So I did that survey, right? Many people had questions, ideas and suggestions for topics to be covered on the blog. I LOVE that. So to give them a space to live on their own, I’ve started this little series. The Ask Suger series. It can be a question about confidence, life, health, food, fitness, clothing, style, shoes or anything in between. Email me your question at melissa@sugercoatit.com subject line ASK SUGER, and we’ll go from there. Now, onward.
How to decide what type of exercise is for you.
As I pulled up to the pool today, I finally had an answer to a question. Amy had asked, “how do you find an exercise that is right for you so you get the best results and stick with it?”. The answer for me is variety. I like to mix things up. And I want to have workout buddies. People who keep me accountable. But for some people, it’s all about working out alone. For others, it’s hiking or something with a challenging element—each of us has an exercise style. You have to work out which is yours.
So, I broke it down for you a little into the type of exercisers and my hot tips for exercise that would suit them. I’m not an expert, just a girl who loves this stuff. Consult your doctor or someone in the know if you have concerns. If everyone jumped off a bridge, would you do it? Etc etc. Ready? Let’s go! {Said the cheerleaders from Bring It On. Obviously!}
Then I’m with the Band
If you fall into this category, you love people—the more, the merrier. Being around them enlivens you, makes you try harder and want to do better. You’re the group exerciser—the team sports type with a love of rallying the troops and working out together. Solo running isn’t working for you; you’d probably get bored and jog on home. Find a group and get started today.
Try;
- Classes at your local gym
- Team sports; Hockey, Soccer, Football etc. etc
- Bootcamps or group fitness challenges
- Walking groups
The Up for a Challenge
You like an adventure. Your motto is “if it ain’t fun, I’m not doing it”. You want adventure sports and being able to push yourself. A personal best is something to strive for; you find that it motivates you and makes you get out there when you would rather stay in bed. If going somewhere, being outside or competing against yourself sound like fun to you, then you’re in the right place.
Try;
- Rock climbing/Hiking/All things outdoorsy
- Cycling
- Half or Full Marathons
- Crossfit
- Anything that can be measured and beaten next time
The Zen-Master
If competition makes you break out in hives and you’d instead do anything other than attending a class called ‘Body Attack’, then perhaps you’re a zen-master. Low impact, quiet and focused on developing core strength, breathing and gentle fitness, the zen-master works well in groups but is just as happy working alone. You may want to look for workout at-home DVDs or join a local club. But chances are you’ll make up your mind in your own time.
Try;
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Swimming
- Walking
The Rinse, Lather, Repeat
You like repetitive exercise. You want to master a skill and develop it as you improve your fitness. Your worst-case scenario would be asked to do something you don’t know how to do in front of a group of strangers. You want to see what you are doing every day so you can get in and out. You’re probably very busy and don’t want to think about it.
Try;
- A program developed for you at your local gym
- One-on-one boxing
- Running/Jogging/Walking
- Swimming
The Lone Ranger
You love the alone time that can come from the time you put aside to exercise. You’d rather spend this time focusing on the process or processing something from that full-on life. Other people distract you and detract from the feel-good vibes.
Try;
- Hiking/Running/Jogging/Walking
- Exercise DVDs
- Solo sports like archery, paddle boarding etc
- Cycling
There you go, my friends. My tips for finding a type of exercise that suits you. And if you’re still on the fence, confused, or this has been a wee bit useless for you, I recommend just getting started. Do a trial at a gym and start an off-season team sport {they’re usually shorter and less of a commitment}. Get out there and work out what suits you and what sort of exerciser you are.
Did you see yourself here? What type of exercise are you?
.
If you have any more questions about this topic or any others on the blog, shoot me an email at melissa@sugercoatit.com. Put ASK SUGER in the subject line, so I know what it’s about, and so does my spam file, the overzealous thing it is. I may feature your email {I’ll ask first!} in an upcoming post. Worst case scenario, I’ll answer your question or pass you on to someone who can. So it wins/wins.
Hi! I’m Melissa Walker Horn. Around here, they call me Suger. I’m the Chief Blogger and doer of all the things here at Suger Coat It. Blogging since 1901; I love a casual ootd, taking photos, and writing about things that irk or inspire me. I love wine and cheese, long days at the beach and spending time with my family. I make stuff for the internet over at Chalkboard Digital. You know, living the sweet life.
I am the ‘up for a challenge’ type of girl with a bit of wannabe zen-master thrown in. When I say wannabe, I mean – I want to do yoga or Pilates, but can never find time, coz I am too busy conquering challenges!
Haha. LOVE IT. Go get ’em lady. Maybe yoga on a hilltop somewhere awesome.
I’m not sure what type of exerciser I am yet. I like routine but I understand why my trainers change it up every couple of weeks, and honestly while the first week of a new routine annoys me I find my rhythm again quickly enough and I am back to enjoying it. I do classes because they do push me to go further, harder. I also change it up making sure to do at least one cardio, one weight and one core focused work out a week. Most weeks I do a couple of each but recently getting to the gym has become harder because of home life.
I do notice that when I work out at home I don’t go near as hard and I become disinterested much more quickly. Doesn’t help when you have kids gawking at you or climbing all over you.
I guess I must enjoying changing it up like you because of the diversity of exercise I do.
Nothing in water though. I couldn’t swim to save my life, I’m a land creature thanks.
Changing it up works for me too. Almost as well as having a routine and sticking to it. Haha. Which sounds ridiculous to have both. But it works for me. Sounds like ditching the kids works for you too. HA.
I always thought I was the lone ranger, but over the last year, I’ve ended up with a work colleague and a family member that have relied on me for partnered class workouts, at first it was annoying (mainly because I wanted to stay in bed, lol), but now I couldn’t imagine it without them, it’s so much more fun with someone else and having the extra support is really helpful for those bad days.
I was the same Ellen. I much preferred walking/jogging on the treadmill at home. Then I found, like you said, how motivating it can be to have gym buddies and how persistent they can be. Haha. Now I wouldn’t wandered on my treadmill if you paid me. Too boring. 😉
I still don’t know what type I am 🙂
Maybe you’re the non-believer. No specific exercise, go for a walk around your local shops. 😉
I’m totes the zen-master. I do yoga & pilates, and boy do I miss swimming. Before I hurt my back, I also really loved skipping.
Our pool closes from May to September’ish every year and man do I miss it when it’s closed. Skipping! Yes. I hadn’t thought of that.
I would definitely have to fit into the Zen-Master category. But I do find it so hard to get motivated. And classes/trying new things makes me anxious even though in my mind I am super keen!
I hear that, finding a good at home dvd or something might be a great way to work into taking one on one sessions or something along that line. Find something you love, the motivation will follow.