The right exercise for your personality type
exercise, motivation, personality type
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Common sense dictates that if you don't like a particular type of physical activity, you won't be motivated to stick with it. But have you given any consideration to why it doesn't appeal to you? Maybe it's a bad fit for your personality.
Before you beat yourself up about how you've only once visited the swanky gym you joined last year, think about whether you enjoy the exercise that you do there. If the idea that physical activity can instill anything other than dread seems shocking, it may be time to reconsider your exercise choices.
The most important thing about exercise is consistency, so you need to choose things that are realistic, comfortable and that are going to inspire you to keep coming back.
One of the best ways to figure out what kind of exercise is right for you is to try to match your activity with your personality. If you're loner you're probably not going to drag yourself to volleyball practice after a long day, but you'll show up if you're competitive or if you love the camaraderie of a team. A more contemplative or introverted person might have better luck with walks in the woods, tai chi or martial arts.
Likewise a goal-oriented personality is often drawn to a single activity. That way, they can train like an athlete and excel at their sport. But alternating between different activities might be a good choice for other people, especially older adults who don't want to overstress their joints, or those who are easily bored.
If I'm sort of a dilettante about exercise and on Monday, I'm swimming, and on Tuesday, I'm walking, and on Wednesday, I'm biking, then I'm probably not getting very good at one thing . But in terms of being active, that's perfect.
Even a coach potato can make a gradual transition to exerciser, as long as they begin with realistic goals such as opting for the stairs rather than the elevator when possible. Or people can make time to do hou... read entire entry
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on 5/2/2008
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