Why You Need an Accountability Buddy

Supercharge your weight loss goals with an accountability Buddy
Supercharge your weight loss goals with an accountability Buddy

Working out with a friend has significant benefits and can help you lose weight faster.  I call friends who exercise together workout partners.  My sister calls them an  “accountability buddy.”  And I love her terminology because it accurately reflects the goals of the partnership.

What is an Accountability Buddy?

An accountability buddy, or accountability partner, is a trusted friend that helps you stay the course meeting your goals.  Unlike a mentor, which is a one-way street, your help your chosen partner stay faithful on her goals, as well.  You touch base on an agreed upon schedule to measure goal progress and discuss areas that need improvement.

Next, let’s define the accountability buddy role.  She should be a person with whom you share a mutual trust.  You and your partner should feel free to confide in each other.  Additionally, you and your accountability partner should share similar goals.

Why do you need an Accountability Buddy?

  1. Well, for starters, most people do not enjoy losing weight.  Exercising alone may seem tedious or daunting alone.  Meeting goals with a trusted friend make the process more fun.
  2. Also, since you are both trying to meet the same purpose, she will be supportive and excited when you meet your next mini-milestone.  Your family and other friends may tire of hearing about your new, smaller, dress size.  However, you and your buddy support each other and celebrate successes.
  3. You may need to discuss sensitive issues, such as why you feel like burying your feelings in a pint of Cherry Garcia.   Sometimes, having a friend to call can help stave off the next stress-eating binge.
  4. If someone else, besides you, is tracking your progress, you are more likely to stay on track.
  5. You need an accountability partner because they enhance your performance.  People, by nature, function better under observation.  As early as 1898, psychologist Norman Triplett observed that people perform better when they compete or share the task.  Read the study in the American Journal of Psychology.  Age, sex, and tasks varied, but the results were the same.  As my grandmother always said, “Many hands make light work.”

Who makes a good Accountability Buddy?

Meeting and achieving goals isn’t easy. Enlisting the help of a trusted friend makes it easier.  The keyword here is TRUSTED.  In this mutually symbiotic relationship,  you each may share information neither of you cares to see repeated in the Twitterverse.

Sometimes, weight loss isn’t just about losing weight.  Sometimes, we gain weight to compensate for emotional difficulties and baggage.  You and your partner may share intense, personal struggles.  I’m not saying this person needs to be your very best friend, but they (and you) should at least be trustworthy.

You and your partner must treat each other with mutual respect.  No judgment – or unsolicited advice.  This should be a safe relationship.

This special partnership means you don’t have to do it alone.  I mean… isn’t that what friends are for? To make sure you don’t have to go through things alone?  They cheer your successes, share your nonsuccesses.  They listen to your misgivings and help your right the ship in the night.

What if you don’t have an Accountability Buddy?

While I do have some cherished friends, I lost my weight without the help of this unique partnership.  So, with perseverance, it is possible to achieve your goals without it.  Some people cheered my accomplishments from the sidelines.  With every Facebook update and weigh-in, I had some reliable people that would applaud the loss – even the minute losses.

I also had a small network of friends on MyFitnessPal that clicked the little thumbs up button on triumphs or would offer advice when I asked.  If you don’t feel you can do it alone, though, reach out.  The internet makes finding a partner easier than ever.

Where to find your partner

  1. Look to your friends.  Who better to ask than a close friend that is also on a weight loss journey?
  2. Check out SparkPeople.com‘s resources.  Search for teams in your area – or look for individuals who are also looking for someone just like you!  It’s like a classified section for weight loss partners!
  3. Get Motivated Buddies, a sub-Reddit, allows users to find a partner for a variety of goals.  I saw everything from college kids looking for someone to ensure they got up in the mornings to people looking to get fit.
  4. Check out your local resources.  Maybe your church or local community group has fitness groups you can join.
  5. Connect with me on MyFitnessPal – I’ll be happy to give you a virtual fist bump for your latest workout or encourage you when you’re feeling discouraged.  It’s not exactly a full-fledged accountability buddy, but it’s someone on the sidelines – and that helps.

This #BloggersTalkingAbout series features amazing bloggers writing from the heart. Continue reading more by following these links. #BloggersTalkingAbout Friendship by Joanne, Friendships by Jenny, The Importance Of A Chosen Family by Nicole and Why You Need an Accountability Buddy by Alicia. If you’re a mom/female blogger, join us in our group, Bodacious Bloggers.

 

Supercharge your weight loss goals with an accountability Buddy. An Accountability partner enhances performance and helps you meet goals faster.
Meeting goals with a friend is more fun and productive than going alone.
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Happily married to the love of my life. It's just us, our 5 cats, and our beautiful woods. I'm loving living back in the Florida panhandle being close to family. I love cooking, living a healthy lifestyle, taking care of our cozy home, and trying new things.

We enjoy hosting parties and my husband and I are both avid gamers. You can find me on PS4 as SunshineFlaGirl. We also play tabletop RPGs and eurogames.

