Find the Right Exercise for You

I have found my love of exercise in the midst of motherhood. The movement, the break in my day, the mental release and the endorphins that come along with exercise are my main motivators. Keeping my body healthy and time with friends are added bonuses. We thought it would be fun to offer a nonscientific quiz to lead you in the right direction for what might work best for you today. Fill out the answers as honestly as you can and see what exercise idea you might want to check out next!

1. When I think of exercise, I think …
   1. I know I should, but …
   2. It’s not my favorite.
   3. I wish I had time!
   4. Bring it on!
2. Which workout location is your ideal choice?
   1. A specific studio.
   2. A gym with many options.
   3. Outside. I enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
   4. A fun class with my besties at a rec center.
3. What are your thoughts on entertainment during your workout?
   1. Calming music so I can focus on my body movements.
   2. All I need is a machine and my shows.
   3. Music, podcasts or nothing. Depends on my mood.
   4. LOUD pumping music to get me motivated!
4. What are your thoughts on cardio?
   1. I prefer atypical methods of raising my heart rate.
   2. If it’s fun and doesn’t feel like a workout.
   3. I’d rather sparkle and not have to shower.
   4. I like to sweat—that’s why I’m here!
5. What are your thoughts on weight lifting?
   1. I want to keep toned.
   2. I prefer cardio.
   3. Weights intimidate me.
   4. I want to keep getting stronger.
6. What are your thoughts on having a community of friends to exercise with you?
   1. I’d rather do my own thing when I feel like it.
   2. That’s the only way I’m held accountable.
   3. It depends.
   4. I like to be able to get some socialization in at the same time.
7. Do you or would you like to have the option of a personal trainer or coach?
   1. Maybe.
   2. They would help me push myself to reach my goals.
   3. No thanks.
   4. Maybe, but not one-on-one.
8. What keeps you from joining a gym?
   1. Nothing, I consider it a preventative health care cost.
   2. Childcare.
   3. Cost.
   4. Time.
9. How often do you or do you want to exercise?
   1.  Three times a week for 30-60 minutes
   2. As much as I can; it varies week to week.
   3. Daily 10-15 minutes.
   4. Daily for 30-60 minutes.
10. What are your thoughts on needing specific attire or gear?
    1. A new reason to shop? YES!
    2. I like to look good while I work out.
    3. Minimal is preferable.
    4. I want to have the best to be the best.
11. What do you prefer to do with your children while you exercise?
    1. I like to leave them with my spouse, family or friends.
    2. I like to incorporate them to set an example and have fun together.
    3. I like to work out while they sleep (either AM, PM or during their nap).
    4. I like to drop them off in provided childcare.
12. How serious do you take your workouts?
    1. It needs to be fun yet effective.
    2. I like to have fun and can laugh at myself.
    3. Moving at all counts.
    4. My main focus is my workout and I come to do it right.
13. Are you goal oriented?
    1. Not exactly
    2. I like to check my workout off my to-do list
    3. Yes, I live for a new PR (personal record) and my Bucket List
    4. I like to have a new challenge to work towards
14. What are your thoughts on exercising at home?
    1. It’s okay sometimes.
    2. I can’t motivate myself at home.
    3. Easy, can do it anytime and no commute.
    4. I don’t have the equipment I need at home.
15. What other amenities do you expect from a gym?
    1. Just the equipment.
    2. Variety of classes and times and swimming pool for family time.
    3. I’m not really interested in a gym at all.
    4. Personal training.
16. Dancing as a workout is …
    1. Great as long as it’s challenging.
    2. My favorite!
    3. I’d rather not dance.
    4. Can be fun with my friends.

If you answered mostly a’s, you seem to favor a more solitary approach to exercise but prefer a studio setting. If your mama soul yearns for some peace and quiet for a moment each day, check out a local yoga, Pilates or barre studio to get some mental exercise along with your physical exercise. Or simply take time to take a walk.

If you answered mostly b’s, you need your people to keep you motivated and accountable. It sounds like you’re ready for a gym membership!  Luckily for you, KC offers many options, so find one close to your home or workplace to make it an easy habit. Try WERQ Dance Fitness, Zumba or Jazzercise classes. They get you moving and shaking, and your workout is over before you know it!

If you answered mostly c’s, you prefer to get your workout done in the convenience of your own home.  Find a time that consistently works for you to use your own equipment, go for a walk, run or bike around your neighborhood, or utilize one of the many amazing tech-based programs: YouTube, on demand, DVDs from the library, Wii Fitness, Amazon Prime—the content seems limitless! 

If you answered mostly d’s, you crave community like the b’s but may prefer a more challenging workout that includes weight training or personal training in a group setting. Try a community-based studio like Orange Theory or Burn Boot Camp where community is a strong element.

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 8, Mason, 7, and Slade, 4, and they know that Mommy is happier when she gets a chance to exercise. She is often seen running after three bikes with her Golden Retriever, Thor, making their own personal parade.