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Do You Know Your Fitness Personality Type? Dr. David Demko, gerontologist and editor AgeVenture News Service It's no secret. Boomers are fat and flabby. And their kids, ... well, let's not go there. Obesity is rampant in today's cushy culture where physical exercise is limited to lifting one's finger to press any one of a thousand buttons provided by our convenience technology. No need to rise from your easy chair to change the TV channel. A flick of the remote does the trick. This so-called "good life" has become a health hazard. Like I've said many times before, 80% of the diseases in America are the result of our culture, the way we live. Fast foods raise risks to hypertension and cancer. Lack of exercise runs the risk of diabetes and heart disease. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure how to reduce these lifestyle risks by getting back in shape. In order to develop a successful exercise routine you must select activities that suit your personal style, according to Dr. Carole Lieberman, UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. After 50, if you have an easy-going, relaxed outlook, you're not likely to be happy smashing balls on a racquetball court. On the other hand, a hard-driving, competitive spirit won't be satisfied with a yoga session. Here are five fitness personalities along with exercise routines that experts recommend for each type. Controlling Personality you believe that you are in full command of your body, and staying well is important to you. To maintain your youthful vigor, you watch your diet carefully, see your doctor for regular checkups and tend to exercise through pain. Recommended routine: bicycling and swimming. Self-confident Personality you have a healthy regard for yourself and would like to appear strong and self-confident. When you look and feel your best, it's only natural that your positive sense of self-esteem soars. Recommended routine: strength training. Hard-charging Personality you look on fitness as serious business, not mere recreation. Because you have a strong competitive streak, you like to keep close track of your progress, then break your own record by working faster, harder or longer next time. Recommended routine: muscle toning. Introspective Personality you have a spiritual side and see exercise as a good way to get in touch with your body. A bit of a loner, you're happiest with sports you can do away from the distractions of other people. Meditative forms of exercise relax and revitalize you. Recommended routine: Tai Chi. Gregarious Personality you feel that meeting new people or being with friends makes exercise pleasurable. Hiking along a lonely trail holds little allure for you. You'd rather have someone at your side to share the experience. Recommended routine: walking/jogging with a friend. Here's the point. You can get back into shape by choosing an exercise routine that fits your lifestyle. Go ahead. Find your personality type above, match it to a fitness regimen that fits your lifestyle, then activate your new lifestyle, today. BACK TO TOP