Personality training: How to choose an exercise regime that suits you
If you're always giving up on your exercise regime, it could be because it clashes with your personality
Recently, driving home with a friend, we were talking about a new gym routine I had signed up for - and how much I was hating it! She responded by saying it sounded exactly the sort of thing she would enjoy, and that she finds yoga - my exercise discipline of choice - mind-numbingly boring. Which led me to thinking, what is it that determines what exercise form works for whom? And how can different personality types identify the exercise that will work best for them?
It is well known that a traditional gym environment is off-putting for many, and studies have shown that there is a lower initial enrolment by women than men, and even those that do join have poor attendance rates. More importantly, the studies suggest that there is a higher dropout rate by women compared to men, implying that even if the intention is there, lack of motivation can make you give up.
But that doesn't mean that you have to give up on exercise completely. With so many different exercises out there - and new trends emerging frequently - there is something out there that will motivate even the most reluctant exerciser to get active. The key to finding out what fitness programme you are most likely to stick to lies in your personality.
According to exercise therapist and personal trainer Wayne Lambert, there are three main personality types when it comes to exercise: the self-motivated loner; the sociable team player; and the spontaneous free spirit.
The self-motivated loner
You like to exercise by yourself and at your own pace. You probably have a Type B personality, and like structure and organisation. You find creating and sticking to your own exercise plan relatively easy. It's important you choose your workout carefully so it is something that you truly enjoy. While the thought of exercise can get you excited, sometimes you need that extra push. Signing up for a yoga or tai chi class would be ideal for you, as even though it is a solitary exercise, by being committed to a class, you will ensure your enthusiasm doesn't flag. However, if you are the shy and solitary type, stay away from noisy, upbeat aerobics classes that will leave you too embarrassed to come back a second time!
If you find yourself losing interest in your usual routine, you could alternate with brisk walking, cycling and swimming. This will also ensure that along with the toning and stress-busting effects of your favoured exercise, you get enough cardio. And if time and convenience is a factor, a personal trainer at home to tailor-make a fitness routine for you would also be suitable.
Try this: Alternative medical centre Breath and Health offers daily yoga classes for varying levels with expert trainers. Call 04-3489940.
The sociable team player
You like to exercise with a team or group. You are more of a follower than leader, therefore group fitness classes like Body Pump or Body Jam, spinning, water aerobics, circuit training and dance are ideal for you. You are an extrovert, enjoy being around people and expect your workout to be as much of a fun, social activity as it is exercise. You need to sign up with a busy fitness centre - perhaps with another friend - or better still, a team sports activity, like netball, bowling or doubles tennis. If you attempt solo exercising like swimming or even working out at the gym on your own, you will probably lose motivation.
A word of warning, however. With your exercise style, you stand to lose focus and make socialising more of a priority than fitness. The other risk lies in doing your body damage in trying to keep up with a group. Don't neglect aches and pains, and don't overdo it - it is important to work at your body's pace.
Try this: Join the walking club, StrideforLife who conduct indoor mall walking sessions that are perfect for the hot months. www.strideforlife.com.
The spontaneous free spirit
You like to exercise with one or two friends, and do not like the idea of being tied down to a regular routine. You only exercise on the days you feel like it, and more often than not, you dread the idea of exercise, but once you get moving, you enjoy it. While you don't like to admit to getting bored easily, you have probably tried every fitness programme and new fad on the market - and bought a range of trendy fitness clothes and accessories to go with them - and given up eventually. The only thing that makes you get up and go is if a friend calls you for a round of golf, or if the weather is nice enough to go for a walk!
Since you crave change, forcing yourself to sign up for a regular class will definitely backfire, so the solution for ensuring you get enough activity every day is to mix it up. Try doing four different things every week. For instance, on Sundays, go for a walk; Tuesdays, go to the gym; Wednesdays, hit the pool; and on the weekend, play a game of squash. This will give you something new and different to look forward to each day, and feed your love of freedom. You will also experience success in high-energy activities classes such as kickboxing, karate, salsa, skiing and outdoor activities such as mountain biking and hiking. Whatever sport or activity you choose, make sure it is fun and, if possible, get together with like-minded people.
Try this: Visit www.duplays.com, a local online community that offers recreational sports activities. There's everything from American football to frisbees, so you're sure to find something of interest.
Identify your interest
These questions will help you determine what you should be doing to stay fit:
- Do you need lots of visual stimulation while working out?
You'll be more motivated to exercise if you read while using a stationary bicycle or stair climber, or watch television while on a treadmill. Alternatively, seek out engrossing activities requiring intense concentration. - Do you feel energised by activities involving elements of danger or risk?
You may want to try kayaking, rock climbing or snowboarding. If you are adventurous, satisfy your need for new challenges by participating in anything new offered in the gym or more daring outdoor activities such as mountain biking. - Do you push yourself to master new activities or difficult tasks?
You are suited to fast-paced, think-on-your-feet activities such as racquetball and downhill skiing. - Do you find that friendly competition makes exercise more enjoyable?
If competition gets you charged up, then you will thrive on sports like tennis or football. - Do you prefer to exercise in the morning or evening?
You're more likely to exercise if you capitalise on your body's natural energy cycles. Morning people do best exercising before work; afternoon types can schedule lunch-hour walks or runs, or trips to the gym; while night owl types need after-hours exercise settings, such as evening classes, after-work swims or home gyms.
Three keys to getting started
Personal trainer Wayne Lambert shares some pointers:
- Follow your heart. Whether you relive your childhood by doing the sports or activities that you enjoyed back then or you want to try something new, what your heart tells you is what you would genuinely like to do.
- Silence your mind. Irrespective of your personality type, exercise gives you the opportunity to escape and switch off from thinking about work, family, finances and so on. Regular exercisers call it 'the zone'; they go to a place that's closed off from the rest of the world.
- Listen to your body. This is of the utmost importance. Don't jump into a fitness routine just because everyone else seems to be doing so, do what your body reacts well to. If a full-on gym session seems intimidating, start slow - perhaps with walking - and work your way up. You should ideally be using an aerobic activity as your primary exercise component.
* Wayne Lambert is a Dubai-based exercise therapist, personal trainer and master life coach who specialises in weight consultancy and performance coaching. E-mail him on info@wholebodyworkshop.com or visit www.wholebodyworkshop.com.
