Being accountable for your workouts is a way to make sure they get done. I’ve been finding out that using social networks like Twitter and blogs like this one and You’ve Got to Move it Move it (a group health blog that I participate in) is a way to hold myself (and others) accountable for my goals.

For example, one of my Twitter friends was wavering on a walk on Wednesday, so I tweeted back at her:

She did, so I did. If updated regularly enough, Twittering or blogging can substitute for training logs, with a twist–they’re reviewable by others as well, which can bring the insight of other athletes or inspire aspiring ones.

If I put it out there on one of my blogs that I’m doing a 40 mile ride this weekend–which I plan to do–then I better be able to blog that I did it (and maybe even have photographic evidence of it). Making your goals public can work for you–people are encouraging (mostly, there are exceptions) and might remind you of what you’ve set out to do. I’ve never gotten as much encouragement in my life as when I’ve Tweeted my progress through an event, like last year’s metric century.

If you’re not on Twitter or another social networking site, or just plain blogging about your fitness and health, I encourage you to try it. It might help you keep on task with your plan.