At the start of January this year, I did something really cool without entirely planning to. I posted on my Instagram that I was starting the Melissa Wood Health 30-Day Kickstart program. I’ve had my MWH membership for over a year now, but only did the workouts sporadically. But it was January 1st, so I was feeling inspired to make a commitment. I snapped a photo of my yoga mat and shared the photo on my IG story, telling my friends that I was looking for an accountability buddy.
To my surprise, the MWH team reposted it and within minutes, I had several women (complete strangers at the time) DMing me saying they wanted to join my group. I quickly made a group chat and soon enough, there were 13 of us in there introducing ourselves. Over the course of the next 30 days, we’d have daily check-ins, moments of vulnerability and encouragement, and deep kinship. It was truly an extraordinary experience!
Here’s what I learned from doing it and 5 reasons why you should consider joining a fitness accountability group, or creating one yourself!
1. Increased Motivation
One of the biggest benefits of being in a fitness accountability group is the increased motivation you’ll receive. When you have a group of people counting on you to show up and do your best, it becomes much harder to skip workouts or make excuses. Additionally, seeing others making progress and reaching their goals can be incredibly inspiring, and it can help to keep you motivated even on days when you’re feeling down.
2. Improved Accountability
In a fitness accountability group, you’ll be held accountable for your fitness goals. This can be a powerful motivator, especially if you’re the type of person who struggles to stay on track (ahem, me 🙋🏻♀️). When you have a group of people committed to helping you reach your goals, you’ll be less likely to skip workouts or give up when things get tough. In our MWH group, for example, there was something really special about sharing our signature green check mark ✅ after every completed workout.
3. Support and Encouragement
In a fitness accountability group, you’ll have a community of like-minded individuals who are all working towards the same goal. This can be a great source of support and encouragement, especially on days when you’re not in the mood to work out. With a supportive group of people cheering you on, you’ll be more likely to stay the course and reach your goals. For example, in our MWH group, anytime someone shared they were having a tough day, the group would offer words of kindness and encouragement. Many of us in the group said that without that sense of community and doing it together, we would not have finished the 30 days on our own. Hearing positive words of encouragement throughout the month made a real impact!
4. Shared Knowledge and Experience
Another benefit of being in a fitness accountability group is the shared knowledge and experience you’ll gain. Whether it’s tips on healthy eating, advice on how to stick to your workout routine, or insights on how to overcome common obstacles, you’ll have a wealth of information and support at your fingertips. I personally loved hearing podcast and book recommendations from my fellow group members. It reminded me of how much we had in common and how much we could learn from one another.
5. Fun and Fellowship
Finally, being in a fitness accountability group can be a lot of fun! When you join forces with others who share your love of fitness, you’ll have the opportunity to socialize, make new friends, and build positive relationships. Whether you’re working out together, sharing healthy recipes, or simply enjoying each other’s company, being in a fitness accountability group can be a wonderful experience.
At the end of January, our accountability group got together on Zoom to celebrate completing the month together. It was great to put faces to the names from our chat and deepen our friendship even further. We all shared what the challenge meant to us and the resounding takeaway was that the group got us each through the 30 days. Without support from the group, several of us would not have finished it.
A fitness accountability group is a powerful tool to help you reach your fitness goals. By joining forces with others who have similar health and fitness aspirations, you can tap into the motivation, support, and encouragement that comes with working together towards a common goal.
If you’re convinced you need to join a fitness accountability group now, I have good news for you! The January group was such a success that I started a February group! It’s for anyone who is committed to moving their body every day. We are specifically doing Melissa Wood again, so all you need to join us is a membership, which is $99 for a year and she offers a free 7-day trial.
Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram to join in on the fun!
I would love to join if it’s not too late.