Alicia Taylor

Happily married to the love of my life. It's just us, our 5 cats, and our beautiful woods. I'm loving living back in the Florida panhandle being close to family. I love cooking, living a healthy lifestyle, taking care of our cozy home, and trying new things.

We enjoy hosting parties and my husband and I are both avid gamers. You can find me on PS4 as SunshineFlaGirl. We also play tabletop RPGs and eurogames.

48 Comments

  • Lindsay Slutzky

    April 13, 2017 - 2:02 pm

    For me this is my husband. I’m so fortunate to have him! He keeps me motivated and in shape and I do the same for him. So important!

  • Nikki

    April 9, 2017 - 1:22 pm

    I have a few buddies! We all check in on each other every so often. It’s helpful, even for those who are super motivated. I’m actually about to hit the gym with my boyfriend. He’s another great buddy 😉

  • Punica Makeup

    April 6, 2017 - 12:35 am

    I can’t agree with you more! It’s a great idea to have an accountability buddy. It helps so much!

  • helenvella

    April 5, 2017 - 8:20 am

    When you are accountable to someone else you are more likely to reach your goals. As a coach I have my clients be accountable to me and they reach their goals with the motivation I help them with.

  • Jenny

    April 4, 2017 - 3:00 pm

    Just having someone to help me stay on track is so helpful!

  • Nikki Nurtures | Friendship

    April 4, 2017 - 12:44 pm

    […] Friendship by Joanne, Friendships by Jenny, The Importance Of A Chosen Family by Nicole and Why You Need an Accountability Buddy by Alicia. If you’re a mom/female blogger, join us in our group, Bodacious […]

  • #BloggersTalkingAbout Friendship | Life With Joanne

    April 4, 2017 - 12:20 pm

    […] Friendship by Joanne, Friendships by Jenny, The Importance Of A Chosen Family by Nicole and Why You Need an Accountability Buddy by Alicia. If you’re a mom/female blogger, join us in our group, Bodacious […]

  • emmaeatsandexplores

    April 3, 2017 - 3:30 am

    My boyfriend is definitely my accountability partner in the gym! He loves it so doesn’t need extra motivation to go and I like to go to some of the classes with him and definitely feel guilty if I’m on the sofa and he’s working out! The guilt makes me go with him!

  • toughcookiemommy

    April 2, 2017 - 7:38 pm

    Having an accountability buddy is a great way to stay focused on your goals. It also gives you someone you can discuss triumphs and defeats with.

  • BlueLineBegins

    April 2, 2017 - 2:43 pm

    My husband and I always do so much better working out when we are doing it together. Makes things so much more enjoyable and even fun.

  • Spencer

    April 1, 2017 - 11:10 pm

    Great tips. Accountability partners can be helpful for working out, but also for other areas of life such as studying, writing, or budgeting. Thanks for sharing!

  • Sushmita Thakare Jain

    April 1, 2017 - 4:28 pm

    I have two accountability buddies. And we love being connected. However being the kind of person I am, would love to have more 😀 😉

  • Lydia

    April 1, 2017 - 12:49 pm

    I’ve been wanting to have an accountability buddy for fitness and blogging things, it would help me so much!

  • Angela Ricardo Bethea

    April 1, 2017 - 10:36 am

    Lucky for me that I have an accountability buddy who shares her motivational tips. It’s actually a give and take relationship because I would also do that to her too!

  • asseenonjean

    April 1, 2017 - 8:24 am

    I think its great to have an accountability buddy. Someone to keep you on track, and also someone for you to encourage too. I think if someone else is relying on you to exercise with them then you’re less likely to give it a miss.

  • Blythe Alpern

    March 31, 2017 - 3:35 pm

    An accountability is so beneficial when you are trying to lose weight or keep up a healthy routine. It’s nice to share your success with someone else and have a buddy to turn to when you are struggling.

  • annalisanuttall

    March 31, 2017 - 2:10 pm

    My buddy is my husband, – Trust me nothing escape his glaze! But in a good way off course. xx

  • Mommy Engineering

    March 31, 2017 - 1:52 pm

    I have recently figured out the importance of an accountability partner and it definitely can’t be your significant other!

    • Alicia Taylor

      March 31, 2017 - 1:56 pm

      I think it really depends on the couple. I agree. I wouldn’t want it to be David and I. I think he’s had bad experiences with that with his ex-wife previously. However, based on some of the comments, it works for others.

  • melissa

    March 31, 2017 - 10:57 am

    I have never been a person that works well with others like studying when I was in college. I have to resign myself to the fact that I have to motivate myself and train on my own. I did like the tips but not for me.

    • Alicia Taylor

      March 31, 2017 - 12:37 pm

      I can totally related. I did it all on my own – other than a few people on Facebook giving me a thumbs up.

  • cvnxena

    March 31, 2017 - 8:20 am

    I am very fortunate to have a few buddies that can hold me accountable! It’s one of the things I love about team sports too!

