Fitness ID: The Freshman

You can always spot the “freshman”.  The inexperienced, self-conscious individual that walks in the gym not having the slightest idea of what to do, how to do it or why total body workouts are necessary to reach most fitness goals.  The freshman feels awkward when doing exercises with dumbbells and uneasy about using a new machine.

The freshman may quietly watch the experienced “hard body” on the next machine and try to copy their moves. The freshman’s discomfort with weight training may cause him/her to become frustrated with working out and is a major contributor to the demise of their fitness hopes and dreams.

Personality #5: The Freshman

1. Do you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious at the gym?
2. Do you find it difficult to develop a fitness regimen?
3. Are you disappointed with your fitness progress?
4. Has your discomfort caused you to reduce your trips to the gym?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you may be qualify as a freshman.

The freshman begins with a high level of motivation but the motivation dwindles due to their inability to “fit in” to the gym scene.  As with any new task, exercise or environment we gain comfort through familiarity and practice.  To succeed the freshman must be patient, receptive and studious.

The freshman should first seek knowledge from fitness professionals and reputable fitness literature to understand the basics of exercise (i.e. proper form, routines, etc.).  Once the freshman understands the proper way to build a balanced fitness routine then they should document their progress in a fitness journal.  The freshman should be open to trying new fitness strategies, as the variety will help the freshman avoid a plateau.

If you are a freshman or you know someone that is, check out the following fitness videos specifically designed for this type of fitness identity:

-    Ask Ozzie: How to lose weight
-    Beautiful Chest, Gorgeous Back, Magnificent Abs!
-    Gorgeous Arms: Biceps and Triceps
-    Yoga Sculpt Workout
-    Fitness Tripod

———

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Fitness ID: Adrenaline junkie, Fitness ID: Control Freak, Fitness ID: The Conqueror, Fitness ID: The Procrastinator and subscribe to my newsletter!

Fitness ID: The Procrastinator

“Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried” –Author Unknown

Personality #4: The Procrastinator

1. Are you easily distracted?
2. Do you schedule workouts only to reschedule them as the week goes on?
3. Do you have a desire to change your body but lack an action plan?
4. Have you said the phrase “I’ll start tomorrow” on numerous occasions?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you may qualify as a procrastinator.

The procrastinator has a desire to change their body but fails to take action.  There are numerous reasons why the procrastinator exhibits this behavior: lack of knowledge, lack of interest and lack of motivation.

As with any goal in life, a strategy must be in place.  In fitness, changing the body (especially when it comes to losing weight, getting a “six pack” and improving health) requires the implementation of the fitness tripod (a combination of eating healthy, cardio and strength training) to effectively reach a fitness goal.

To consistently endure an activity it is easier if that activity is enjoyable.  In the world of fitness there are numerous exercise techniques that can be used to arrive at a particular goal (i.e. strength training, dance, yoga, pilates, cardio strip tease, etc.).  The procrastinator must identify and incorporate exercise techniques that are fun.

The procrastinator must also find motivation to consistently work toward their goal.  Studies have shown that when this motivation is intrinsic then the likelihood of success is substantially greater.  The procrastinator’s choice to exercise must go deeper than superficial gains (i.e. “impressing the ladies/guys” or looking like your favorite actor/actress) they should be internally motivated (i.e. health, vitality, stress reduction, etc.).

If you are a procrastinator or you know someone that is, check out the following fitness videos that are specifically designed for this type of fitness identity:

-    Dynamic Power Workout
-    Yoga for Peace
-    Pilates Side Kicks
-    Creative Total Body Sculpt
-    Dynamic Cardio Workout

———

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Fitness ID: Adrenaline junkie, Fitness ID: Control Freak, Fitness ID: The Conqueror and subscribe to my newsletter!

Fitness ID: The Conqueror

Fitness is a quest, an odyssey, a journey in which the prize is satisfaction.

The satisfaction that is obtained when one has mastered a new skill, overcome an obstacle or annihilated their opponent.  This defines the Conqueror.

Personality #3: The Conqueror

1. Do you find yourself consumed with new fitness trends?
2. Are you a perfectionist?
3. Do you look forward to learning new skills?
4. Do you lose interest in activities after a few months of tireless dedication?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you may qualify as a conqueror.

The conqueror finds tremendous satisfaction in learning new exercises, skills and fitness activities.  The conqueror is highly competitive from an internal and external perspective.  When participating in sports the conqueror strives to be the best, when participating in individual fitness activities the conqueror is dedicated to mastery.  The strong determination that is characteristic of the conqueror can often lead to accelerated success toward reaching their fitness goals.  The conquerors’ inclination to face new challenges can often cause the conqueror to lose interest in their fitness routines after a few short months.

Workouts for the conqueror must be challenging, innovative, and competitive. Conquerors may benefit from participating in team sports, working out with a buddy or subscribing to a fitness magazine/newsletter for inspiration.

If you are a conqueror or you know someone that is, check out the following fitness videos for a routine specifically designed for this type of fitness identity:

• Beautiful Chest, Gorgeous Back, Magnificent Abs
• Dynamic Cardio Workout
• Cross Train: Yoga
• Beach Body: Cross-Training

———

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Fitness ID: Adrenaline junkie, Fitness ID: Control Freak and subscribe to my newsletter!

Fitness ID: Adrenaline junkie

Our time in the gym can often be an enlightening experience, as our ability to cope with the stressors presented is often indicative of our general behavior when faced with life problems.  Dependent on our profession, relationships and environment our personality type can be an asset or a liability.  The key to maximizing our success in fitness is to identify, accept and utilize our particular personality traits to our advantage.

Personality #1: The Adrenaline Junkie

1. Do you have a tremendous amount of drive and determination?
2. Do you find joy in seeking out the next challenge?
3. Do you live for the “rush”?
4. Do you feel “on top of the world” after you complete an intense workout?

If you answered yes to these questions then you may be an adrenaline junkie.

The adrenaline junkie obtains tremendous satisfaction through intense exercise that challenges him/her mentally and physically. The adrenaline junkie succeeds with workout programs that “kick butt” and they cannot accept anything less.

The aforementioned traits keep the adrenaline junkie consistent and dedicated toward the achievement of a healthier lifestyle but the adrenaline junkie must make sure that they don’t over do it.  Remember that the body needs rest and working out at a high intensity all the time can lead to overtraining.

Workouts for the adrenaline junkie must be balanced, efficient and fun.

If you are an adrenaline junkie or you know someone that is check out Beach Body: Cross Training for a routine specifically designed for this type of fitness identity.