Falling In Love With Fitness
Why You Need To Discover Your Unique Fitness Personality!
June 14th, 2012
By Debi Silber, MS, RD, WHC
If you dread your current fitness routine, aren't seeing the results you'd hoped for or gave up on exercise entirely...I'm talking to you.
Let's face it, anything we find enjoyable we'll look to
include in our lives and anything we find painful we'll look to
avoid. So where does that leave you and your fitness routine?
One of the reasons we may not look forward to our current fitness program is because what we're doing isn't in line with our "fitness personality." Just how we each have our own personalities, we each have a
unique fitness personality too, and the more closely you cater to that personality the more you are going to enjoy your routine and the faster you are going to see results. So how do you discover
your fitness personality? Start with your current level of health, your needs, interests, and lifestyle, then consider the following fitness personality traits:
Realize Your Objective And Your Deeply Personal "Why"
Do you want to workout to reduce stress, have more energy, lose weight, tone up, or train for a sport or competition? Do you want to prevent or bounce back from a chronic illness, gain more confidence or simply look better in your clothes? Is it to have more energy throughout your day, to improve your quality of life, to easily climb the stairs, or to feel sexier? Is it so you have the confidence to pursue a new career or relationship and a fit, healthy body would help?
We typically stay motivated when the reasons we're choosing to exercise are specific to us and deeply personal. The more aware you are of your "why", the more motivated you'll be to lace up and get moving.
Become Aware Of What Type Of Exercise You Like
Do you like weights, spinning, using resistance bands, kettle balls, machines, cardio, or kickboxing? Do you like yoga or Pilates? Do you like to run, exercise with fitness DVD's, take classes, CrossFit, Zumba, or dance? Are you competitive and would a team sport work for you?
Identify The Feeling You're Looking For During And After Your Workout
Do you want your routine to leave you feeling energized, more flexible, and with a greater sense of control or accomplishment? Do you want to feel like you've gone "full out" where you gave it 100% and pushed yourself to your limit? Would a combination of both be the right fit?
Discover The Circumstances That Work Best For You
Do you like to exercise alone or with a fitness buddy? Does a gym motivate you or intimidate you? Do you like to workout with music and if so, what kind? Do you like to workout indoors or outdoors? Would a variety of routines help keep motivation high? Do you need support from those around you and if so, how can they help?
Find Your Best Time To Get A Workout In
Many people find it's best to get a workout in before the day starts because as the day progresses, obligations come up and exercise is one of the first things to go if you have a lot to do. One suggestion is this: when you wake up, immediately put on your workout clothes. This way, you're mentally getting prepared and giving yourself a running start to get your exercise in as soon as you're able to. If that's not an option, keep your gym bag packed and ready, exercise on a lunch break or hit the gym before you come home at the end of your day.
Determine What You Need To Get Your Routine Going
Do you need a few sessions with a Personal Trainer, certain pieces of exercise equipment, or music for your iPod? Do you need to find the right gym, club or fitness studio, schedule time with a like-minded fitness buddy, or rearrange your current space to make it more conducive to working out? Would it help to find the right fitness apps, magazines, and support to keep you motivated and on track? Would you benefit from pre-scheduling your workouts into your phone or calendar?
The key to a lasting fitness program you enjoy is to discover your unique "fitness personality" and then creating a program based on what you find. Also, as your fitness level changes, so may your goals and interests. Just as flexibility is an important component in a well-balanced fitness program, it's important to be flexible in your approach to discovering and working with your unique fitness personality as well.
Share This With A Friend
Would You Like To Be Alerted The Next Time PEERtrainer Publishes An Article?
Just Enter Your Email Below And You'll Get On Our List!
