What's your exercise personality?

Choosing a fitness program that fits your approach to life

Our likes and dislikes affect most of what we do. That's a given. However, are you aware that your personality affects how you stay fit and motivated? Or whether you're even interested in doing so?

What you'll learn from discovering your exercise personality could mean the difference between a successful, long-term wellness program and becoming a fitness flop. Basically, to be effective a wellness plan should keep you motivated as you see and feel increased endurance and flexibility. Let's figure out where you fit in.

Here's a quick quiz to determine your fitness personality. If the question reflects you exactly, answer A; is mostly like you, answer B; is not like you, answer C; is your exact opposite, answer D. Sometimes you'll just have to decide on the best answer or what others might answer for you.

If you're working out with a group or your spouse, you might want to photocopy this quiz and take it separately. Then see how your personalities mesh.

Here we go. Be honest; no one is looking over your shoulder.

1. I like to be around people--the more the better.

2. I like to pick and choose the time and places where I spend time.

3. I've tried just about every fitness workout, and I'm still sampling the newest ones.

4. A day without exercise is a dismal one indeed.

5. When I'm exercising, I like to stay focused and feel the results.

6. I don't believe in the antiquated adage of "No pain, no gain," but I like a vigorous, heart-pounding workout.

7. I've been told I bore easily.

8. Given a choice, I'd rather exercise outside.

9. Music, laughter, and conversation are a plus side of any workout.

10. People say I'm vivacious and the life of the party.

While this quiz is far from scientific, the results are amazingly accurate.

If you have more A responses, you have a type A fitness personality. You're extroverted, fun to be with, love people, and already enjoy a combination of aerobic activities. To stay motivated, you might want to join a sports team, sign up for a busy fitness center, and/or get together with a group to work out. If you work out with a singular sport such as swimming (and not as part of a team), you'll most likely lose motivation. As busy as you are, you could suffer sports injury. To avoid injury, don't neglect pains and aches and don't overdo just to keep up with the group. Be sure to stretch before and after a workout and as you try a new program, start slowly and work toward your goal.

If you have more B answers, you're self-motivated, well-balanced, and have a type B personality. Once you select a program, you tend to stay with it for a long time. Since you're tenacious, it's important that you select a program with care.

Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and aerobic exercise are excellent for you. While you often enjoy being with others as you work out, it's not crucial for your success with fitness.

What is vital? Keeping your stress level within a workable range. If your job makes you crazy at times (and whose career doesn't), or if you're feeling a bit down, walk away from those problems. Like you, quite possibly I've found that nothing clears my head and puts life in the right perspective as a long, invigorating walk.

If you have more C answers, you're a person who craves change. While you resist saying you bore easily, that just makes it clear that you are a type C personality. As a type C, you've probably tried about every fitness program on the market--just look at the range of fitness equipment and exercise clothes you own. To stay focused and well, type C's must never tie themselves down.

I recommend doing at least four different fitness routines every week--and seek out new ones. For instance, on Monday, walk; Tuesday, use fitness equipment; hit the pool for laps on Wednesday; and on Friday, play tennis. Whatever you choose, make it fun and get with people who enjoy active sports.

If you answered with more D's than other responses, you are a fitness advocate with a lot of self-motivation. Type D personalities enjoy exercising for the sense of well-being that it brings and to stay trimmer and stronger. Now, isn't that you? If you haven't tried gentle stretching, chair exercise (which can be done to soft music in the privacy of your own home), or water exercise, you have a treat in store. These activities do not provide the same intense aerobic endurance as walking or jogging. However, they will add to the pleasure of knowing your body is in top condition.

Try this quiz out on family and friends; finding out your fitness personality is fun and helpful. Whatever your "type," focus on what you want from a wellness program, and you'll achieve fitness for life.

Sheila Cluff is a fitness expert, television celebrity, and owner of two southern California health spas, The Oaks at Ojai and The Palms at Palm Springs. She is also author of three books on fitness and exercise.