What's Your Exercise Style?

When you hear the word exercise, do you think something along the lines of That’s fine for those athletic types—but for me? Hard pass. If so, no judgment! Even professional athletes—aka people who get paid to exercise—have workouts they love and workouts they loathe. For example, football superstar Lamar Jackson has admitted he’s not a fan of running. So don’t sweat it if you don’t enjoy, say, sweating. There are so many different ways to stay fit and healthy, there’s bound to be a workout style that’s perfect for you.

Once you figure out your ideal exercise, working out will stop feeling like a chore and start feeling like something you want to do, says Lindsey Blom, a professor of sport and exercise psychology. That’s important, since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends teens get at least an hour of physical activity a day. Why? Because regular exercise can make you strong, fight symptoms of anxiety and depression, and may prevent health problems like heart disease.

Ready to meet your get-moving match? Use this quiz to discover your exercise personality—and a workout that’s a perfect fit for you.

YOUR MOTTO: Go hard or go home.

YOUR IDEAL WORKOUT: High-intensity interval training (HIIT). You’ll go all out for a short amount of time, followed by a brief period of rest. This workout elevates your heart rate, builds muscle, and gives you a tired-yet-energized post-workout vibe.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Pick four different strength training or aerobic exercises (ones that make you breathe faster and heavier than usual). Choose your own or get inspired by our list below.
2. Set a timer and cycle through the four moves. For each exercise, go all out for 30 seconds, and then take a 60-second break. Then run through the circuit of four moves again. Still have energy? Run through it a third time.
3. Perform this workout twice a week. Once it starts feeling too easy, progress to 45 seconds of each move, then 60 seconds.

•  Running up a hill or set of stairs
• Running in place
• Jumping jacks
• Jump rope
• Push-ups
• Sit-ups
• Dribbling a soccer ball up and down your driveway
• Dribbling a basketball up and down the court

YOUR MOTTO: The more the merrier.

YOUR IDEAL WORKOUT: Training for a 5K (3.1-mile) race with pals. The friendly competition will inspire you to push yourself to reach your goal (making it across the finish line totally counts!). Don’t worry if you’re not a runner. You can walk, alternate between jogging and walking, use your wheelchair—whatever works for you! This isn’t about speed; it’s about finding the fun in working out.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Recruit friends, then sign up for a free fitness app like Strava or Racefully that lets you track each other’s progress as you train.
2. Use mapmyrun.com or Google Maps to chart a 3.1-mile route.
3. Start training! Go to scholastic.com/choices for an eight-week plan.
4. Race day! If you’re able to stay socially distanced and complete the 5K together, awesome. If not, run separately and schedule a Zoom after-race party to celebrate.

YOUR MOTTO: Working out shouldn’t be work.

YOUR IDEAL WORKOUT: Mini bursts of movement through the day. Your hour of physical activity doesn’t need to be 60 minutes straight. Instead, try these four ways to sneak movement into your day, a few minutes at a time.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Do a speed clean. Set a timer for five minutes and race to tidy your room before it goes off.
2. Take a homework time-out. Each time you switch subjects, take a 60-second movement break. March in place, dance around your room, run up and down the stairs—it’s up to you! Bonus: Studies show exercise helps boost focus.
3. Make life harder. Use the bathroom on a different floor at school or at home, or take the stairs instead of the elevator if you live in an apartment building.
4. Step it up. Reminder: Your phone can track your steps. Try to increase the number each day. To keep it fun, include race-walking, skipping, giant steps, or a silly walk of your own invention.