Consider Your Personality to find Exercise Motivation

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Who doesn’t like the benefits of exercise such as disease prevention, weight control and better appearance? But getting there may not be appealing. Researchers have found the so-called “carrot” or reward from exercise is no greater motivator than the “stick” or punishment for lack of exercise.

In other words, the threat of being out of shape and weak will not get you to the gym any more than the promise of a six-pack and svelte figure. If you’re looking for what motivates you try analyzing your personality to find an activity or method suited for you.

What’s Your Exercise Personality?

Personality Types:

All About Business Personality Type:

If you’re analytical and detail oriented this might be you. Do you need time to think or understand an exercise or technique? You will only do it if it makes sense? You respect authority and experience? You must walk through it in your mind and understand and realize how and if it’s working? You might do well reading a book about a workout routine or sport that interest you.

Then you should find a trainer with experience. Someone who can explain in detail a workout routine and why it works. You are motivated by the progression of the workout and statistical results.  Knowing the why will bring you back to methodically do the work as you look forward to seeing the results

The Leader Personality Type:

Do you feel you already know what to do for a workout and can lead a group exercise class if you had to? You like being in control and working toward a goal? You can’t be slowed down by some giddy exercise professional making small talk? You need to get down to business and see results? You are the leader of the pack. You probably do well with one of the latest fitness wristbands that track and record your movements.

You can set a fitness goal, such as 10,000 steps a day or burning a set amount of calories. Then you can monitor your progress daily or even hourly. Having a goal and a way to track your progress will motivate you to stay on point until you reach it. You don’t have to worry about anyone slowing you down. Be careful not to over obsess on the tracking.

The Sympathizer Personality Type:

Are you friendly and supportive? You’re a good team player and great listener? But even though you can go along with the flow you’re a little apprehensive about trying new activities or changing your routine? You might do best with a workout buddy.

You need to find a friend who is interested doing the same regimen as you and commit to a time to do it. Perhaps you and your buddy can do an early morning walk or run together. You won’t miss your workout because you won’t let your friend down and hopefully your friend is a sympathizer too so they won’t let you down. You can encourage each other while celebrating results.

The Butterfly Personality Type:

Are you outgoing, friendly and like meeting new people? You’d rather be out in a group than home alone? You’ll try almost anything and your first response is “yes” to an invitation? You might like group fitness class best.

There you can meet new people while you’re working out. Make friends with the instructor so she will give you special attention and encourage you. You might even want to be in the front row so you don’t miss any action. The people you meet in the class will become your friends and that will motivate you to come back regularly. After all it’s a workout party and you don’t like to miss many of those.

Of course, these are very general categories. Whichever one or two you relate most closely, consider the suggestion or something similar.

With a little thought can figure out what drives you and find a way to keep yourself strong and healthy. Remember to give your doctor a heads up anytime you’re thinking about a new physical activity.

Resources:

• Personality & Fitness Research: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2761825/
• http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/exercise-motivation