Red
Like a siren in a chase, Reds love to be where the action is. Reds experience life through their senses, craving stimulation and adventure from the physical world. Moving is natural; physical activity is about being alive. While Reds are oriented to activity in the physical world, the idea of putting time aside for “exercise” seems tedious and boring. Reds understand the importance of fitness and incorporate it in their active lifestyle or by training for a goal with others.
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Reds have a robust and playful nature and love games, sports, contests, and competitions. With their quick reflexes and in-the-moment attention, Reds are drawn to fast-paced activities that involve speed and thrills and that demand quick reflexes – such as basketball, tennis, or mountain biking. Reds are fully engaged in the moment. Their personalities are casual and spontaneous. They prefer to go with the flow and stay open to opportunities as they arise. Sporting get-togethers are open and flexible, seamlessly set up with no pressure. For Reds, “be prepared” is not a simple maxim; it’s a way of life. The trunk of their cars may look like a sports-equipment swap meet.
Goal-oriented, Reds are hands-on people who enjoy frequent short-term victories and intermittent competitions. Reds typically find exercise itself to be tedious. Reframing exercise as “training” is much more effective. Training to stay in shape for a sport or goal provides a focus that helps Reds push through an otherwise boring routine. And, of course, everything is more fun with other people.
Playful, enthusiastic, and people-focused, Reds enjoy interacting with people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures and have a knack for stimulating others to enjoy themselves. With few exceptions, Reds prefer physical activity with others – it’s a favorite way to connect with people, and indoor at the gym, being with others combats boredom. Reds have a way of finding a training partner at the gym, whether by inviting one along or attracting one right there with their outgoing natures.
Solitary, indoor, routine exercise alone is too confining for Reds. It doesn’t provide enough variety, challenge, or opportunity to use the skills Reds enjoy most. If they must exercise alone, they’ll watch TV or listen to their favorite music on their iPods to keep themselves going.
Advice for Reds
Biking
Mountain or road biking is an effective way for you to explore the outdoors, get your heart rate up, and challenge yourself. Find people to ride with who are at your level and will keep you from getting bored during a ride.
Cardio Machines
If you must work out indoors, seek out a machine with a view of the outdoors. You can make the experience more fun by competing against a friend or by training for an adventurous fitness challenge.
Group Fitness
Choose classes that are high-energy, fun, and sociable. Look for fitness centers with a variety of classes where you can drop in as your schedule and whims allow. Find upbeat instructors with great taste in music.
Running
Get outdoors and enjoy spontaneously (or casually planned) runs with your friends. You can keep your energy up by setting mini-goals for yourself and competing against yourself or others. Make sure to have your running gear close at hand for when the opportunity presents itself.
Strength Training
Your strength routine should feel fun and be geared toward measurable results. Find workout buddies at a similar level, and add motivation by working with an upbeat trainer who will give you plenty of feedback.
Team Sports
Fast-paced, fun, and competitive sports like basketball, racquetball, and tennis will keep you interested. Choose games where you can funnel your high energy, quick reflexes, and intensity while still having fun. Casually planned or spur of the moment pickup games work better for you versus highly-structured sports leagues.
Walking and Hiking
Requiring minimal planning, this is a great way to invest in your physical activity while connecting with your friends and family. Get lost in nature and observe the world around you. Play games along the way to infuse the experience with a sense of fun and competition.
- Choose activities and sports that are fun and can be done with others and maintain a network of active people.
- Fill your phone with your favorite music to keep you moving, especially when exercising inside.
- Keep gear handy so you’ll be ready for action when an opportunity opens up.
- To avoid injury, resist your natural impulse to “leave it all on the field.” Go easy on yourself.
- If you use indoor equipment, find or move it near a window so you can enjoy views of nature and outdoor activity.
Group Ex Classes
The Y offers more than 5,000 group exercise classes per year! Find a class at your family center that’s perfect for your fitness color and schedule.
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