11 questions to design the exercise routine you’ll stick to

We all know that different people have different interests, hobbies and tastes. So why do most of us believe there must be one secret approach out there?

In truth, there is – but the one that’s right for you won’t be the one that’s right for me – just like for diets.

So how can you design your perfect plan? Gretchen Rubin at The Happiness Project has set 11 questions to help you think about yourself and what might work for you.

Ask yourself these questions, and when you’re done, think about what kind of exercise routine would suit you best:

Exercise Questions

  1. Are you a morning person or a night person?
  2. Would you like to spend more time in nature?
  3. Would you like more time in solitude; or more time with friends; or more time to meet new people?
  4. Are you motivated by competition?
  5. Do you enjoy loud music?
  6. Do you do better with some form of external accountability, or does that just annoy you?
  7. Would you like to challenge yourself with exercise (whether by learning a new skill or pushing yourself physically)–or not?
  8. Do you like sports and games?
  9. Would you like more meditative time, or more time to watch TV, read newspapers, etc?
  10. Do you have a lot of control over your time?
  11. Are you sensitive to weather?

Hopefully, these will help you think about where you can start looking for your own personal goals.