Your Personality and Your Pants Size

Do personality and pant size have anything to do with each other? Do dogs bark? Do I love dipping chocolate? You see where I am going here. A resounding yes. Making exercise work for you (and fitting into that smaller pant size) means figuring out what types of activity and fitness programs are ideally suited to your personality.

Dear 5 Mile Run,

Sorry I’m just not that into you. It’s me not you.

Sincerely,

Angela

That felt great. Freeing myself of something I could never really commit to because it just isn’t me. Most of us will try the new exercise fad even if it isn’t our personality to do it. But for long term success it’s best to understand what you really like and stick to doing things that fall in that range.

For social types who like organized activity and for those who just love to dance, the dance workout Zumba is an ideal match. Although Zumba has been around for a while, it has taken off in recent years thanks to the hype around shows like "Dancing with the Stars". Social types will also benefit from organized activities like aerobic classes. Those who like to socialize and want company will also benefit from buddy walks and runs.

My husband is super competitive. He won’t even let my 2 year old beat him scoring soccer goals in the living room. He’s the personality type that benefits from competitive sports teams. He’s in the best shape ever when he is playing on a football, basketball or baseball team. Competitive types should look to join a team sport.

Outdoorsy people will get a great workout from hiking, climbing, paddling and even skiing. The dynamic outdoor environment keeps them intrigued and motivated. I have several friends who are quiet, introspective types that love the serenity of yoga. Like to watch TV? Some people feel it easier to join in with video game workouts that they can do in the comfort of their home and what feels like they are simply joining in with what’s happening on the screen.

Some of us are tried and true. These types love routine and they love creating a plan and sticking to it. Long distance runners and even swimmers can fall into this category. Want to spend free time with your little one? There are Stroller workout groups popping up all over the country. This allows Moms to bond with their children and other moms while getting fit. And us moms know that pushing around 35 pounds is a great workout.

Type A’s like me like to mix it up. In other words, I get bored easily. So being able to switch up my routine is important. But Type A’s also are aggressive and like to go at it hard when they do. Which is probably why I have taken a liking to kickboxing lately and did Stroller Workouts last month and love my EA Sports workout video workouts.

So if you are planning to work that dress, those skinny jeans and that swimming suit, finding a workout plan that you’re into is the best way to "make it work."