  • Stace Werner

    March 31, 2017 - 6:12 am

    It is good to have a partner for exercising. My husband is one of the rarer types of people who actually do enjoy losing weight and training. I really like having a group for support.

  • The Travel Ninjas

    March 30, 2017 - 10:15 pm

    A buddy to help is always a good thing. It’s true that too many people try to go it alone with weight loss. This is very helpful advice. Thanks.

  • Cathy Mini

    March 30, 2017 - 9:29 pm

    My husband is my accountability buddy! He helps me stay on track with my personal and business goals–I’m so thankful I have him and his support! Everyone should have an accountability buddy

  • Nicole Anderson

    March 30, 2017 - 6:12 pm

    What you have written here is so true. Having someone to travel the road with you and be together with you in a team to achieve the same outcome in a supportive and non-judgmental way is so beneficial. The tips, ideas and options you have shared to find an accountability buddy are great and very useful as well. Thank you.

    • Alicia Taylor

      March 30, 2017 - 7:35 pm

      You are very welcome. I’m happy the tips help you. I couldn’t agree more. A friend makes the road a lot less lonely

  • Terri Steffes

    March 30, 2017 - 3:43 pm

    You are so right. I was so much better with my schedule when I walked with my best friend.

  • robin masshole mommy

    March 30, 2017 - 11:21 am

    I could not agree more. I definitely find myself more motivated when I have someone to help hold me accountable! It works for sure.

  • Janel Berchielli (@JanelB)

    March 30, 2017 - 11:21 am

    My problem is I get an accountability buddy and then eventually they drop out. Then I am left all alone and end up giving up myself too.

    • Alicia Taylor

      March 30, 2017 - 11:52 am

      Sometimes, buddies will drop out. That’s why it’s important to also hold yourself accountable. You can’t give up on yourself.

  • leuchocojummy

    March 30, 2017 - 5:34 am

    I do not have an accountability buddy but it sounds fun and interesting.

  • Lisa Elaine

    March 29, 2017 - 12:37 pm

    YES!! this is so important! Mine is my BF and he won’t let me go more than a couple days without getting in a good workout!

  • Eric || The Bucket List Project

    March 28, 2017 - 3:57 pm

    Love this idea! I think having an accountability buddy is sometimes crucial with holding oneself accountable for finishing. However, if you don’t feel like you can get someone live to communicate with you or work with you I reinforce the idea that just putting it out there on different social media and asking everyone to keep you accountable and telling them your why will not only help get the support you need but may inadvertently grab a partner you never considered before

    • Alicia Taylor

      March 28, 2017 - 4:23 pm

      I agree. I do not leave the house much, so I had online champions cheering me on. I don’t really consider them accountability buddies because they weren’t joining me in the goal, but I valued their support.

  • Emily

    March 27, 2017 - 11:00 pm

    This is so true and so important! I struggle with talking myself out of working out, but when I have plans to go for a run with someone I get up and moving.

  • Milena Barrett

    March 27, 2017 - 7:06 pm

    I have a nutritional coach and I love the feedback. It helps so much when someone holds you accountable!

  • Alecia

    March 27, 2017 - 6:49 pm

    I signed up for a race in May with a friend. We aren’t training together but we are running it together. It’s great motivation because neither of us want to be the one holding each other back

    • Alicia Taylor

      March 27, 2017 - 7:03 pm

      That’s a great idea! Good luck 🙂 I hope you do great. I’ve never done a race or a marathon.

  • Liz Mays

    March 27, 2017 - 6:43 pm

    I do think having a buddy like this would be incredibly helpful for me! Having that support, accountability and maybe even competition could be great!

    • Alicia Taylor

      March 27, 2017 - 7:04 pm

      Yep – people do better when they work together – or compete. I bet you would rock your goals with a friend.

  • reesann723

    March 27, 2017 - 6:27 pm

    I do my best when I have a buddy! I really need to find a new walking buddy!

    • Alicia Taylor

      March 27, 2017 - 7:05 pm

      I posted a few links to help you find one if you like. I like that Sparkpeople divides it up by cities so people can do just that!

  • irishred13

    March 27, 2017 - 6:22 pm

    My accountability buddy is the reason I make it to the gym 90% of the time! I know she is there to work out with me so I make myself go!

  • Mandy Carter

    March 27, 2017 - 4:40 pm

    I honestly do better without an accountability partner for my fitness endeavors mainly because I have always been the one having to be more of a motivator for the others than anything really helping me.

    • Alicia Taylor

      March 27, 2017 - 5:00 pm

      I don’t have an accountability partner because I rarely leave the house 🙂 Sounds like you take the role of a mentor more than an accountability partner.

  • Rebecca Bryant

    March 27, 2017 - 12:08 pm

    I like having a buddy to hold me accountable. I also thank you for cheering me on.

    • Alicia Taylor

      March 27, 2017 - 5:00 pm

      You are very welcome 🙂 Thank you, as well.

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