Movement + Accountability

I was looking at my camera roll yesterday and found a video from about a month ago that I took while waiting in the parking lot of a CrossFit gym for my first class. In the video I was explaining how I was so nervous the night before, I couldn’t sleep because it had been so long since I did something new, and I almost wanted to cancel. The nerves were real!

Before this class, I hadn’t worked out in months. I was going to Planet Fitness and when my motivation died down, I just stopped going. I’ve tried so many types of workouts from at home videos, personal training, open gyms, workout classes- I’ve you know, dipped my whole entire foot in the fitness pond.

All of those workouts were great for a month or so but it eventually started feeling like a dreadful chore to move my body so I would just stop.

So anyways, when I walked into this gym for my first class, it took me back to first day of school nerves. Walking into a classroom so anxious about who will be in there and where I will sit. I mean, when you are starting something new everything about it is so foreign and because of the fear of the unknown, it is scary!

Everyone was so welcoming and helped me out which eased my nerves. When it was time to sign up I looked at the price and thought hmm.. Do I really want this? And for five quick seconds I had a debate with myself. 

I could tell this man I need to think about it OR I can sign up knowing this will help me grow, achieve my dream bod and find consistency in moving my body (because it is too damn expensive to not be going). Then I asked myself, ‘how much would you pay for your health?’ and ‘if you leave now, will you regret not signing up?’

It was a workout style I had always wanted to try but was too afraid. The welcoming community was great, and I knew if I didn’t do this, I would regret it. So, I signed up because I would pay infinite money to live a healthy life with #noragrats. 

I went to the 4:00 class everyday for the rest of the week and every time I left I made sure to tell the trainer “see you tomorrow”. I did this to keep myself accountable because I knew if I told the trainer I’ll see him tomorrow I’m more likely to show up.

By the very next week I made a good friend, we exchanged numbers and started keeping each other accountable for showing up.

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Last week was rough. My brain was nonstop running and because I was feeling so overwhelmed and exhausted, I wasn’t showing up to work out and I would text my friend to let her know I wasn’t coming, and you know what I found?

My old self. 

I was mindlessly scrolling through my phone, waking up late, going through my morning routine without intention and for the sole purpose of just getting it done, staying up later than usual and being on screens for longer. These old habits brought old feelings back.

Drained, overwhelmed, alone, frustrated, upset, sad + negative thoughts.

In the time I could’ve been working out I was on my computer or watching a show. When it would hit 5:00 I was like ‘wow, an hour isn’t even that long’ and by choosing not to move my body, I felt guilty for putting a pause on my goals, consistency and taking care of me.

There’s a difference between taking a much-needed break to rest your body and choosing not to move. I was choosing not to move, and it really scared me because usually when I get in that mindset of finding excuses why I don’t need to show up, that’s when I stop moving my body and the cycle of stopping and starting continues.

So by Thursday, my friend texted and was like ‘I’ll see you at 4?!’ and I knew I needed to go. Like at this point, the fatigue and fear of starting the cycle was getting to me.

So finally, I went back after missing 3 days and that workout was so good for me, especially mentally. I was reminded how much fun I have, how good I feel after pushing myself and the mental break I get by solely focusing on the workout and nothing else.

All of the other workout regimens I’ve tried I did alone, which made it easier to slack off or quit. 

When you’re doing it alone, who is going to push you to show up when you don't want to? 

I’m so appreciative for my friend/accountability partner for pushing me to show up when I didn’t want to, and I was so grateful we created an unspoken accountability partnership between us that I could rely on when I needed it.

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Movement is crucial for your wellbeing. When you move your body, you are welcoming growth, connection, strength, mental clarity, healthy habits-so much positivity! Find movement that is fun and brings you joy, if it’s not fun you won’t do it.

Having an accountability partner keeps you disciplined when your motivation is running short. You are far more likely to do what you say when you tell someone aka you will stand on business if you tell someone you’re going to stand on business.

If you can’t find anyone at the gym to keep you accountable, tell the front desk ‘see you tomorrow’. If you don’t tell the front desk, tell your partner or a sibling/parent/friend your goal. If you don’t want to tell any of those people, tell me. 

Movement and accountability go hand in hand, especially if you’re like me and have a cycle of stopping and starting. You set yourself up for success by acknowledging any obstacles that may arise when creating new habits then implementing tools to help you overcome those obstacles.

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Freebie coaching:

What movement can I hold you accountable for this week? What obstacles may arise? How will you overcome your obstacles?

Fill out a form on my ‘Contact’ page and with your answers!

Talk soon!