Your health and fitness journey is a long-term commitment, and consistency is the key to reaping the benefits of your workout plans. This is why it’s important to identify the types of exercise you enjoy, so you’re more likely to meet your goals.

No matter what kind of physical activities you’re drawn to, we can help you understand your fitness personality. From weightlifting to yoga, there’s a workout routine to suit every personal preference. Take our Fitness Personality Quiz to find your perfect workout.

Once you’ve done the quiz and know your fitness personality, it’s time to create the best workout plan for you.

Select the fitness personality you got in the quiz to skip ahead to your ideal types of exercise.

The Cardio Enthusiast

Consider yourself lucky if you’re suited to cardio. Many people hate doing anything related to running, so having a natural flair for this type of exercise is nothing short of a gift.

The Best Types of Exercise for You

Make the most of your superior lung power by adding these workouts to your fitness regime:

• Long-distance running – Push your cardio fitness a little further every time you go for a run by increasing your distance. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just trying keep fit, long-distance running can strengthen your heart, burn fat and build muscle, especially in your legs. Just don’t push yourself too hard – build up distance gradually to avoid injury and exhaustion.
• Cycling – If your knee and ankle joints don’t love running as much as you do, cycling is a great alternative to pounding the pavement. Offering the same aerobic benefits as running, riding your bike can get your heart racing without exposing your legs to extreme impact.
• Jumping rope – Skipping isn’t just a schoolyard game. This workout is great for putting your cardio fitness and coordination to the test.

Runners tend to be injury prone, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of hurting yourself. See our tips on avoiding running-related injuries.

The Boot-Camp Believer

Boot camps typically involve large groups of people working out under the watchful eye of a personal trainer.

The Best Types of Exercise for You

If you enjoy the community aspect of group fitness classes, give these boot camps a try:

• Military boot camp – For those in search of a challenge, military boot camps comprise advanced workouts for people who already have a fairly high level of fitness.
• Fitness boot camp – Not quite ready for military-style exercises? General fitness boot camps cater to a broader range of skill levels. If you’re not comfortable working out on your own yet, getting a few friends to sign up for a fitness boot camp is a great way to build confidence.
• Indoor boot camps – Don’t let bad weather get in the way of your fitness goals. While most boot camps are held outside, indoor classes are available too.

The Competitive Spirit

Being hyper-competitive often has negative connotations, but it can be a huge advantage when it comes to fitness. If you love to compete purely for the thrill of pushing yourself to be the best, why not make the most of your natural ambition?

The Best Types of Exercise for You

Own your competitive spirit through the following exercises:

• CrossFit – Consisting of high-intensity strength and conditioning exercises, CrossFit isn’t for the fainthearted. The aim is to do as many reps as possible within a set amount of time, so each workout routine pushes your physical abilities. Many CrossFit gyms recognise high performers with leader boards, making it an ideal exercise for competitive people.
• Water-based rowing – To get ripped arms while indulging your competitive side, consider entering an amateur rowing race (using a rowing machine at the gym probably won’t satisfy your competitive cravings quite like racing on the water).
• Hiking – Whether you want to climb a local lookout or scale the tallest mountains in the world, hiking is the ultimate workout for competitive people. It can be gruelling, but the sense of accomplishment you get after a successful climb is one of the best feelings a naturally competitive person can experience.

Those with a competitive streak make great personal trainers. To carve a career out of creating workout plans for other people, check out our article on how to become a qualified personal trainer.

The Lone Wolf

Group exercises aren’t for everyone. Some fitness fanatics prefer their own company while working out and use exercise as a form of escapism.

The Best Types of Exercise for You

Make the most of your alone time with these solo workouts:

• Running outdoors – Sick of congested inner-city running tracks? Get back to nature and escape the crowds by going for a run through the woods.
• Swimming – Whether you prefer butterfly, freestyle or backstroke, swimming laps is one of the best workouts for those who enjoy being alone with their thoughts.
• Barre – Even though barre is technically a group exercise, it doesn’t have the same hyped up vibe as an aerobics class. Based on ballet movements, barre allows you to exercise in your own personal space.

The Master of Mild Workouts

If running marathons and lifting weights sounds like your idea of hell, there are plenty of less intense exercises you can do without sacrificing your fitness goals.

The Best Types of Exercise for You

In addition to burning calories, these gentle exercises come with the benefit of mental relaxation:

• Yoga – Practicing yoga won’t just enhance your flexibility and strength. If you’re feeling frazzled, yoga offers an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Whether you want to do an intense hot yoga class or focus on a more meditative style, yoga is the perfect workout for fans of less intense workout routines.
• Walking – Going for a stroll might not sound like the most effective form of exercise, but it can work wonders for your cardiovascular fitness. Keep your brain stimulated while you walk by listening to music or your favourite podcast.
• Water aerobics – Has your mobility seen better days? Water aerobics is a great way to get moving without putting excessive strain on your body.

If you’re worried mild types of exercise may not burn enough calories to help you reach your fitness goals, learn how simple exercises like walking lead to weight loss.

The Body Builder

Bulging biceps and ripped abs don’t come easy, but certain breeds of gym junkies are naturally driven towards getting those gains.

The Best Types of Exercise for You

Together with protein cookies and pre-workout concoctions, Body Builder personalities can also include the following in their workout regime:

• Competitive weight lifting – Even if you’re yet to reach your bulking goals, entering a weightlifting competition can be a great source of motivation.
• Rock climbing – Lifting weights can get repetitive after a while, so why not break up your routine by going rock-climbing?
• Eating – So this technically doesn’t count as exercise, but nutrition plays a big part in building muscle. For the best results, be sure to treat yourself to plenty of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

Need advice on how to feed your body properly for gaining muscle? Discover some healthy alternatives to sugar.

Not sure where to find the perfect workout for your fitness personality? Use Yellow Pages to track down every type of fitness resource you could ever need.

Need more inspo? Check out our other health and fitness articles.