My Fitness Personality Color - Saffron

Thursday, January 14, 2010

YOOVIE posted a blog about her color of fitness with a link to take this simple online test to find out what your fitness personality color is. It thought it was fun and I took it too. Here is the link to the article and there is a link in the article to the actual test if anyone's interested.

http://www.experiencelifemag.com/issues/
november-2008/fit-body/your-fitness-pe
rsonality.html

Mine results said I was Saffron. Here's the description of a Saffron fitness personality.

Fitness Color: Saffron Seeking, Making Workouts into Play
Motivation, Approach, Focus

Saffrons prefer an easy-going and casual lifestyle and are attracted to easy access to exercise that requires minimal process or advance planning. Keeping plans to a minimum provides more opportunities to enjoy the kick they get when life hands them the unexpected. For them, serendipity provides an extra measure of enjoyment and fun. Though Saffrons appreciate being physically active, imposed routines and schedules that limit their flexibility to engage on their own terms soon become burdens that inhibit rather than encourage physical activity.

Although their outward demeanor is relaxed, inwardly Saffrons can be intense. With a challenge in front of them, they apply themselves to the task with quiet commitment. Competitive—with themselves more than others—Saffrons are engaged in setting difficult and often physically demanding goals. Physical pursuits are in fact a great balance to their intensity, providing a cleansing relief from constant inner analysis, debate, and searching.

Independent, and often perfectionists, Saffrons are drawn to activities that require a high level of performance. Boredom can be a concern for Saffrons, and they find satisfaction in physical pursuits that push them to higher fitness levels.

Saffrons maintain physical activity by finding elements of challenge, fun, freedom, and flow. They love creating a rhythm and keeping it going. Convenience is an important consideration—many Saffrons say it’s essential for making physical activity appealing. Every step they must take on the way to exercising is another opportunity to get off-track, so the fewer decision points between the idea and its execution, the better. With their intuitive natures, Saffrons can easily make the mind/body/soul connection and might be attracted to exercise with that as a component.
Environment and Interpersonal Connections

Saffrons lean toward outdoor settings for most of their cardio activities, enjoying the freedom and flexibility the outdoors provides. Although they might go to the gym for some of their cardio, many report their gym visits have a particular purpose, like lifting weights, for example. With their attraction to movement and flow, many Saffrons enjoy group fitness classes, if the music is to their liking and it’s fun!

Saffrons enjoy exercising alone—and with others, as long as the interaction is not demanding or confining. For instance, they might enjoy light banter with a running partner. It’s not unusual for Saffrons to train for a marathon with a family member or friend, but it won’t happen if there’s much to-do about dates and schedules ahead of time. Arrangements must be convenient and relaxed. Because Saffrons rarely consider themselves as part of a group, they deal better with a few like-minded people, rather than an organized gathering. For the same reason, Saffrons often choose unusual sports or activities, e.g. Ultimate Frisbee, Taiko drumming, or bouldering.
Saffron Efficients (INTP)

Saffron Efficients will seek trainers primarily when they want to learn specific skills or improve their performance in a particular area.

Saffron Harmonies (INFP)
Saffron Harmonies seek to partner with trainers. It is important that the trainer understands and is aligned with their values.

I thought it was interesting because it really does describe pretty closely what I am like. Thanks to YOOVIE for the link.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TLSPEARS1 1/15/2010 3:55AM

Thanks Linda for the comment on my blog. Congrats on reaching the big 5-0. Keep it up! One day at a time. You can do it. Report Inappropriate Comment

DAWNWATERWOMAN 1/15/2010 12:25AM

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing with us Linda. Keep on chasing your goals. Lots of love to you my friend. Love, Dawn Report Inappropriate Comment

SALDABA6 1/15/2010 12:05AM

um um I went to the link you provided and it just gave the colour answers. doesnt say where to do the test?? Report Inappropriate Comment

