How to Tailor a Fitness Plan to Your Personality

If you find yourself groaning at the thought of going through the motions of yet another aerobics video, or if getting up the gumption to go to the gym requires some deep soul-searching, it's probably time to alter your fitness plan. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week -- but that doesn't mean 150 minutes of torture. You're more likely to stick with your exercise plan if you're doing something you enjoy, and analyzing your personality can help you devise a workout plan that plays to your individual strengths and likes.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set a fitness goal based on what motivates you the most. If you're trying to lose weight, make exercise a part of your overall plan by deciding how many days a week and for how long you'll work out, or set a goal for burning a set number of calories per day through exercise. If you're trying to improve your fitness level, set out benchmarks for mini goals you want to meet on your way to the grand prize, such as increasing running or walking distance gradually over several weeks.

    • 2

      Figure out what time of day you're at your best, recommends Dr. Pamela Peeke in an article for WebMD. If you're the type to hop out of bed early, then a morning workout will likely help you boost your energy even further. If you're always burning the midnight oil, try exercising later in the afternoon or evening.

    • 3

      Decide if you're a loner or a social creature. If you prefer to be around others when you're working out, then running endless miles on a treadmill at home isn't the right workout for you. Try hitting up a class or joining a community team for your favorite sport.

    • 4

      Choose an activity based on your personal tolerance for sweat and a bit of pain. If you get a rush from hitting it hard and ending a workout dripping in sweat, opt for high-intensity activities like kickboxing, running or rowing, suggests Matthew Lucas, trainer and owner of the Step into Life outdoor gym in Sydney, Australia. Go for moderate-intensity activities like walking or water aerobics if vigorous exercise isn't your thing.

    • 5

      Own up to your controlling tendencies. If you're the type of person who thrives on precision, use that trait to your advantage when tailoring your fitness plan and look into activities that incorporate controlled movements and focus on form, such as Pilates, yoga or tai chi.

    • 6

      Find opportunities for exercise in your daily life if the word "workout" makes you want to run for the hills. Fitness doesn't have to be about focusing on a set activity for the sole purpose of getting your heart rate up. Go for a family bike ride, rake some leaves or go on a power cleaning spree instead of hitting the gym.

    • 7

      Make time in your busy schedule for fitness. You don't have to workout for 60, or even 30, minutes at one time to reap the benefits of regular exercise. If you're constantly on the go, try working out in short bursts of 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Walking is a good exercise for the super-harried because you can go for a short walk in the morning, at lunch and after dinner without having to shuffle your appointments.

    • 8

      Mix it up if you thrive on change. Predictability in a fitness plan is a good thing if change is frustrating or intimidating, but if you're finding yourself bored halfway through your workout, consider setting aside certain days for different activities so you're not doing the same thing two days in a row.