Accountability Buddies - Yay or Nay

Fit_Chef_NE

If you were lying to yourself before, what's going to stop you from lying to your friend? If it works, good for you. I try to have accountability within myself so that I won't have the excuse of other people slacking to keep me from going to the gym. I have heard way too many people use friends as an excuse. ie: "I used to go to the gym three times a week, but Judy had surgery in March and stopped going, so.." It just seems like a new way to come up with rational sounding reasons to skip the work.

Fit_Chef_NE

I should add that there is nothing wrong with having a friend or group to workout with and talk to. But if you rely on them too much, it can become a crutch. Fitness and health is an individual journey and everyone gets there at their own pace. Sometimes comparison can ruin your happiness with your own progress.

steph6556

Yikes, I’m wayyyy too much of an introvert for accountability buddies, gym mates, meet ups, basically anything involving anyone else I have to deal with for exercise or diet! I know how to control my calories by looking at MFP and adjusting, and when I go up or down, do I really need someone chiming in about more protein, etc? The last thing I want is to have to meet someone for a run bc that’s when I like to tune everyone the hell out! And going to the gym with someone is just a complete distraction since they’ll want to TALK during my workout, which is annoying!! Like I said, introvert! I’m happy that others are encouraged by people commenting on their diaries and going to the gym with buddies so I’m not judging anyone if they like those things. For me it’s just distracting and annoying to have someone to be accountable to for what I eat and how I exercise! Happy day 😏

IAMFFL

Personally, I prefer to hold myself accountable as no one knows me better than I know myself. As long as I'm honest with myself then it works well towards achieving goals. I also prefer to workout alone. I like to follow specific programs, strict rest periods etc. I also like to get in and get out. Too often the gym becomes a sort of social hour and I don't have that kind of time. Of course if needed it doesn't hurt to have a support system or a gym buddy but you should mainly rely on yourself when working towards your fitness goals.

MsCzar

I'm pretty self-contained and wouldn't want an AB. But I do love reading through the discussions here at MFP. I've used MFP for ages, but have only recently toe-dipped into the community discussions. Learning a lot!