Recent PEERtrainer Community Discussions
| Topic: |
Replies: |
Last Post: |
|
Best Protein Bars And Protein Shakes |
16 |
Tue. Aug 31, 7:28pm |
|
Leaky Gut Syndrome |
51 |
Tue. Aug 31, 3:33pm |
|
Gluten Free Diet- Good For Inflammation? |
3 |
Tue. Aug 31, 2:30pm |
|
Is Swimming Good For Fat Burning? |
8 |
Mon. Aug 30, 10:10pm |
|
Counting Negative Calories |
5 |
Mon. Aug 30, 5:15pm |
|
How To Quicklly Reduce Your Cholesterol Levels |
237 |
Mon. Aug 30, 3:17pm |
|
Waking Up MOTIVATED |
12 |
Mon. Aug 30, 2:28pm |
|
Women Food God - book - that book on the Oprah show |
2 |
Mon. Aug 30, 12:50pm |
|
Lose weight on your thighs |
2 |
Mon. Aug 30, 11:44am |
|
How to get over being mad at someone and let it go |
6 |
Mon. Aug 30, 9:34am |
|
Peer trainer should have an iPhone App! |
13 |
Sun. Aug 29, 10:35pm |
|
Treadmill owners: do you use them? |
11 |
Sun. Aug 29, 9:03pm |
|
Weekend workout tips |
6 |
Sun. Aug 29, 5:51pm |
|
muscular component? |
0 |
Sun. Aug 29, 4:19pm |
|
Is it possible to increase my husbands sex drive? |
19 |
Sun. Aug 29, 3:28pm |
|
Embarassing sweating |
10 |
Sun. Aug 29, 2:01pm |
|
I don't have time to cook evey day. What can I do? Or Buy? |
24 |
Sun. Aug 29, 1:58am |
|
How to keep to a diet while on your period |
4 |
Sat. Aug 28, 6:07pm |
|
How to Balance Schoool and Excercise |
4 |
Sat. Aug 28, 4:51pm |
|
50/50 group |
3 |
Sat. Aug 28, 4:49pm |
|
Losing Weight = Losing Friends? |
2 |
Sat. Aug 28, 3:58pm |
|
Do you think a little 10 minute run on the treadmill will help? |
7 |
Sat. Aug 28, 12:11pm |
|
Is shellfish really that bad for you? |
27 |
Sat. Aug 28, 10:48am |
|
bye bye breast new. please reply |
7 |
Sat. Aug 28, 12:30am |
|
How do you handle disappointment? |
2 |
Fri. Aug 27, 10:45pm |
|
RMR TEST RESULTS ????? |
11 |
Fri. Aug 27, 10:22pm |
|
GUMMY BEARS! FAST FOOD! GROSS!!!! |
4 |
Fri. Aug 27, 8:29pm |
|
Weight/Height/Size |
503 |
Fri. Aug 27, 1:39pm |
|
Throwing up during morning workouts! Help! |
5 |
Fri. Aug 27, 10:10am |
|
10 minute mile |
38 |
Fri. Aug 27, 7:35am |
|
Lets support eachother |
0 |
Fri. Aug 27, 2:53am |
|
Looking for a couple of good group members |
0 |
Thu. Aug 26, 12:35pm |
|
ipod + nike Pedometer pouch |
6 |
Thu. Aug 26, 8:03am |
|
RMR drastic change |
1 |
Wed. Aug 25, 11:09pm |
|
Hair line!! |
2 |
Wed. Aug 25, 7:27pm |
|
Any first time Marathoners out there? |
5 |
Wed. Aug 25, 3:47pm |
|
New group for active participants |
1 |
Wed. Aug 25, 1:31pm |
|
Weight-loss Challenge--All Losers' Challenge |
1 |
Wed. Aug 25, 10:26am |
|
Diastasis Recti |
347 |
Tue. Aug 24, 3:55pm |
|
Let's support each other! |
1 |
Tue. Aug 24, 8:37am |
|
do you "apologize" for healthy food choices when you are with others? |
10 |
Mon. Aug 23, 9:12pm |
|
Ladies: I need help with my wife's birthday |
35 |
Mon. Aug 23, 5:04pm |
|
Birth Control Weight Gain |
210 |
Mon. Aug 23, 1:59pm |
|
OT: Permanent Hair Removal |
13 |
Mon. Aug 23, 12:41pm |
|
Clothes that are too big |
3 |
Mon. Aug 23, 11:47am |
|
finding old groups |
2 |
Mon. Aug 23, 3:15am |
|
i need a peprally. |
7 |
Sun. Aug 22, 11:34pm |
|
