Did you know that in order to meet the physical activity recommendations from the Guidelines for Physical Activity for Americans, you have to be active for over two hours each week? That means you’re likely to be active most days of the week. Given that you’re being active most days of the week, have you ever wondered what your fitness personality is? While “fitness personality” is not a technical term, it can be helpful to explore the many ways you can choose to be active and what kinds of activities might work best for you.
Sweating Solo
It is a fact that some of us prefer doing things alone – that’s okay! We do not always have to be active in a group or with a buddy. Some people prefer to work out on their own, with some headphones as their only company. As long as you’re being active…you do you!
The Teammate
For others, it is all about the team spirit. These people prefer to work out with a buddy or a group – the more, the merrier! If this is your fitness personality, as long as you have a friend to join you, you probably don’t mind if the weather is terrible or if you have to wake up before dawn to be active. For these folks, it is all about the shared experience and camaraderie of participating on a team.
The Competitor
While we may not be professional athletes, it’s fun to dream, right? Some of us really enjoy the competitive aspects of being active, from competing against others in a match or tournament to competing against ourselves to improve our time or performance. If this is your fitness personality, look for ways to incorporate some friendly competition into your workouts.
The Homebody
Participating in organized sports is one way to be active – and you can do those alone, with a buddy, or on a team. However, it is important to remember that sports are not the only way to be active. Completing DIY projects around your house or tending to your garden counts as physical activity. There may not be a medal waiting for you at the end, but being active is what counts!
Remember, fitness personalities are just a way to reflect on how you like to be active. The most important thing is that you choose to be active over being sedentary. The moment you start accumulating activity is the moment you start improving your health.
With a PhD in Exercise Physiology, Jonathan Dugas spends his days thinking about how we can help more people be more active. With four Ironman finishes and 13 marathons and counting, he’ll see you out on the road.