TRICIALICI 1/14/2010 10:30PM

That is interesting - I think I'll take a look at the site tomorrow. I actually recognize quite a bit of myself in the Saffron description. Thanks for taking the time to share! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUSAN134 1/14/2010 8:54PM

This seems to give you a lot of information....going now to take this quiz and see what I am. Thanks for sharing! Hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

SHY1965SJ 1/14/2010 8:31PM

Just did mine waiting for the email to tell me my color this should be interesting. Thanks for the link. Report Inappropriate Comment

STEFICHELLE 1/14/2010 8:31PM

Thanks for sharing. This was quite interesting. Report Inappropriate Comment

JUS911 1/14/2010 8:10PM

Interesting ~ I'll have to chekc it out and see what my color is! Report Inappropriate Comment

Hit the big 5-0 !!! Not years - Pounds lost

Thursday, January 14, 2010

I already hit the big 5-0 in years a few years ago. But I'm excited because today when I weighed myself I weighed exactly 175 lbs. When I started this journey last summer I weighed 225. That means exactly 50 lbs lost since the first part of July!!!! That was before I found SP in November and my weight tracker on SP only reflects my weight since November. I started on my own, but found this site which has spurred on my committment and helped me keep from getting weak and quitting like other times. There is only one other time in my life when I've lost this much weight, and that was about 12 years ago. I gained it back but this time I want it to be for keeps. I'm making lifestyle changes and looking at it in a whole different way then I did back then. I want to get to 140 so I still have 35 lbs to go. I've never been at a "normal" or healthy weight since beginning elementary school, so weather 130 or 150 or 140 or somewhere in between will be what I need to settle at will depend on how I feel best at, but fo rnow 140 seems a good number. Probably not much lower than that. But I'm so excited with myself and I thank everyone who has contributed to this site that has kept me motivated when I probably would have lagged and fallen back into old habitss. Thanks Everyone!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DAWNWATERWOMAN 1/15/2010 12:24AM

Great job on losing 50 pounds! WooHoo! You're doing GREAT! I am so proud of you and HAPPY with you!!!! Keep up the good work my friend. 140 will be yours before you know it. I'm cheering for you. Love, Dawn Report Inappropriate Comment

LISA170 1/14/2010 10:41PM

Congratulations!!! I am happy for you! Lisa Report Inappropriate Comment

GEINAHG0757 1/14/2010 7:13PM

What a SUPER accomplishment! What are you doing to reward yourself? Report Inappropriate Comment

SGKAYLOR123 1/14/2010 6:29PM

Keep up the great work that's awesome!! You are an inspiration! Report Inappropriate Comment

TRICIALICI 1/14/2010 1:43PM

A BIG congratulations for a HUGE accomplishment! Congratulations, and good luck as you work on the last pounds to reach your goal! Report Inappropriate Comment

STRINGI719 1/14/2010 1:24PM

That is AMAZING, Linda! I can't believe you lost 50 pounds in 6 months! Thank you so much for the motivation - now I KNOW I can lose at least 50 pounds before the end of 2010!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

PFLEEG 1/14/2010 12:14PM

Wow! Great job! Report Inappropriate Comment

MISTEANJAVA 1/14/2010 12:14PM

I love that you are vacillating on your goal weight. I too am aiming toward 140, but feel that when I get THERE I will know. I appreciated most this quote from your entry..."I'm making lifestyle changes and looking at it in a whole different way then I did back then." Thanks! and keep up the good work. You are motivating me today Report Inappropriate Comment

MELOSPARKLE 1/14/2010 12:12PM

Congratulations!!! 50 lbs lighter! You must be so happy!!! Keep up the good work!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Hiking yesterday in Las Cruces

Monday, January 11, 2010

I needed a print cartridge for my laser printer for work and the small town I live in doesn't have them. So I decided to take a trip to Las Cruces 2 hours away to get it. Anything for an excuse. I got the cartridge and checked out some of my favorite stores like Ross, Hastings, Big Lots (Christmas isn't that far past and I'm still pretty broke!) And I also fit in a hike. I had seen a trail at "A" Mountain, otherwise known as Tortugas Mountain. The hill has an "A" for Aggies maintained by the University of New Mexico students on the west side. There are also some towers up there.

