MoST-EFFECTiVE
The 5-Season bodyMind Types
woRkouT iS
RElATiVE
Humans experience the world
Spring | The Lion | The Warrior Spirit
on all human levels simultane-
Psycho-physio profile:
ously—physically, emotionally,
Typical fitness club member/trainer; good competi-
intellectually and spiritually. You
tive athlete; large-boned mesomorph (naturally mus-
and your spouse or friend may expe-
c
rience the same event in profoundly

ular and able to shed weight); strong musculature
different ways. Part of that experience
Intrinsic motivator: Achievement/action
is created by the way you’ve learned
Most compatible workouts:
to process information. Another part
Conventional, highly physical or active exercise
is given by the way you are genetically
predisposed to process information.
Springs are the quintessential go-getters. Their number one intrinsic motivator
For example, while T’ai chi ch’uan,
is their initiative and drive for achievement. Springs are mavericks, pioneers,
the internal soft martial art for health and
adventurers and entrepreneurs—‘take charge’ people.
longevity, is beneficial to everyone, each
Springs have a strong mental component to their temperament and like to
individual will experience it differently,
think they have logical reasons for everything they do—although decisions are
and not everyone will enjoy it. If you aren’t
just as likely to be based on emotion and instinct. They are competitive and
enjoying yourself, you probably won’t slide
impatient; others may sometimes interpret this as being pushy or controlling.
into that flow moment that reveals your soul
Springs love conventional strength/cardio workouts, which satisfy their
to your inner eye.
need for stimulation and a sense of achievement. Their best intrinsic mo-
I do many things—I surf, ski, practice
tivator toward regular exercise is a sense of competition—if only against
yoga and dance a lot, aware that it’s not the
themselves.
dance performed that is important; it is the
Springs tend to lose focus or get distracted by the next challenge
experience of the dance, one’s appreciation of
that comes along. So, while Springs are the least likely to enjoy T’ai chi,
its depth and meaning—its soulfulness. All of
the practice can help them stay in tune with their body’s signals, balanc-
these activities nurture the bodymind. If you
ing their tendency to ignore their intuition and even physical warnings
steer toward experiences that are more com-
like pain. It also can help them stick with an exercise routine through its
fortable and successful for you, you’ll make
depth, both of different exercises and principles, which provide logical
your efforts to stay fit and healthy irresistibly
reasons to work out.
fun, and therefore effective. If any given activ-
ity doesn’t transport you to an “Aha!” moment,
Summer | The Horse | The Free Spirit
try something else that will.
Psycho-physio profile:
kNow YouR TYPE,
Will try new, fun things; small to medium-boned me-
FiNd YouR woRkouT

somorph; lean dancer’s body
One way I help people identify what fitness/ Intrinsic motivator: Spontaneity
wellness pursuits would be irresistibly fun
Most compatible workouts:
for them is through a 5-Season BodyMind
Hatha yoga, low-impact aerobics, dance, jazzercise,
Typology. I developed this system with other
Nia, circuit-training, walking, hiking
experts based on meta-analysis of dozens
of different typologies, including Ayurvedic Summers are spontaneous, fiery, charismatic and dra-
typing, Chinese 5 Element theory, Meyers- matic, but also intensely loving and empathetic. They feel emotions strongly,
Briggs and Human Dynamics. whether their own or another’s. They are great communicators, the life of the
It also factors in the truth that people party, and often solve problems by talking things out. Summers tend to think
feel better about exercise when they of problems in terms of the people involved and how they are feeling. Some
are successful doing it. Also, that your may view Summers as touchy-feely.
body may feel better or more natural Summers tend to make good athletes, dancers and gymnasts. They love to
in a workout that most efficiently uses have fun, to do activities that involve other people, but not necessarily with any
the type of muscle fiber of which you particular end result in mind; it is the process that inspires them. Summers are
have the most: fast-twitch fibers, about more than the goal. They often stick with an activity because of the people
which are especially good for an- involved, not the activity itself.
aerobic, strength-type movement; Workouts like aerobics and jazzercise can draw out the strong feelings on
or slow-twitch fibers, which are which Summers thrive. Yet, because pouring out their own inner energy sends Sum-
most efficient at aerobic, endur- mers out of balance, they also need inner-directed or meditative activities to conserve
ance-type movement. their inner energy. Group classes in hatha yoga and T’ai chi ch’uan can satisfy their
dual needs for connection and meditation; solo activities like walking and hiking give
Summers the chance to hear their own soul.
January 2009 1
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