5 tips for finding the right workout for YOU

You've decided that you're ready to start committing to a workout routine but you have no idea what to do.  Past efforts were short-lived because you lost steam, over-committed, were bored stiff, got injured, found it financially unsustainable... But now you've finally acknowledged that exercise is a MUST if you are to stay off happy pills (exercise is a natural mood-booster), stay employed (exercise makes you smarter), stay alive (30 minutes of daily movement improves longevity).

But what to do???

Here is what I advise my clients and friends to consider before dropping major cash on snazzy workout clothes and equipment:

1. What are your physical limitations?  Are you currently or recently injured? Are you extremely overweight?  Do you have an illness or other physical impediment that restricts your mobility or advisable effort level? (Always consult your doctor before embarking on a physical regimen if you're just getting started).  While Crossfit, eg, is all the rage among certain circles, I would not recommend it for anyone who has any of the above concerns. It's important to be realistic and avoid setting yourself up for failure. Likewise, just like college isn't for everyone, neither is a marathon or Ironman.  Take a physical inventory and be smart.  Also, consider the fact that we are all cut out for certain types of workouts, there is nothing that suits everyone. Some people are better suited, physically, energy-wise, personality-wise, to high impact workouts while this is disastrous for others. Leave ego aside and ignore what the media and Facebook statuses tell you and do what works for YOU.
2. Whom do you admire?  In other words, do you look at a Zumba class and think to yourself, I want to look like those women, wearing Zumba clothes, dancing to the regeton and salsa beat in sneakers?  Do you want their bodies?  Or do you look at participants in a masters swim class and think, that's my ideal body?  I first took up triathlon to a large degree because I admire the typical triathlete's body: it's strong overall because of the cross-training, unlike runners who tend to be skinny and (in my view) imbalanced.  I then added yoga because I admire the yogi's balanced strength, both inward and outward.  Take an honest look at participants in the activity you're considering and decide whether or not that's a goal "look" that would motivate you. (Yes, this is superficial and that's OK).
3. Are you a loner or a social butterfly?  I find that women in general do best when their workout has a social aspect.  They either can do it with a buddy or with a group, to keep them accountable, to have a forum for venting and receiving emotional support.  Others treasure their workout time as their silent, alone time.  It's important to be honest with yourself about this.  If you crave the social connection, you won't be as happy with a workout plan that has you doing P90X in your living room alone every day, whereas the town boot camp or local yoga class may be much more appealing. A workout loner will be happier going for solo 6am runs.  
4. What are your resources? Both in terms of time and money.  Honestly evaluate how you spend your time.  What are your time wasters that you can cut out in order to fit in your workouts? If Dancing With the Stars is a MUST for you, then DVR it for after your workout. Everyone has fluff time to work with, it's just a matter of acknowledging it and then reprioritizing. And remember - you can have a great workout with only 10 minutes. That's right - do ten minutes of sun salutations every day and I guarantee you you will be much stronger after a month.  Or do this fabulous 7 minute workout.  As far as money goes, plenty of workouts are free. But if stand-up paddleboarding is a big goal of yours and you need to shell out the cash, then figure out what you can cut out in order to have that money (cigarettes? Starbucks? Cable?).  Where there's a will there's a way.
5. What will you find FUN?  That's the most important part. If I don't enjoy something or at least love the feeling it gives me when it's over, there's no way in hell I'm sticking with it.  Life is too short and there are too many annoying things we have to do (laundry, pay bills, deal with fighting siblings), so our workout shouldn't become another burden to bear.  That being said, starting something new is often more scary or uncomfortable than fun and pleasurable, but eventually it will become something you look forward to doing. Really. Transitioning from walking to running becomes less laborious. You finally can hold that forearm plank for a minute without feeling like your trembling body is going to explode. You realize you just swam 100 yards without stopping to gasp for air.