whats ur favourite vegetable or fruit? |
13 |
Sun. Aug 22, 10:18pm |
|
Fitflop, was on Good Morning America |
14 |
Sun. Aug 22, 3:43pm |
|
Echinacea causing an allergic reaction |
2 |
Sun. Aug 22, 1:39pm |
|
Come |
3 |
Sat. Aug 21, 11:11pm |
|
OT - Any tall women out there? Where do you get shirts/pants that are long enough? |
2 |
Sat. Aug 21, 9:13pm |
|
Join and Lose Weight Together |
0 |
Sat. Aug 21, 8:05pm |
|
Menstrual cramps while running RESEARCH |
22 |
Sat. Aug 21, 8:03pm |
|
Are Women Attracted to Fat Men? |
54 |
Sat. Aug 21, 7:49pm |
|
Fantasy Football? Help please!?!! |
2 |
Sat. Aug 21, 3:21pm |
|
How to tell spouse/significant other he/she has bad breath? |
19 |
Sat. Aug 21, 11:50am |
|
colonic |
23 |
Sat. Aug 21, 7:14am |
|
Low-Cal Pizza Recommendations? |
30 |
Fri. Aug 20, 10:41pm |
|
Bald men |
56 |
Fri. Aug 20, 8:34pm |
|
How to keep on track when boyfriend is constant snacker? |
4 |
Fri. Aug 20, 8:32pm |
|
not sure what to do |
3 |
Fri. Aug 20, 4:27pm |
|
What Is p90x? |
21 |
Fri. Aug 20, 8:43am |
|
Binge eating triggers... |
29 |
Fri. Aug 20, 12:27am |
|
Yogurt - Good? Bad? Recommendations? |
51 |
Thu. Aug 19, 11:54pm |
|
Short or Long Hair on Girls |
70 |
Thu. Aug 19, 11:48pm |
|
OT: Unhappy Husband |
8 |
Thu. Aug 19, 11:05pm |
|
what good habits have you developed recently? how did you do it? |
45 |
Thu. Aug 19, 10:50pm |
|
Feel Better/Feel Healthy Group |
1 |
Thu. Aug 19, 10:44pm |
|
What's for supper? |
2 |
Thu. Aug 19, 9:47pm |
|
What is your "real age"? |
1 |
Thu. Aug 19, 9:34pm |
|
Charting your weight online |
6 |
Thu. Aug 19, 7:03pm |
|
Stuck with fat loss |
10 |
Thu. Aug 19, 1:22pm |
|
What does it really take to begin a transformation? |
10 |
Thu. Aug 19, 12:48pm |
|
Addicted to Fast Food?!! |
2 |
Thu. Aug 19, 9:25am |
|
advice on friendship |
28 |
Thu. Aug 19, 9:05am |
|
not eating enough calories |
9 |
Wed. Aug 18, 11:35pm |
|
OT - How to Rebuff Someone Without Repercussions |
8 |
Wed. Aug 18, 6:50pm |
|
Best/Worst Snacks for Evening or Late Night??? |
8 |
Wed. Aug 18, 3:16pm |
|
Want to see what others are eating every day? |
0 |
Tue. Aug 17, 8:45pm |
|
Weight/Height/Measurements II |
9 |
Tue. Aug 17, 7:46pm |
|
rewards |
12 |
Tue. Aug 17, 7:42pm |
|
P90X Beginners Club |
0 |
Tue. Aug 17, 2:14pm |
|
Dropping member from group? |
2 |
Tue. Aug 17, 10:38am |
|
support systems! |
0 |
Tue. Aug 17, 1:41am |
|
For daily updaters only! |
0 |
Tue. Aug 17, 1:13am |
|
new weight loss plan? |
1 |
Mon. Aug 16, 8:19pm |
|
Movers & Shakers |
0 |
Mon. Aug 16, 1:29pm |
|
Scared to lose weight? |
21 |
Sun. Aug 15, 11:19am |
|
Children and Obsesity |
16 |
Sun. Aug 15, 10:03am |
|
Poll: how much weight did you gain at the end of your pregnancy? |
83 |
Sun. Aug 15, 4:40am |
|
Need advice on helping my kids. |
2 |
Sat. Aug 14, 5:16pm |
|
Overcoming the challenge of feeding a family where everyone eats different things |
2 |
Fri. Aug 13, 12:09pm |
|
Question for serious swimmers |
3 |
Thu. Aug 12, 6:25pm |
|
Are there any active Groups out there? |
4 |
Thu. Aug 12, 12:15pm |
|
is watermelon good for you? |
18 |
Thu. Aug 12, 6:34am |
|
