Should Your Personality Match Your Workout Routine?

Are you someone who is shy and hates to be the center of attention? Are you someone who loves to be competitive? Do you love routine, or are you someone that needs constant change just to stay interested?

While these might sound like questions from a dating site, these are the same questions you should be asking yourself when looking for the ideal exercise regimen for you—think of it as assessing your fitness personality type.

The key ingredient to a successful exercise program is consistency, and if you’re not doing something that you feel works for you, the likelihood of staying consistent is pretty slim. This is why you must approach fitness as though you are searching for a new relationship. Exercise routines have positive traits and attributes like in dating and relationships, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will be the right fit for you.

Fortunately, there’s a bit less trial and error in fitness than in dating, and when you understand who you are and what you’re looking for from your workout routine, a fitness matchup becomes that much easier. See which exercise persona you identify with below, and may you both live healthfully ever after.

Option A: The Adrenaline Lover

You have a “no pain, no gain” approach to life. You love people’s energy and the consistency of seeing weekly improvement. You thrive on competition, using your fellow classmates to push you harder. You might even be inclined to scream out loud, bop your head to a song, or even give a high-five at times. And if you’re not that person, you at least enjoy the person next to you doing it for you. If this is you, your best bet are boutique gyms that provide bootcamp classes, circuit training, and CrossFit or ballet barre-inspired classes. If you’re into the latest trends and enjoy the smallest details, boutique gyms could be the way to go.

Option B: The Self-Motivated Scholar

You are someone who doesn’t need much attention and you’d prefer to fade into the background. You’re not too concerned with proving yourself, but you do care about discipline, improvement, and convenience. If this is you, join a large corporate gym where you can hire a personal trainer, jump on the treadmill in the far back corner, or take a yoga or Pilates class at your own pace—it’s your call. Larger gyms such as 24-Hour Fitness or Equinox contain all of your fitness needs under one roof.

Option C: The One With Nature

You just can’t stand looking at a wall while running—who needs a gym membership anyway? You thrive on outdoor activities; switching it up, connecting and reflecting in nature. If this is you, try jogging, swimming, climbing, and biking. Maybe even sign up for a marathon and get training! Strap on a pair of hiking shoes and get down and dirty with the outdoors.

Option D: Finding Your Opposite

Lastly, we all know that in relationships often times opposite attract. The same can hold true when determining your ideal fitness routine. If you have a busy, high-stress lifestyle, consider yoga to calm and balance. Likewise, if you’re someone who sits in a cubicle all day with little-to-no interaction, consider taking a high-energy group class to pump you up.

Kit Rich is Los Angeles-based fitness trainer with endless exercise and nutritional know-how. Hollywood's hottest stars are addicted to Kit's unique, multi-disciplined approach that combines cardio, yoga, Pilates, and weight training. Kit's clients are immediately taken by her funny and honest approach to health and fitness. She treats her clients as she treats herself, "with a hard challenge, sensibility, sensitively, and a good laugh." Follow Kit on Twitter @kitrichfitness.