What Type Of “Gym Personality” Are You?

After conducting research looking at attendance patterns, frequency and preferred gym activities of its members, LA Fitness, with 275,000 members, has revealed that gym goers typically fall into four clear gym ‘personality types’. If you’re a gym member, or thinking of becoming one, it’s highly likely you fit into one of these groups.

Are you a Junkie addicted to the gym like Mel C or Madonna, or would you say you’re a Flunkie that breaks into a cold sweat when you even see a gym like Johnny Vegas or Charlotte Church? Are you more likely to be found pounding the treadmill, or floating in the Jacuzzi? Or are you somewhere in-between?

Mo Shapiro an independent psychologist and author who has years of experience at examining the link between healthy minds and bodies analysed the results and commented on these four personality types to help people recognise what gym personality type they are and how they can convert a new year resolution into a lasting relationship with the gym.

Mo Shapiro comments: “LA Fitness has uncovered some interesting personality groups regarding gym membership and use. If you are considering joining a health club you have made a huge step towards taking accountability of your health and wellbeing. Whether you’re a Junkie Jane or Flunkie Frank, the key to converting the initial burst of enthusiasm of a New Years Resolution into a lasting healthier lifestyle is to understand what personality type you are, set yourself realistic goals, understand what types of activities motivate you and seek regular help and assistance to reach your goals .

Discover which type you are:

Flunkie Frankie
Flunkie Frankie is typically younger than the average gym member and while she likes the idea of being a gym member, she finds it hard to get motivated enough to actually go. When Flunkie Frankie has actually made it to the gym, she is usually there in the evening and is mostly found chilling out in the sauna, or doing a few leisurely lengths in the pool. She will occasionally dare to venture onto the treadmill but is much more at home in the Jacuzzi.

If you’re a Flunkie Frankie, take advantage of qualified staff on offer at LA Fitness who can offer you free advice and build you a programme that will motivate and stimulate you to achieve your gym goals.

Celebrity Flunkies: Johnny Vegas, Charlotte Church

Mo says: “Flunkie Frankie displays very little or no commitment to the gym, and despite joining has absolutely no desire to actually go. If you equate yourself with Frankie, it’s best not to crash straight into a full exercise programme, but rather start off slowly and build up. The same mannerisms might be displayed in your personal life.”

Steady Eddie
Steady Eddie is typically found pounding the treadmill, working the cross trainer and using the same resistant weights at the same time, on the same day, week in, week out. Normally the older gym member, Steady Eddie usually in and out by 10am, and is goal orientated with a strict exercise programme they won’t deviate from.

If you’re a Steady Eddie, why not introduce some variance into your gym routine? By using the same programme your body will develop a resistance and your workout will become less effective. By simply varying the machines you use your body is being continually challenged. For the more adventurous – why not try a studio class?

Celebrity steadies: Philip Schofield, Prince William

Mo says: “Steady Eddies are just that. Steady, reliable and dependable. But sometimes that can be interpreted as predictable and staid, and perhaps Steady Eddie needs to introduce some variance and spice into their routine.”

Dip in and out Doris
Typically in her twenties, Dip in and out Doris is occasionally found in studio classes, the next time Doris could be using all the machines or even swimming laps of the pool – or simply not at all, relaxing in the sauna. With no real pattern, no goals and no agenda, Dip in and out Doris drifts from class to machine, from machine to pool – when she is actually at the gym.

Dip in and out Doris needs a bit of structure, a routine, some goals and some positive encouragement. By simply talking to both gym staff and studio instructors, you can set herself targets and even better – reward yourself when you achieve them!

Celebrity dip in and outers: Britney Spears

Mo says: “Dip in and out Doris appears very flighty in her gym life, but does show the commitment to actually go to the gym, perhaps Doris needs to find a class or a routine that motivates her and develops her commitment.”

Junkie Jane
Junkie Jane is always working out. Typically under 30, Jane is a motivated, goal orientated individual and knows how to get the best out of the gym – nearly always there first thing in the morning. Jane varies her workout between spin and circuit classes, gym work and high intensity sports, such as squash.

If you think you’re a Junkie Jane, perhaps you’ve achieved all you want to from the gym, and you’re looking for that little bit extra. Why not change your career to suit your gym obsession and become a Personal Trainer, or simply mentor other members to get the best out of their gym membership.

Celebrity Junkie Janes: Madonna, Melanie C (Scary Spice)

Mo says: “Junkie Jane is obsessed with the gym and the endorphin rush you get at the end along with the wellbeing feeling that goes with exercising. But perhaps Jane is taking it a bit too far, and could be facing burn out – both in the gym and in her personal life. By simply pacing herself, Jane is more likely to last the distance.”

To find out more about how LA Fitness can help you improve your health, simply log on to lafitness.co.uk or call 08700 675 747.