For a lot of people, exercise is a chore. It can be especially difficult to start exercising if you have not exercised in a long time, and you don't have a routine established. When I sit down with potential clients, a lot of them get exasperated when I tell them that the best exercise for you, is the one you will do most consistently. But that is the truth. I might know what exercise routine will make you look the most lean, help you bulk up or lean out, but what good will that routine serve you if you won't actually do it?
The best place to start is by looking at your personality. Are you introverted? Extroverted? In-between?
If you are an introvert, you might prefer to work out by yourself. Lifting weights with your headphones in or going on a solitary jog may be refreshing to you.
If you are an extrovert, like me, you might prefer to be with other people when you work out. Maybe you would do better in a spin class, a boot camp, or training with a friend.
Knowing yourself is the first step toward figuring out what type of workouts are going to motivate you. Are you competitive? Join a class where you can compete with others, or work out with a friend who is close to your fitness level and push each other.
Do you enjoy the idea of an intense workout? Kickboxing is a great way to add intensity to your workout routine, it's one of my personal favorites.
Are you more laid-back and easy-going when it comes to your workouts? Try something fun, like Zumba, or start hiking and taking walks, weight lifting at a slower pace, and enjoying the experience.
Whatever it is that makes you happy, that's what you will keep doing. Personally, I like to keep switching it up until I find a new obsession. Sometimes I become obsessed with hiking. Other times, I love kickboxing and doing olympic style lifting. For me, it's about trying new things and keeping it fun and a new challenge. The best way to figure out what will work for you, is to look within, and then go out and experiment! Take a couple dozen types of classes. Try Zumba, Pilates, Ballet Barre, a Pole Dancing Class, Boot Camp, etc. Keep working toward your goals and you will find something.
And if you want to take a fun little fitness personality test, check out this one: The 8 colors of Fitness
