Choose Your Exercise Personality
It's not exactly breaking news that regular
exercise can combat disease. But many of us look for any excuse to
skip the gym because it's hard to stick with something we don't
enjoy. Ask yourself what kind of fitness personality you have and
try out the fat-busting routine below that best fits your
style.
1. Compulsive Competitor?
You love the blood, sweat and tears. "Extremely competitive
people push themselves beyond their limits," says Michael Marsico,
certified personal trainer with the National Strength and
Conditioning Association. Try intense workouts like
cardiokickboxing, CrossFit or TRX functional training.
2. Adventurous Athlete?
"People that like a sense of adventure within their workouts
tend to like getting out of the gym," Marsico says. A study at the
Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry confirms that
exercising in a natural environment benefits physical and emotional
well-being. Hiking, swimming, surfing and skiing get you outside
and are great for your health.
3. Spiritual Sportsman?
Your goal with exercise is to manage stress. According to the
American Diabetes Association, meditative athletic practices can
reduce blood sugar levels and help prevent diabetes. Workouts like
yoga, tai chi and Pilates reduce stress. Ready for something new?
Antigravity yoga is a new yoga that involves swinging hammocks in
its practice.
4. Fitness Flirt?
Your motto is, why work out if it's not fun? Cardio Barre,
Cardio Capoeira, Zumba and belly dancing are all high-energy dance
exercises that will whip you into shape. A recent study revealed
that dancing twice a week may prevent dementia, so put on your tap
shoes.
-By Virginia Tzortzos