3 Reasons to do Fitness Together
A key to sticking to a fitness plan and getting fit is to do fitness together. Having an accountability partner has been shown to be a key to overall sustained health and fitness.
We were never meant to do life on our own. Back at Creation in Genesis, God said it wasn’t good that man should be alone. When God ordered Noah to build the ark, He told him to take TWO of every kind of animal along for the ride. I believe our fitness journey is no different. You and I need a friend, a community, to do this fit life with. We are better if we do fitness together.
We are better if we do fitness together. #fitfam Click To Tweet
I have been blessed to be a part of some great groups of people who have supported and encouraged me along the way.
3 main reasons to do fitness together
- Accountability – Especially if you’re just beginning on your fitness journey, it’s good to have someone to check in with. Our running group has 3 meeting times each week, and we even take attendance. That keeps us accountable. Or you may have a training partner that’s expecting you at the gym at 5:30AM. You’re not going to want to leave them standing! Accountability helps you stick with it and make it a habit. It keeps you honest!
- Support and Encouragement – When things get tough, it’s easier to keep going when someone is cheering us along. It’s nice to have friends along the course when we’re running a big race or texts from someone saying “Good luck” or “Great job.”
- Stretch and Grow – When you’re with other people, you often work harder. You go farther or faster than you would on your own. When you’re checking in with an online group about your commitment to healthy living, you’re more apt to follow your plan knowing others are doing the same. You’re just able to do more than you ever thought you could, because you have the courage and confidence to do it.
3 reasons to do fitness together #fitfam #fitlife Click To Tweet
I always thought I was fine on my own when it came to my running and to my weight management. I liked my solo runs, and I’ve counted calories and thought I knew everything I needed to know about nutrition. But I was so wrong. When I finally stepped out of my comfort zone and joined Shelby Roadrunners over 10 years ago, I realized how beneficial it was to have a “fitness family.” They held me accountable. They wanted to know where I was when I didn’t show up. When I first started running, I felt like I was just chasing them. But as time went on, I got stronger and faster. I’ve run times and distances I never would have had I not joined the group.
When I decided to sign up with a coach and an online community of women who wanted to focus on faith and fitness, I realized I still had a lot to learn about my motivations and priorities. I grew stronger in my faith and learned about proper nutrition. When I became vulnerable about my struggles, I found acceptance and encouragement.
I Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to “comfort each other and edify one another.” And Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to “stir up love and good works…assemble together…and exhort one another.”
We were created for community. We need each other. My running community and my online girls and my “Fit and Free” friends are really family to me. I can’t imagine doing life without them.
If you don’t have a fitness family, I’d love for you to join this tribe. Sign up for my weekly email where you will get tips and insights as well as motivation on your faith and fitness journey. Email me if you have questions! I’d love to hear from you.
Let's Get Started!
Add your name and email to receive faith-focused fitness inspiration and motivation to your inbox weekly!
Having someone to keep me accountable is the most important part for me. I need that in my life.
Accountability is key. I’m sure the runners you’re coaching love having you to check in with.
I do have a “virtual” fitness family, through social media. I have local running friends that I will connect with at a race. But day to day, it’s all on me to stay accountable.
Sounds like good variety Wendy. I think you and I are a lot alike in that fitness, especially running, is something that’s just non-negotiable, and it’s just an extension of who we are and what we do.
Amen, my best training cycle, and race ever was when I was meeting my training partner 6 days a week. We did our 3 runs and 3 cross training days together. It meant I was never able to skip out, or slack off because someone was always counting on me.
We even take attendance at our training runs, and that really motivates some people. The year I ran my 1:44:?? half marathon is when we did a local training program and had weekly runs. Community is so beneficial, and we’ve also been through injury and other struggles together as well.
I definitely need my run group buds for accountability in early morning runs! It’s a must.
Me too! I don’t know how I trained for those first half and full marathons on my own?!?!