Quiz: What’s Your Exercise IQ?
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All work and no play can leave even the most energetic woman feeling completely worn down. A good workout is often enough to replenish inner supplies, but who has time to hit the gym? Instead of adding yet another thing to your already overflowing to-do list, figure out what exercise best suits your personality. That way you’ll make the time to do it. Tightening your ass while networking? Now, that’s the kind of multitasking we can really get behind!
1. Which weekend activity most appeals to you?
a. Joining a soccer league and scoping out a few new faces.
b. Biking along the coast and enjoying the scenery.
c. Enrolling in a morning meditation class and starting your day off right.
d. Washing the car while lip-synching to vintage Madonna.
2. How do you usually feel when you’re finished working out?
a. Pumped up and social. You’re ready to go out!
b. Tired but satisfied. You knew you could finish that 10K.
c. Calm and at peace. You feel that everything is right with the world.
d. Comfortable and productive. Now you’re ready to tackle that overflowing closet.
3. If you were to plan a date, which activity would you most likely organize?
a. Boisterous bowling with a few other couples.
b. A romantic walk through the botanic gardens.
c. An afternoon at a couple’s aromatherapy seminar.
d. An all-day cooking class, including a trip to the organic market.
4. What motivates you to work out?
a. A need to be active and make new friends.
b. A desire to get fit and release some energy.
c. A yearning to relax and rebalance.
d. A wish to get something done, and quickly.
5. What would you do if you won the lottery and could indulge any whim?
a. Sponsor a charity event and after-party.
b. Fly to New Zealand for a trekking trip.
c. Head to India for a holistic retreat.
d. Schedule a girly weekend at a luxury health spa.
6. When you’re away for business or pleasure, how do you unwind?
a. Sign up for an aerobics class in the hotel gym.
b. Talk to the concierge about the nearest hiking trail.
c. Unroll your room’s complimentary Pilates mat.
d. Power-walk around the city.
7. When you feel particularly stressed out, how do you like to relax?
a. Playing pool with friends.
b. Running away from it all—literally—with a long jog.
c. Investigating a new class, maybe some African drumming.
d. Cleaning your apartment until it sparkles.
8. If you could tell your college self one thing, what would it be?
a. Intramurals rock. Get your team together and hit the field.
b. Your roommate will not kill you for going to the gym instead of the bar with her.
c. Joining the tai chi club will help you focus, and it’s free.
d. Volunteering makes your heart—and possibly your biceps—bigger.
9. If you were approved for a “dream loan,” which dream would you make a reality?
a. Endowing a local fun run in your favorite teacher’s name.
b. Funding the construction of a trail for blind hikers in the local park.
c. Underwriting free yoga classes for disadvantaged youths in your area.
d. Rehabilitating maimed and injured animals at a nearby shelter.
10. What is the only song guaranteed to get you on the dance floor?
a. Sweet Home Alabama. Air guitar, anyone?
b. SexyBack. Justin Timberlake always gets you going.
c. I Will Survive. Who doesn’t love girl power?
d. The Way You Look Tonight. Sometimes you just need a Fred-and-Ginger moment.
Mostly A’s: Social Sweat-er
You’ve got a gregarious personality and see exercise as another way to meet and greet. The social side of sports is what appeals to you, and being around others may just spur you on to achieve your goals. Team sports including softball, soccer, or volleyball will appeal to your networking nature. Check out organized sports at your company for more opportunities to play.
Mostly B’s: Seeking Solitude
Exercising is your chance to break away from the crowd and grab some alone time. Solitary activities that allow you to connect to your surroundings are your idea of a perfect workout. Hiking, biking, swimming, and running are all activities that will let you take some time out. Make sure that your job allows you to live in or travel to areas that offer plenty of activities in natural environs.
Mostly C’s: Zen Palate
“Chill out” is your mantra. You enjoy activities that allow you to connect with your psyche, such as yoga and meditation. Getting fit is great, as long as mental health is included. If your schedule is too tight to fit in evening classes, research nearby studios that offer weekend seminars or consider a yearly retreat to recharge your batteries.
Mostly D’s: Exercise and…
You’re a multitasker at heart, and exercise for the sake of exercise is not your style. Instead, your workout comes from whittling down your to-do list at breakneck speed. Consider forming a power-walking group at lunch or making your best friend your tennis partner so you can catch up while you work out.