picking up women at the gym |
42 |
Thu. Aug 12, 2:00am |
|
Waterproof MP3 Player |
3 |
Thu. Aug 12, 12:14am |
|
Bra Size |
7 |
Wed. Aug 11, 10:15pm |
|
P90X?? |
1 |
Wed. Aug 11, 8:27pm |
|
Anyone else constantly hungry? |
23 |
Wed. Aug 11, 9:33am |
|
how to keep the hourglass while still toning up? |
3 |
Tue. Aug 10, 1:59pm |
|
will plastic surgery make you happy?? |
15 |
Tue. Aug 10, 7:56am |
|
Green Tea- believe the hype? |
13 |
Tue. Aug 10, 7:48am |
|
Has anybody tried Montel Williams' new Health Master? |
1 |
Mon. Aug 9, 4:06pm |
|
WILLIAMSBURG VA Weight Loss And Fitness Support |
0 |
Mon. Aug 9, 2:51pm |
|
Should I Be Eating More?? |
10 |
Mon. Aug 9, 12:52pm |
|
Weight Loss- What More Do I Need to Do? |
2 |
Mon. Aug 9, 12:49pm |
|
Please help, I'm having trouble losing weight despite really trying |
12 |
Sat. Aug 7, 10:52pm |
|
HCG Diet |
0 |
Sat. Aug 7, 5:50pm |
|
HCG Diet |
0 |
Sat. Aug 7, 5:50pm |
|
Never hungry? |
12 |
Sat. Aug 7, 1:38pm |
|
Does anybody know a way to have a greater weight loss on Weight watchers? |
0 |
Fri. Aug 6, 3:16pm |
|
Hand-me-down gift |
10 |
Fri. Aug 6, 2:34pm |
|
Starting a Gym Business |
3 |
Fri. Aug 6, 2:39am |
|
Acie Berry Ad is annoying PT |
3 |
Thu. Aug 5, 5:25pm |
|
Certified wellness coach/trainer |
0 |
Wed. Aug 4, 10:15pm |
|
Birth control and loss of sex drive |
17 |
Wed. Aug 4, 4:08pm |
|
help me get started PLEASE |
4 |
Wed. Aug 4, 3:27pm |
|
Are you using the new Beach Body program Body Gospel? |
0 |
Thu. Jul 22, 7:35am |
|
Are you using the new Beach Body program Body Gospel? |
0 |
Thu. Jul 22, 7:35am |
|
What have you lost? Fun for a giggle. |
17 |
Wed. Jul 21, 11:51pm |
|
Opinions on JuicePlus Supplements? |
0 |
Wed. Jul 21, 9:29pm |
|
Running songs |
68 |
Wed. Jul 21, 12:10pm |
|
JOIN! |
0 |
Tue. Jul 20, 5:23pm |
|
Help me lose 10lbs? |
1 |
Tue. Jul 20, 12:48pm |
|
How to get your child to eat anything but bagels and pizza |
7 |
Tue. Jul 20, 12:39pm |
|
help with weight loss? |
0 |
Mon. Jul 19, 11:47pm |
|
Traveling overseas and dieting/eating well -- Please help |
7 |
Mon. Jul 19, 6:52pm |
|
How many WW points in sugar free jello? |
9 |
Mon. Jul 19, 5:48pm |
|
Cravings. |
3 |
Mon. Jul 19, 4:31pm |
|
Solutions to stomach cellulite? |
3 |
Sun. Jul 18, 7:41pm |
|
Wii Fit |
1 |
Sat. Jul 17, 9:03am |
|
The difference between wanting something and expecting something... |
31 |
Fri. Jul 16, 11:13am |
|
exercise: every day or 2x as long every other day? |
4 |
Thu. Jul 15, 5:29pm |
|
at what point does "starvation mode" kick in? |
1 |
Thu. Jul 15, 5:21pm |
|
Night time eating |
4 |
Wed. Jul 14, 10:31pm |
|
Are women grossed out by cross dressers? |
206 |
Wed. Jul 14, 12:37am |
|
ketonuria |
0 |
Tue. Jul 13, 9:37pm |
|
Get moving to get yourself out of pain |
8 |
Tue. Jul 13, 4:11pm |
|
Achieving a Healthy Life ;D |
0 |
Tue. Jul 13, 1:36pm |
|
Group openings |
0 |
Tue. Jul 13, 5:43am |
|
Suffering from Extreme Fatigue |
13 |
Tue. Jul 13, 1:02am |
|
PA system |
0 |
Mon. Jul 12, 5:44pm |
|
OT- Wisdom Teeth Removal |
28 |
Mon. Jul 12, 4:10pm |
|
I need help choosing the right multi-vitamin. Help, please? |
