One of the reasons why we lose motivation to workout is because the exercise we’re doing isn’t in line with our “fitness personality.” Just how we each have our own personalities, we each have a fitness personality too.
The more closely you cater to that personality, the more you are going to enjoy your exercise and the faster you are going to see results. So how do you discover your fitness personality? The first step is to take a look at your needs, your current health, interests and lifestyle.
Once you’ve figured out where you are and where you want to go, you need to figure out what type of exerciser you are. Do you like yoga, Pilates, do you like to run, exercise with fitness DVD’s, take classes, Zumba or dance? Do you like weights, spinning, cardio or kickboxing? Do you like to exercise alone or with a partner? Does a gym motivate you or intimidate you? Do you like to workout with music and if so, what kind? Do you like to work out indoors or outdoors? Are you competitive and would a team sport work for you? These are just a few of the many questions to consider when creating a program around your fitness personality.
Next, you need to determine the best time of day for you to get your workout in. My clients and I have found that it’s usually 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.
A word to guilt ridden parents who don’t want to take more time away from their families to get their workout in: The healthier you are and the better you feel, the more you have to give. When you’re unfit, unhealthy, stressed, exhausted and depleted, you’re just not offering your best to those you love.
Taking some time for your own self-care, taking time to burn off some steam, improve your health, and increase your energy creates a better, more fit, happier and healthier you. You’re also setting a great example around the importance of health, fitness and taking care of yourself. Isn’t that what you want to give those you love?
Lastly, find out your “why.” What’s the reason why you’re working out? Is it to become healthier, gain more confidence or so you 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? We typically stay motivated when the reasons we’re choosing to exercise are specific to us and deeply personal. Once you’ve determined your “why” keep referring back to it to help power you through your workouts.
The key to a lasting fitness program you enjoy is to discover your unique “fitness personality” then creating a program around that in a way that suits your lifestyle, that’s fun and brings results. Also, as you change and grow, so will your goals and interests. Just as flexibility is an important component in a well-balanced fitness program, it’s equally important to be flexible in your approach to discovering and working with your unique fitness personality.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s
What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
That I have little control over my kids. I can teach, show by example, role model, etc. and then need to sit back and hope they take the path that serves them best.
What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
I appreciate my resilience and determination. I’ve had so many roadblocks and setbacks but I’m so driven to share my message that while I keep getting knocked down, I get up every time.
I’m working on patience! I have a husband, 4 kids, 6 dogs and a business. Patience to understand that I may not be able to get all I want done when I want to is a continual challenge.
What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
My family. I’m married to my best friend (we’re together 30 years!), we have 4 awesome kids and I’m doing the work I love which is helping thousands of others become their personal and professional best. Does it get better than that?! I have so many things I still want to do. I had my first event last May and this May, while the last event was great, I want to make this one even better. I’m also having my first small retreat for 8-10 women this December and I want to fill my group programs with the women who’d benefit from being in them.
We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
Ha! So many! I’m completely impatient-I do way too much, get too stressed and my health takes a nose dive. This happens often (you’d think I’d learn from it already) but I love what I do and take on too much. I also speak to small and large groups. I get so excited, it’s normal for me to completely trip over my words because I’m so eager to share what I’ve learn/seen to help others. I still strive to get some work/life balance (which I don’t believe in anyway-I feel we’re better off being 100% in the space we’re in vs. being 50% at work and 50% at home and not being fully present anywhere.
“I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!)
Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my drive, passion for what I’m doing, ability to handle (to the best of my abilities) all these kids, dogs and still stay connected to my husband. I love doing the work I love, inspiring others, making an impact and helping people get to the top of their game physically, mentally and emotionally so they can become their personal/professional best.
