How to choose exercise to suit your personality

Do you ever wonder why you can’t just stick to exercising? Besides that it’s a chore to exercise, do you sometimes feel like running doesn’t suit you, or doing the Jane Fonda aerobics thing doesn’t do it for you. Maybe Zumba just doesn’t get you as excited as your neighbour claims it does. You see your friend going to yoga class every week and loving it, losing inches and pounds, feeling like the world is new and has endless possibilities to offer…your mind wanders everywhere when you’re in a yoga class. Maybe the exercise regimes that you’ve tried clash with your personality. It’s a matter of how to choose exercise to suit your personality and not just signing up for everything because others recommend it or say it’s changed their life. 

The traditional gym environment is off putting for many people. While there are studies out there showing that there is lower initial enrolment by women than men, it can be seen that even those that do join attendance is poor. Studies also show that there is a higher dropout rate by women compared to men. This shows us that even when the intention is there, lack of motivation can lead to giving up. But that doesn’t mean any exercise. There are so many different types of ways to exercise out there and so many more new trends, some lasting and others not, popping up all the time. The key to finding a fitness program that you will stick to with a higher probability is to take a look at your personality. 

In some ways there are three main personality types when it comes to exercise: 

The self-motivated independent

The social team player; the spontaneous free spirit. Self-Motivated Independent. You like to exercise by yourself and at your own pace. You probably like structure and organized things. Creating and sticking to your own exercise plan is pretty easy for you. You do have to choose your workout carefully so it is something you truly enjoy and will stick to. Thinking of exercise can be exciting for you but that extra push is needed. Signing up for a class is ideal because the actual activity is solitary but you are committed to a class helping to ensure your enthusiasm remains. When choosing classes though, if you are shy then noisy upbeat aerobics classes may leave you uncomfortable, frustrated and embarrassed to come back a second time. Stick to things that are more solitary, like yoga, Pilates, tai chi, yet can be done in a class setting allowing you to be committed to a class. 

If you start to lose interest, alternate with brisk walking, cycling, cross country skiing, swimming or running.

Social Team Player 

You like exercising in a team or group setting. You’re more a follower than a leader so group fitness classes, spinning, aqua-fitness, Body pump, circuit training or dance, kick boxing are all good possibilities. You’re probably an extrovert and enjoy being around people. You expect your workout to be fun and as much a social activity as well as exercise. Signing up with a friend, at a busy fitness centre, or with a team sport would suit you. When you try to exercise on your own, e.g. swimming or working out at the gym, you’ll probably lose your motivation. However, there is the risk that with this social exercising style you may lose your focus and socializing may end up being the priority, not exercise. There is also the risk of trying to keep up with the group and hurting yourself. Keeping your focus on your main objective, exercising safely at your own pace is key for you.

Spontaneous Free Spirit 

You like exercising with a couple of friends and don’t like the idea of being tied down to a regular routine. You exercise when you feel like it and usually dread the idea of exercise. But, once you get moving, you’re having the time of your life…well…you know what I mean. You may have tried every fitness program and new fad out there, bought a bunch of trendy fitness clothes and accessories but eventually gave up each time. What makes you get up and go is if a friend calls you and gets you off your butt. Since variety is important to you, signing up for regular classes will backfire. A solution is to mix it up. Do something different 3-5 days a week. For example, Sunday: go for a walk, Tuesday: go to the gym; Wednesday: do a Pilates class; Friday: go for a swim; Saturday: play a game of squash. Scheduling something different will give you something different to look forward to each day and feed that desire for freedom you want. High-energy activities will also be successful for you. i.e. mountain biking, hiking, climbing. Whatever you do, make sure it’s fun for you, get together with like-minded people. Change up the activities every season.