. The gratification of seeing those step counts rise or getting a notification that you've reached your daily exercise goal can be exactly the tiny push you need to excel.
There's something about camaraderie that makes hard work feel a lot less hard. Finding a workout buddy means you've got someone to share the highs and lows with, to push you when you're feeling sluggish, and to celebrate when you crush your goals. In return, you offer them the same support and motivation.
It's the unwritten rule of the buddy system: Keep each other accountable. Find a friend, a coworker, or even recruit a family member, and make your fitness journey a shared endeavor. If there’s nobody in your day-to-day life who’s interested in the job, social media sites and fitness platforms can help you find the community you need.
How can you improve if you don't know where you stand? Regular fitness assessments are like checkpoints on your fitness journey, helping you understand your current level and what needs to be done next.
This is where your personal trainer can really shine. They'll conduct comprehensive assessments — body composition, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and strength tests, among others — that will map your progress in high definition. These assessments are not to make you feel bad about yourself but to celebrate how far you've come and inspire you to keep moving forward.
Group fitness classes aren't just about the shared energy and the pumped-up music, though those certainly help! These classes are a commitment. When you sign up for a class, you're making a promise to show up, to participate, and to do your best. It's easy to skip a solo workout, but it's a lot harder when you know there's a group waiting for you.
Having a written record of your workouts, your emotions, and your progress can help you stay motivated when you feel less than excited about going on a run or hitting the gym. A fitness journal is a place to document your journey in your own words.
It's more than just a diary — it's a tool for accountability. Recording your workouts gives you a clear picture of your consistency. How did you feel after that intense spin class? How proud were you when you added more weight to your barbell? When you write these experiences down, you create a narrative of your progress that inspires you to keep writing and keep working.
Getting in shape is about embracing progress, not perfection. As you set out on your fitness journey, consider these tools to help you stay accountable. Every step you take brings you closer to your goals. Stay accountable, stay motivated, and above all, enjoy the journey!
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