Lifestyle

How To Find The Workout That Best Suits Your Personality And Love It

by Corina Aparicio
Stocksy

It’s 2015, and there seems to be no slowing down the health and fitness craze sweeping our social media feeds daily.

With hashtags like "#fitfam," "#fitspo" and "#cleaneating" all over Instagram and Twitter, it seems if you’re not working out, you’re missing out.

For me, exercise is a way to maintain balance between a healthy lifestyle and indulging now and then in my favorite foods.

Yes, I know diet is just as important as exercise is for health, but this is what works for me and keeps me motivated to keep working.

Just like everyone has a different Netflix marathon of choice, different workouts appeal to different people.

Just because your BFF loves to run, doesn’t mean you have to also. Your personality plays a big part in the things you like, and working out is no different.

Now that the summer countdown is underway, let’s find out what works for you:

Indoor Cycling

If your idea of the perfect Friday or Saturday night is hitting the club and letting loose on the dance floor, spin class just might be the place for you.

With nothing but a dark room, a great playlist and your bike, you will be spinning your way to a new you.

By the time your 45 minutes are up, you'll be ready to hit the showers with your new favorite tune stuck in your head.

Trade in drinks for endorphins and you’ll never know you were at the gym instead of the club.

Motivation Tip: Try to snag a bike in the front of the room. This way, you’ll be giving it your all as you lead the pack.

Yoga

If your usual response to an invite to the bar is "Nama-stay in bed," yoga is definitely your calling.

Slow-paced and quiet, yoga is the ultimate way to calm your mind after a busy day.

With the focus on your breathing and movement, this is the ideal workout for those of us who like to move at our own pace and rely on our quiet time to stay sane.

Relax and let it all go as you find your center and leave class refreshed with that "just finished a hot cup of tea and your favorite book" glow.

Motivation Tip: Get a mat you won’t mind staring at while you’re in downward dog for one breath too many. (Neon green isn’t everyone’s happy color.)

Running

If you’re the type who can’t think of anything worse than sitting still for longer than necessary, then ready, set, run.

When you’re used to being on the go, sitting on a stationary bike or moving slowly through a chaturanga may make you want to scream.

Throw on your sneakers, grab your iPod and get out the door! Running is a great way to feel like you’re staying busy since you are on the move from start to finish.

Planning new routes is a great way to keep it interesting, and once that runner’s high kicks in, there’s no stopping you! If you’re new to running, there’s no shame in starting out small; one mile is always better than none.

Before you know it, you will be running farther and faster than you ever thought you could.

Motivation Tip: Try making a playlist that uses the beat of the music to keep your pace; that way, you don’t even have to think, just run to the beat and clear your mind.

Group Classes

If you love having a pal by your side for most daily activities, group classes are probably the place for you.

Working out alone can be intimidating and even boring, so what better way to get moving than by grabbing a friend to join?

With such a variety of classes offered by most gyms and private studios, you are sure to find something for you.

Whether it’s kickboxing, barre or a total body boot camp, having a friend nearby is always better for exchanging that "OMG" look when your instructor just added 10 more crunches to your final set (Six-pack here you come!).

Motivation Tip: Scheduling a class with a friend you don’t get to see enough lets you sweat it out before a well-deserved, post-class smoothie and catch-up session.

Weight/Strength Training

Are you the planner of the group? Do you love having a routine in your life? Are you always ready to push yourself to the next level?

If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions, get those free weights ready because you’re pumping iron.

When you’re going to start lifting, you’ll need a plan for every gym session.

Finally, your days of planning for the friend group will pay off.

You have no problem exploring the gym and lifting with the boys because you’re here on a mission and no one is going to get in the way.

The challenge is as tough as you make it, and you’re not afraid of working hard.

All you need is a playlist and a purpose.

Motivation Tip: Setting a goal for each gym session will help you push yourself and feel accomplished after every lift.

Seeing what others have accomplished can make getting fit feel like an unattainable goal, but we all have to start somewhere.

The best way to take the first step is to make your workouts work for you.

Exercise should be something you want to do, so it’s important to know yourself and listen to what your body is telling you.

What works for one person may not always work for you, and that’s fine! As long as you are up and active, you’re on the right track.

So, whatever your preference may be, there's no better time than now to get started.