The Power of Accountability

With the first week of the Tone It Up Summer Series under way, I wanted to touch up on something that helped me during my first TIU challenge. 

Something that pushed me to get through when I thought about quitting. 

Something that made me feel like I belonged. 

That is the power of accountability. 

Joining ChiTone

When I first joined Tone It Up I didn’t know anyone. 

I started following a few people on Instagram and they were so warm and welcoming, I got invited to an IG accountability DM group.

Soon enough we grew so much that the IG group was too small to include us all, so we moved on to GroupMe.

That’s how I met Katie, a lovely lady who was living super close to me in Downers Grove at that time.

She then introduced me to the TIU Chicago Suburbs and ChiTone community.

Shortly after, I began attending TIU meetups, texting the girls daily, eating out together. Anyway, they became some of my best friends.

It’s More Fun Together

Once I started hanging out with my Chicago TIU girls, everything began to fall into place.

The workouts became more fun, I felt supported when I had not-so-self-loving days, and I felt extra motivated to get through Tone It Up challenges.

I started working at The Barre Code and organized my first mini-meetup.

Shortly after that, a few other girls started working at The Barre Code and we would take classes together every weekend. 

It felt so nice to have friends who supported me and understood exactly what I was going through.

Not to mention they were insanely supportive during the wedding planning process and gave me the best tips.

TIU Meetup Support

Before moving to Miami, I decided I wanted to host a Tone It Up meetup at The Barre Code to combine my two worlds and say see you later to a city that saw me grow so much, personally and professionally.

Let me tell you, my TIU girls were so supportive they made the whole thing a breeze.

I had such a fun time though it was a bittersweet moment. 

I knew that was the last time I’d host a TIU meetup in Chicago (at least for a while) and I knew I’d miss my besties so much.

Not Even the Distance Will Keep Us Apart

What I love about this day and age is that social media and so many other tools help keep us connected to our loved ones.

Thanks to my Instagram account (that originally got me my TIU besties) I can stay in touch with friends and follow all their adventures.

Although I miss all of my Chicago friends dearly, I am so happy that I still get to talk to them every day.

Plus, it’s thanks to them I overcame challenges when I thought it was best to give up. 

It’s thanks to them I can cry and vent and move on from my not so fun days. 

I never knew joining Tone It Up would bring me some of the most amazing friendships I’ve ever had, but I am eternally grateful to K&K for building this community. 

So if you’re looking to accomplish a big challenge, find a group of friends that will hold you accountable and support you during the best and toughest days. 

There’s nothing greater than the power of accountability. 

*Special thanks to my TIU besties Nikita, Ana, Kristy, Emilie, Katie, Ashlyn, Jaime, Sam, Sara, Natalie, and so many others. Love you dearly!