By Brian Kish

My alarm went off twice this morning before I woke up. I finally got out of bed and worked out with two friends via video chat. We decided to hold each other accountable and workout together every day at 7:30 AM. We’re also participating in challenges surrounding eating healthier and sleeping better. 

Life during a pandemic is a hard change to steer through and can certainly make you slip from achieving your health and fitness goals. There are ways to get through it, however, and having an accountability buddy is a great option.

An accountability buddy is someone you trust, who knows you and your “why” and will give you tough love when you need it. They are someone who calls you when you're in the process of hitting snooze for the fifth time. They are someone who has similar goals, and who you can talk to about your progress, slips and struggles. 

How to Find an Accountability Buddy

Consider someone with whom you have a trusting relationship. This person can be a friend, family member or even a co-worker. They should be optimistic, positive, honest and non-judgmental. Your buddy should also be a good listener and dependable, but not overbearing.

Make a list of your family, friends, co-workers, friends from the gym and narrow it down until you find someone who you feel will make a good accountability buddy. If you can’t find anyone, look online for a health and wellness support community and ask for help. There are lots of ways to connect with Y members on the YGBW Facebook page.

Remember to communicate frequently and intentionally with your accountability buddy; schedule a video chat or phone call daily so you can talk through your goals for the day and/or week.

A great way to get started with your buddy is to participate in the YGBW Wellness Challenge happening now. The challenge encourages you to get out of your comfort zone and try new things as they relate to health and wellness. Sign up now!

Since you and your buddy will likely be apart these days, check out some virtual workouts below that you can do from home.

•    Family Friendly Tabata 
•    Puppy Pilates 
•    BODYCOMBAT with Claire
•    Fit Lite with Leslie

Want more workouts to crush with your buddy? Then check out the YGBW YouTube channel where you’ll find new classes each week. Don’t forget to subscribe!

Brian Kish is the Wellness Director and a Certified Personal Trainer at the West Chester Area YMCA. He knows how to set goals and strives to reach them, but like anyone, can slip off track from time to time.