1 |
Mon. Jul 12, 3:23pm |
|
REBOOT!!! |
1 |
Mon. Jul 12, 3:22pm |
|
Do you talk during a massage? |
22 |
Mon. Jul 12, 12:31pm |
|
What Foods You Should Buy Organic |
1 |
Mon. Jul 12, 12:29pm |
|
Training and fundraising to save lives! |
2 |
Mon. Jul 12, 9:42am |
|
Join Arizona Sizzlers |
0 |
Mon. Jul 12, 4:46am |
|
is my weight right? Can't go any lower no matter what! |
2 |
Sun. Jul 11, 11:28pm |
|
Come talk about your BeachBody Program |
5 |
Sun. Jul 11, 10:56pm |
|
killer workouts |
6 |
Sun. Jul 11, 10:53pm |
|
Any other pole dancers or acrobats out there? |
2 |
Sun. Jul 11, 10:49pm |
|
How much did you gain while pregnant with your first baby? |
78 |
Sun. Jul 11, 10:14pm |
|
Anyone on the Eat Right for Your Type plan? |
20 |
Sun. Jul 11, 4:26pm |
|
Should I log sex as workout/exercise? |
158 |
Sun. Jul 11, 2:22pm |
|
How much protein should I consume each day? |
18 |
Sun. Jul 11, 11:21am |
|
Questions about Wii Fit |
2 |
Sun. Jul 11, 9:02am |
|
Cocktails while on a diet? |
25 |
Sun. Jul 11, 12:23am |
|
Was I eating too little? Where do I go from here? |
8 |
Sat. Jul 10, 11:49pm |
|
New Group--Foodie Fatties |
0 |
Sat. Jul 10, 10:39am |
|
Calling all members of the public safety community |
0 |
Sat. Jul 10, 10:26am |
|
Unwanted emails ...... |
2 |
Sat. Jul 10, 6:42am |
|
Support |
0 |
Fri. Jul 9, 3:14pm |
|
I ate 4 Entimens donuts yesterday |
4 |
Fri. Jul 9, 2:38pm |
|
Dealing with weight loss and hypothyroidism |
31 |
Fri. Jul 9, 12:26pm |
|
Looking for a 4th member |
0 |
Fri. Jul 9, 10:55am |
|
anyone had Lap Band surgery? |
10 |
Fri. Jul 9, 9:07am |
|
Breaking the Wine Habit |
5 |
Fri. Jul 9, 7:54am |
|
Have Health Issues or Disabilities? Want to Eat Healthy & Live Better? |
1 |
Thu. Jul 8, 11:11am |
|
TOO MUCH EXERCISE??? |
6 |
Thu. Jul 8, 7:55am |
|
Good book suggestion? |
74 |
Wed. Jul 7, 7:51pm |
|
What are your "golden rules" for weight loss? |
25 |
Wed. Jul 7, 4:47pm |
|
Looking for accountability partners for motivation!!!! |
2 |
Wed. Jul 7, 11:59am |
|
Looking for members |
0 |
Tue. Jul 6, 10:55pm |
|
Losing wieght fast |
1 |
Tue. Jul 6, 7:32pm |
|
spinning classes |
23 |
Tue. Jul 6, 6:05pm |
|
Success and failure |
0 |
Tue. Jul 6, 5:25pm |
|
momswithmorethanone |
0 |
Mon. Jul 5, 7:04pm |
|
What waist size is a "size 4"? |
46 |
Mon. Jul 5, 10:56am |
|
I need a good book.. Have an a Suggestion? |
54 |
Mon. Jul 5, 10:52am |
|
REAL Diabetic Recipes |
7 |
Sun. Jul 4, 3:29pm |
|
I am happy to be an American!!! |
0 |
Sun. Jul 4, 2:36pm |
|
weight loss duh! |
1 |
Sun. Jul 4, 12:50pm |
|
Help. I need a group |
1 |
Sat. Jul 3, 1:03pm |
|
NO JUNK CHALLENGE |
45 |
Sat. Jul 3, 6:53am |
|
How is your weight loss journey going? |
3 |
Fri. Jul 2, 9:29pm |
|
MUSIC!!! A FUN ONE |
1 |
Fri. Jul 2, 4:16pm |
|
How To Eat Healthy At A Party |
22 |
Fri. Jul 2, 11:00am |
|
Over 50 female with 10-50 lbs to lose? |
0 |
Thu. Jul 1, 11:13am |
|
A better DVD program? |
1 |
Thu. Jul 1, 10:46am |
|
Anybody Have a Hard Time Due to People Holding a Grudge On You? |
21 |
Thu. Jul 1, 9:54am |
|
Why do my knees still hurt? |
0 |
Thu. Jul 1, 6:37am |
