Do you gravitate towards certain types of gym equipment more than others? Do you struggle to stick with your exercise routine? Experts say the way you answer those questions plays a big part in defining your fitness personality type.
Researchers at the American College of Sports Medicine suggest that there are five distinct personality types that exercisers can use to develop successful fitness regimens. What’s more, experts maintain that using the personality types is a great way to structure a lasting exercise routine.
The following are the fitness personality types as defined by researchers at the American College of Sports Medicine:
SQUARE
Squares are considered the most reliable, stable and predictable of the five personality types. They create a fitness plan and stick with it because they thrive on routine. The downfall to being a square is that you often end up doing the same exercise routine for years and neglect to see results once you plateau.
RECTANGLE
Rectangle fitness types perform best with social interaction and don’t do as well when exercising alone. Rectangles should join running groups or consider signing up for aerobic classes to stay fit.
TRIANGLE
Triangles are considered the most competitive and driven of the five personality types. Researchers define them as task-oriented individuals who enjoy monitoring their progress. The pitfall of being a “triangle” is that you typically don’t work out as hard unless you are exercising with an equally competitive partner. Experts suggest training for an event, like a half-marathon, as incentive to follow your fitness routine.
CIRCLE
Circles are known as the social butterflies of the fitness world, and the most emotionally driven of the five types. The problem with being a circle is that you tend to socialize rather than exercise. “Circles” tend to talk the entire way through a workout and visit gyms more for the camaraderie than to exercise.
SQUIGGLIE
Experts say squigglies possess the least structured personality type, and don’t do well with routines. Squigglies must derive pleasure from an exercise, or they may quit. Fitness experts suggest squigglies try an extremely varied routine that includes lots of different classes and new activities to maintain interest in exercise.
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