Getting Started with Fitness Profile
that will truly work for you, it’s helpful to understand what type of gym-goer
you are. Just seven questions—crafted by Gold’s Gym Fitness experts—can help
you zero in on your workout profile.
Are you the grinder, who's allowed your workout to get a little stale? Or
maybe you're a little too laid-back, showing up at the gym, but not really putting
in the effort. You might be a real workout warrior, who makes fitness a priority;
a fledgling who has a lot to learn; or the butterfly who uses the gym as just
another social venue. Once you know your fitness personality, you can calculate
how to get the most from your gym time and how to mix up your routine for a
better workout.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY IN GENERAL?
A. Dependable, organized, and steady
B. Agreeable, fun-loving, and pretty mellow
C. Intense (at times), motivated, and definitely adventurous
D. Shy with strangers, but warm and generous with friends and family
E. Outgoing, easy to be around, and loyal
OUTSIDE OF THE GYM, HOW DO YOU STAY ACTIVE?
A. I’m always up for a pickup game.
B. I don’t really stay active—that’s why I go to the gym
C. I do triathlons, 10K races—you know, all that fun stuff.
D. Maybe I’ll take an afternoon walk or go for an easy bike ride.
E. I love to do charity walks with groups, or fun runs with my family.
WHY DID YOU JOIN A GYM?
A. I missed the routine of daily practice, having played a lot of team sports
when I was young.
B. Just seemed like the thing a healthy adult should do.
C. I couldn’t afford to build a home gym.
D. I wanted to start doing more than just long walks.
E. My friends joined.
WHAT IS THE EXTENT OF YOUR GYM KNOW-HOW?
A. I can pretty much jump on any cardio or weight machine in the joint.
B. I know what I need to know.
C. I know the next big fitness trend before anyone else.
D. It’s passable. I’ve mastered a few machines and the treadmill.
E. Pretty good. And if I need help, I just ask one of the trainers.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO YOU PLAN YOUR WORKOUT?
A. No need to plan—I’ve got my routine down pat.
B. I don’t. I just let my mood decide.
C. Weeks in advance. Doesn’t everyone?
D. I wait to see what cardio and weight machines are available.
E. I usually check in with friends to find out what their workout plans are
before I start to plan mine.
WHAT DO YOU DO BETWEEN SETS OR CARDIO SESSIONS?
A. Towel down, grab a drink of water, and then keep going.
B. Send a text or check my e-mail.
C. Check my heart rate, and then get right back to work.
D. Look for a free machine that I already know how to use.
E. Stop to chat with a gym buddy
WHAT ARE YOUR LISTENING/VIEWING HABITS AT THE GYM?
A. I plug in my headphones, turn on the music, and get to work.
B. I take TV over music—if I control the remote.
C. I spend free time carefully crafting workout playlists.
D. Sometimes I read books, sometimes I watch television. It’s a toss-up.
E. I don’t like wearing headphones—I feel like I’m tuning out the people
around me.
MOSTLY As – DAILY GRINDER
You grew up playing sports and started at the gym early, but now you’ve settled
into a routine that lacks variety and is so dull that you might even quit. Try new
things, like biking to work or running to the gym to add some scenery. You can
also take classes—boot camp or mixed martial arts work many muscle groups
and also deliver mucho cardio. Or join a training group that simulates a sports
league . . . anything to break out of your routine rut and restore your love of
fitness.
MOSTLY Bs – LAID-BACK LIFTER
You visit the gym because you know you should, but your heart isn’t in it—plus
you aren’t pushing yourself toward any fitness goals. But going to the gym is
half the battle, so try taking a group workout class that incorporates weights and weight-room exercises like squats and curls to get more out of your gym time.
Hire a trainer for a session or two, and create a road map for your fitness future.
The key is seeing the gym as an ongoing commitment to your body, not as a
daily duty.see also your Overall fitness plan
MOSTLY Cs – WORKOUT WARRIOR
Fitness rules your life. Being active and healthy is one of your priorities, and youenjoy it. You don’t need much workout advice, but you should slow down at
times to let your body rest and enjoy a little variety. You’re a high achiever with
a regimented workout, but adding variety makes you stronger and works more
muscle groups. Try a yoga class to give your muscles a good stretch, a Zumba®
class for a fun twist, or a mixed martial arts class to punch up your routine.
MOSTLY Ds – FITNESS FLEDGLING
You’re a recent recruit (even after a few years at the gym) who’s still working to
get in shape, so you’re wary of trying unfamiliar machines or new classes. Yet
discovery is really enjoyable. The problem is you get in a rut because you do
only what you know—you’re stuck in a safety net. Ask for a free physical
assessment (most gyms offer them) to gauge your fitness level. Then consult a
trainer on how to use a given machine properly, or approach a teacher if you’re
nervous about a certain class.
MOSTLY Es – GYM BUTTERFLY
Being social is half the reason you hit the gym. Working out while catching up
with friends keeps you going back. You just need to ensure that between conversations, you really are burning calories. If your routine isn’t showing
results, cut back on the chitchat, and try circuit training. Cross-train on the bike
and then the elliptical—and minimize your rest period. Get your workout done
faster; you’ll then have more time to socialize. Also consider recruiting your
friends for a boot camp or cycling cla
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