Accountability
We’ve often stated that consistency is king when it comes to training. We routinely espouse to set the bar low, so that you don’t overdo it or burn out. Yet there is another fundamental idea that is key to achieving your fitness goals: accountability.
In our experience, without a friend, coach, or AI companion to check in with and report that a training session has been completed, it’s hard for most people to stay consistent. Even though we are self-confessed “fitness cuckoos,” we have found that our training often slides into the inconsistent category when we are not checking in with each other regularly. There are a myriad of ways you can build accountability into your training. In our combined 75 years of training experience, we’ve tried out quite a few. Which leads us to…
The Coffee Talkers Guide to Accountability in Your Training
The in-person training buddy. We have been this for each other–in fact, the coffee we shared after training was the fertile ground from which Coaching and Coffee Talks sprung. There is perhaps no better accountability than having an appointment to meet a friend for training. But remember–this doesn’t have to be in a gym. Your training appointment could be meeting a member of your family in the living room for squats.
The online training buddy. Since we no longer live in the same city, we have often called each other while out on a run. This is a great way to visit with a friend or loved one who may be in another city or another country. It has an added advantage when doing something like running, because each person can go at their own pace.
Get a coach or personal trainer. Nothing makes you show up like having already paid for the hour. Accountability is, of course, one of the things you’re paying for–but research shows that you will give an extra effort when being guided through your workout by a coach or personal trainer.
Keep a training log. This is for the more introverted type of person that has the discipline to show up on their own, but being able to record a training session in a log gives the extra motivation to get it all done.
Various apps and AI companions. There are a variety of apps and AI tools that can keep you on track, and some of them will even reward you with virtual gold stars and trophies for maintaining a streak of consecutive workouts. You have to be honest with yourself if this is enough for you–it is generally for the more disciplined types that just need an extra little accountability and motivational push from their friendly neighborhood robot.
Social media. Many people record segments of their training and post them on social media, as a kind of public training log. This is for the more extrovert types, for sure–but it can be more than just an opportunity to show off. These video training logs can also serve to inspire others–and there are certainly worse addictions than posting your workout regularly. If the idea of putting your workout into the Metaverse keeps you accountable–why not? More power to you!
In summary–it’s true–consistency is king. But most people need some solid strategy to keep themselves accountable. Try one of the above strategies, and see what works for you.
Until next time
Scott and Lennart