Appreciate Accountability
Mocha Lee, Fitness Pro, contributing editor
www.mochaleeproductions.com

Fall is quickly approaching and allows us to reflect over the fun we had all summer. Many of us are most fit in the summer months because we’ve been swimming, vacationing and being the most active we’ve been all year. You’ve likely been eating more nutritiously during this season because of the availability of fresh melons, salads and seasonal fish such as salmon and trout. Now that you’ve established these healthy habits, how do you continue to stay on track for the fall? Get an accountability partner. Fall is the season for “Accountability Appreciation”!

As a fitness pro and personal trainer for sixteen years, I often see people get in great shape because they finally commit to making healthy choices in their lives. Sadly, however, it is common that their great results just don’t stick because they “fall off the wagon” and lose motivation. “I do so well over the summer, Mocha,” says my client Elaine. “But once the hectic pace of the fall schedule begins, I just don’t fit in my workouts! I get caught up in work and my kids’ busy school schedules. Besides, once fall comes I know swimsuit season is over, so I don’t care about my physique as much.” Elaine’s problem is common and the resolution is an accountability partner.

The best accountability partners are:

  1. A personal trainer who requires you show up for regular workout sessions because you’ve paid for it in advance.
  2. A colleague, co-worker, or someone you see on a regular basis who has similar fitness goals and will meet with you for a workout or healthy meals.
  3. A group fitness instructor who teaches you regular exercise classes.

Your accountability partner actually CARES about you and your goals and will remind you of your commitment to regard your body as your temple. Since your body is your temple, which is considered Holy...you should care for it ALL YEAR ROUND, not just seasonally. We all have good days and bad days when it comes to our health, so we must have someone to answer to on the bad days…someone who will simply say, “No, you may NOT work on your project at 7a because we scheduled to meet for a walk around the neighborhood at 7a. Stop looking for excuses. Shut up and show up!” Showing up is most of the battle. Once we’re there, we’re glad we came. It’s your accountability partner who encouraged you to follow through and participate.

Seasons change. Workout routines should change also. Your body adapts to the exercises that you do routinely. Congratulate yourself once you have established a regular exercise regime. Next, take your body to the next level by trying something new. Do you always walk or jog for cardiovascular conditioning? Try kickboxing. Are you stuck doing free weights for toning? Try a pilates class or DVD. Shock your system a bit so that you shake the boredom and continue to challenge your heart and muscles!

If you are now convinced that it’s time to try something new, join me! Sign up now for my Fall Conditioning Class. It is a 12-week program of outside athletic workouts guaranteed to help you get in better shape. Go to my website: www.mochaleeproductions.com. Click on “conditioning class” at the top of the page. Classes meet on Saturdays beginning 9/11 and each workout is approximately one hour. An hour of total body conditioning…with an emphasis on abdominal work! What a great way to start the fall: taking your body in a new direction!