Goals have a funny way of going by the wayside if there is no accountability. More times than I can count I have started a diet or workout routine and stopped mid stream because no one was holding me accountable. I am not an athlete, so working out is only a means to fitting in skinny jeans. Yes, health is a primary goal but even that gets pushed aside when life gets in the way. For people like me that work out to lose weight or to maintain your weight when the tide of life rolls in the first thing jumping ship is your workout routine. The times I was the most successful is when my husband and I worked out together. My husband needs no support or motivation from me as he is very athletic and loves to workout. I however thrived on his support to keep me going. Once I saw results and felt the best I had in years, I felt I was secure in finding my own motivation. I was wrong. I allowed life to run my day and not take control and ended up getting out of shape and gaining weight. So, like it or not, human nature or weakness, I need accountability. One of the best ways to get that accountability is by working out with another person.
Working out with your spouse or friend is a great way to keep motivated. The support will help you stay on track with your routine. When one wants to give up the other will help find that last bit of strength to keep the other going. If one finds that full fat latte or ice cream sundae just too tempting to resist, the other will swoop in and calm the urge. A friend or spouse can remind you of your goals and encourage you to keep going when things get tough. You will not feel like no one is seeing me eat this piece of cheesecake so it doesn’t matter. You will not feel like missing one work out will matter. Yes, the tree does make a sound if no one is there to hear it and your thighs will gain the weight if no one else is there to see you eat it. However, it’s all too easy to convince ourselves otherwise. I encourage you to find a friend or encourage your spouse to be your work out partner. Both of you will see amazing results and form a great bond.
While this all sounds great and uplifting there are some pitfalls to working out with another person. It is important to choose a partner wisely. Steer clear of negativity or those jealous by nature. A negative influence may just eat that ice cream sundae with you during a down time. A jealous person will silently or boldly resent your success if she or he is not seeing results as quickly. If you find yourself paired up with someone who is not a good fit then find a new partner.
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