In a fitness environment, you need intrinsic motivation, such as are you doing something you find naturally rewarding and matches your personality. The more you can design someone’s work or their exercise regimen to take advantage of what they do well and how they see and approach the world. That gets you a long way toward where they want to go. -Todd Harris, Ph.D. Psychologist and Head of Research at Management Consulting Firm PI Worldwide
When it comes to a new fitness trend, it’s not uncommon to be curious and want to jump on board. For a lot of people, that’s how it goes with workout after workout. They get excited, try something new, and give them up due to; boredom, frustration, difficulty or loss of interest.
If you’re having trouble maintaining your work out motivation, you might have the wrong fitness regimen. By finding an exercise program that compliments your personal style – can make staying in shape a delight, rather than a task.
1. When I think about physical activity, I:
a. can’t wait to put on my walking shoes
b. really want to exercise but need a push
c. dread the idea of moving a muscle, but am happy once I get moving2. When I am physically active, I enjoy exercising:
a. by myself at my own pace
b. with a team or group
c. with one or two buddies3. I exercise because:
a. I want to stay in shape, slim down, or improve my health
b. I want to see my friends and catch up on the latest news
c. the weather is nice or I just feel like it4. When I take part in a physical activity, I usually:
a. plan the event ahead of time
b. participate when someone else has set up the activity or attend a class
c. pull it together quickly and do something active when the mood strikes5. Others see me as:
a. a leader
b. a team player
c. someone who goes along with a good idea
a. set by my own routine
b. set by a professional, teacher, or group
c. spontaneous
For every answer, give yourself:
A = 1 point
B = 2 points
C = 3 points
If you scored …
6-9 points: you are a self-motivator
10-14 points: you are a team player
15-18 points: you are spontaneous
Self-Motivator
You like structure and organization. Creating and sticking to your own exercise plan is relatively easy, but you may find yourself losing interest in your usual routine. Try adding a few new activities such as biking, rowing, gardening, or hiking. Or try alternating your favorite workouts such as walking, swimming, and weightlifting on different days of the week.
Team Player
To you, exercise is a way to socialize and stay connected to friends and family. Group activities and classes are a natural selection for you. Sign up for an exercise class; put together a group of friends for walking; or join a team sport or sports league such as bowling, softball, or doubles tennis.
Spontaneous
You love freedom and loathe conforming to rigid rules. Things that get you moving might include a call from friends who need a fourth player for a round of golf, a hike in the woods to enjoy a beautiful fall day, or a walk to the store when you are out of milk. These activities are great, but make sure you’re doing something active on most days.
Still not sure about your workout personality type? Take a peek at the helpful video above!
What’s your workout personality type?
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