Let’s Get Physical, Physical!

Today we’re talking exercise and personality type. The key to sticking with it? If you’ve failed in the past, don’t try the same things over and over expecting different results. That is the definition of insanity. Shake it up and listen to some of our tips. And a note to Organic Freedoms and Smart Freedoms, getting into an exercise routine is going against your type and VERY hard to keep up. So, give yourself some slack & forgiveness.

Buddy system:

Organics will have an easier time with a routine if it’s an activity or experience you love. The catch-22 with you guys is that if getting in shape were important to your partner then you’d be driven to get in shape almost more than when it’s just your desire. The catch? What partner in their right mind wants to be the one to tell you that you need to get your ass in gear?? One solution that helps motivate Organics (and Classic Freedoms) is having an exercise buddy. You are driven by harmony and what could be worse than letting your exercise partner down by being a no-show? If you don’t have that buddy, join a class and make them. And yes, this is probably less appealing to the introverts out there like me, but it helps.

Early bird gets the worm:

Classics, Organic Structures, and Smart Structures are more apt to workout in the morning on a consistent basis. It’s not that you’re a morning person (although many Classics and Smart Structures generally are or have trained themselves to be), it’s just that deep down you know if you do a quasi onerous task like exercise first thing in the morning, it’ll actually get done.

Shake it up:

Funs, Smart Freedoms and Organic Freedoms do this naturally (nothing wrong with not having a routine if you actually do something). But, Classics and Smart Structures and Organic Structures often get stuck in a routine and don’t realize how helpful it is to shake it up. Variety is the spice of life, especially for exercise. What to do? If you never take classes, sign up for one. Try a Pilates floor mat class or buy a DVD. If you’re just doing aerobic exercise, skip it and try a body sculpting or a weight training instead. Organic Freedoms and Smart Freedoms keep getting back on the horse. Morning will probably NOT be the best time. Try new things to see if they stick, but go back to old favorites. Also, try exercise at different times of the day. The trick is to get back into a routine after things like HOLIDAYS and TRAVEL disrupt it!

Trainers:

Smarts are often the ones who have no problem using a trainer because they are all about competence and if exercise isn’t their main area of expertise then of course they would wisely hire an expert or a buy a book to follow. Classics and Funs generally have trouble going this route because their practical nature will feel like it’s a waste of money best summed up by my Classic husband when I asked for a training session as a gift, “That’s a waste of money. I’ll be your trainer.” Oh, joy.

Random idea:

We know one Smart Structure who listens to books on tape while he walks (not to mention dictates his novels) – he has mastered the art of killing two birds with one stone. Another idea (for all types) is changing up the length/frequency of your workouts. If you can’t fit in your ‘usual’ hour a few times a week, try shorter but more frequent (or vice versa depending on your schedule). 20 minutes 5 times a week adds up to a lot over a year.