The power of accountability

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/05/2016 (3630 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I don’t consider myself a “people person”.  In fact I have no doubt I am an introvert.

I need to be alone to recharge my batteries and spending long stretches of time around a lot of people is exhausting for me.  Yet when it comes to fitness and nutrition I am at my best when I am surrounded by others. I perform better when someone is watching. I eat more nutritious foods when I know someone will review my food journal.

This is the power of community and accountability. Many of us take a self-centered approach to fitness, downplaying the role of social interactions in health and longevity, but there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that a healthy social support network is one of the key factors in health and longevity.

When we want to skip a workout or eat unhealthy foods nothing is worse than feeling alone. Knowing we are in this together is often just enough to motivate us to make the right decision.

At my gym, if I don’t show up for a while I know people will notice. In fact as a trainer I email clients who have not been attending workouts regularly. This isn’t meant to embarrass our discourage them. The purpose is to motivate and to create an accountability system. I also want everyone to know that when a workout gets tough they will have the support of others who are struggling with the same workout.

This shared experience is a powerful motivator. It’s just like being part of a hockey or basketball team. Being a member of the team allows you to share common goals, aspirations and successes. It also entitles you to a support network during hard times.  It gives you motivation to prioritize your training and contribute to the team.  You work harder.  You sweat more.  You get better results.

Every game, match or workout becomes a unique experience you share with your team. Every goal and every success makes you special simply because you are part of the team that accomplishes it.  
This is exactly why enlisting friends to work out with or asking family to help you cook healthy foods can be such an effective strategy.

If you want to take your nutrition or your fitness to the next level consider creating a social support system. This system should include checks and balances and key people to which you need to be accountable.

Tania Tetrault Vrga is owner and head trainer at CrossFit Winnipeg. Send questions to her at www.crossfitwinnipeg.com.