Fitness and Your Personality Type

July 15, 2009

Let’s start with Nonphysical Personality Analysis:

Are you a workaholic who spends 12 hours a day in the office?

Do you balance work with play?

Is it difficult for you to get motivated?

In the late sixties, two cardiologists Drs. Roseman and Friedman developed the “Type A” personality profile. They discovered a correlation between a certain personality type and an increased change of developing heart disease. Type A personality was characterized by extreme competitiveness, a driven desire for achievement, aggressive behavior, impatience, restlessness, feelings of constant pressure and overwhelming responsibility. Type A’s are not very good at coping with stress.

The opposing personality profile is called “Type C”. Type C persons are phlegmatic. They do not feel time constraints or responsibility. Type C’s may feel they have no real control over what happens in their lives and will postpone doing today what they can do tomorrow, next week or a month from now. Procrastinators. They tend to be submissive and passive letting others take the lead.

The “Type B” personality is the balance between these two extremes. They are assertive without being aggressive, although they are motivated they allow themselves time out to do things they enjoy. They have more of a life/work balance. They also have a sense of responsibility for their actions but know when a situation is beyond their control.

If you feel your Type A or Type C personality is chronic or creating dysfunction or disharmony in your life, or you feel constantly under pressure or hostile and out of control – then you may feel it’s time for a change. Walking can help you find a balance.

Personality change involves a long-term walking program and varies depending on the type of changes you want to make. You will need to focus on intensity, speed and duration. If you are a Type A, be careful not to become too compulsive about your walking program. Don’t spend more than an hour 3 to 5 days a week walking. A Type C might walk every day for 20 to 40 minutes at a moderate to brisk pace.

The following test will help you to ascertain where you fall within the Type A to C spectrum.

What Type Are You?
Circle the number that most closely represents your behavior.

	Never Late	7	6	5	4	3	2	1	Frequently cancels appts
	Avoids competition	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Very competitive
	Finishes others sentences	7	6	5	4	3	2	1	Doesn’t pay attn as others speak
	Always rushed	7	6	5	4	3	2	1	Never rushed
	Doesn’t mind waiting	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Impatient
	Always can give more	7	6	5	4	3	2	1	Everything is too much effort
	Takes things one at a time	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Does many things at once
	Emphatic & loud speech	7	6	5	4	3	2	1	Speaks slowly & quietly
	Needs work recognized	7	6	5	4	3	2	1	No satisfaction from work
	Fast (eating, walking)	7	6	5	4	3	2	1	Slow to do things
	No motivation	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Hard driving
	Hides feelings	7	6	5	4	3	2	1	Dwells on feelings
	Follower	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Leader
	Disappears in social situations	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Dominates social situations
	Inflexible to suggestion	7	6	5	4	3	2	1	Submissive

Now add up your points. Scores range from 15 to 105. The higher the score, the more Type A characteristics you have, and the closer the score is to 15, the more you are a Type C personality.

A score of 60 would make you the quintessential Type B. Undoubtedly if you are a Type B, in some instances you will fall closer to Type A and in others closer to Type C.

A high score (over 90) indicates that you may be at risk for stress-related illnesses, including heart disease, and should use 10-minute walks throughout the day to diffuse stress.

If you scored below 90, you are not in any “danger,” but walking can certainly help you recover from stressful times in your life.

If your score was below 50, you may not have enough stress in your life. Remember, change is essential.If you are a Type A, forget about any mileage or speed goals on longer walks. Use your walking time to unwind.

If you are a Type C, you might benefit from entering short walking races (1 to 3 miles), which will increase your feelings of accomplishment and belonging. Also be aware of your breathing as you walk. A shallow breath might indicate that you are tense as well. Breathe deeply using your diaphragm so your stomach and chest expand with each breath. A deep breath will give you energy if you are feeling lethargic and relax you if you are feeling tense.

To learn more about the many physical, mental and emotional benefits of walking – go to walk2bfit.com (click here).