There’s only one way you’ll ever see any meaningful benefit from exercise: by doing it.

One of the best ways to ensure you’ll keep up the exercise routine you began at the beginning of the year is by making yourself accountable. There are ways to do that personally — stepping on the scale regularly, logging your fitness, etc. — but one of the best ways to keep yourself accountable is by making fitness social.

And in our super-connected digital world, that’s become easier than ever. Here are some ways:

Take the initiative.
Think you have no one who would like to join you for a walk? Maybe your friends feel the same way. Be the one to break the ice and offer an invitation for someone to join you for a walk, run, use a buddy pass at the gym, etc. Don’t wait for someone to invite you; be the one to make it happen. Send a message through Facebook, text, call, email, etc. There are more ways than ever to keep in touch. Use them!

Invest in a fitness tracker with a broad online community.
Fitbit leads the market in fitness trackers, in part because the device manufacturer has developed such a strong online community of users. You can create an account, jump into a message board discussion of individuals around the world who share your fitness goals, or join a group and track your fitness achievements automatically with the group’s leaderboard. You can also connect your Fitbit account through Facebook and “friend” your actual, “real-world” friends. The ability to start and join challenges like the “Workday Hustle” and “Weekend Warrior” make using the device more fun, and you can share your achievements based on weight loss, steps achieved, flights of stairs climbed and more, both by the day and over time.

Find a Facebook group or other online forum.
Use the World Wide Web to make friends — just like in the ’90s! Seriously, though, the Internet makes it easier than ever to connect with people who are also trying to get (or stay) in shape. Online forums and other digital communities allow users to share personal experiences, advice, reviews and perspectives on athletic equipment like running shoes or weight machines, articles related to your interests and more. You can search Facebook or Google for a group, or ask your friends if they’re part of any similar online groups that you can join.

Join an actual, “real-world” group.
Many local parks and municipal parks and recreation departments are hosts to community-organized fitness opportunities for people just like you who are looking for an exercise buddy or group. For instance, Get Healthy, Live Well offers a listing of several local walking groups on the initiative’s website at GetHealthyLiveWell.org. 

Ask about small-group personal training.
A single personal trainer may be beyond your budget, but many trainers offer small-group fitness sessions so that people can share the cost. Inquire at a local gym or check out a listing of personal trainers online. The groups are often structured around people with similar fitness levels, so you can pursue your goals together.

Get Healthy, Live Well offers even more fitness tips on the initiative’s website. Don’t miss the opportunity to start living a more active life today and finding the people who will help you toward your goal.

Tanner Primary Care of Carrollton is located in Carrollton. for more information, visit PrimaryCareCarrollton.org or call 770-812-5831.