There are trailheads starting from various points. I started on the east side of the hill at the Monte Vista parking lot. I had never been on this trail before and thought it might go straight up the hill but it actually went around the hill instead. There was still a lot of up and down climbing though.

There were a few people on the trails. I saw a couple of bike riders and a couple of people jogging and a few hiking. Altogether it took a little over 2 hours to make the hike. There were enough people to feel that if something happened to me someone would see me within a few hours, but few enough that I got to enjoy the solitude. We have a lot of cacti as this is desert area


From the east side there was great views of the Organ Mountains

and from the west side there were views of the city of Las Cruces

On the southern side of the mountain were several roads and trails that branched off for future possibilities of hiking.


It was a great day and I really enjoyed it. Now it's Monday and back to work.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PAULASTRAS 1/13/2010 11:21PM

How beautiful. love cactus one of them is huge. Glad to hear you had a good time....long way to go get cartridges :) Great pictures to put in a picture frame cascading them. Or print out on transfer paper and make pillows. I just might do that. :) thank you Linda for sharing them. love and hugs, Paula :) Report Inappropriate Comment

GYPSYHEART 1/12/2010 4:11PM

Linda, I loved the photos. They made me feel so peaceful, almost like being there. Report Inappropriate Comment

RACHELRB 1/12/2010 2:59PM

What a great idea- how smart of you to get some exercise in when you have to 'go to town'. I spent a week in the Santa Fe area in June of 2008 and just loved it. DH says it would be a nice retirement spot someday. Report Inappropriate Comment

DAWNWATERWOMAN 1/12/2010 1:15PM

Really nice. Thanks for sharing the hike with us. It was almost as good as being there without getting too tired and sore. Love ya, Dawn Report Inappropriate Comment

NEED2DROP50 1/12/2010 11:24AM

I always appreciate blogs with pictures! On Runner's world they have the Rave Run pictures..that was a Rave Hike! Way to go! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 1/11/2010 9:41PM

WOW! beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeutiful! thn x for the virtual hike. xoxo Report Inappropriate Comment

WHEELS54 1/11/2010 3:24PM

Hi. I live in AZ and do a lot of hiking at South Mountain Park with my dog. It is fun, good exercise. We have an A Mountain too, right next to ASU campus. I have hiked up there too, great views. Tnanks for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

STRINGI719 1/11/2010 2:58PM

LOVE IT!!! Thanks for sharing about your hike, and the wonderful pix, too. I used to have a mountain that I really like hiking back in Phoenix, and this one seems to look similar in size and ecology. I'll have to try it sometime - although it's not often I get into Las Cruces without the 2 kids! Report Inappropriate Comment

ALMA_DIVA 1/11/2010 2:00PM

Linda that's great! I live in Las Cruces and love hiking but, it's been 4 years since I've gone anywhere to hike. Your blog reminded me of the beauty of our city and the enjoyment of being out there in this crazy, beautiful desert. I will squeeze a hike in this week!! Thank you!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Sometimes family just doesn't get it

Saturday, January 09, 2010

My 31-year old daughter called me this evening to ask me something. Then she asked what I had done today. I told her I walked 9 miles. Her response was "Mom!" like I was crazy. I told her I'm training for a 15-mile walk in March. So she asked me what's going on with this weight loss and all these walks and stuff. Do I have a boyfriend they don't know about? I just have to laugh. She just doesn't understand it isn't to please someone else or look good for a boyfriend or anything like that. It's about being all I can be for myself. I told her no I don't have a boyfriend but I need challenges and motivation and things that are fun to me. She still didn't really get it. Must be something to do with a man she thinks. Ha ha ha. Not even looking. Too busy getting to know more about myself and to love myself deeply to worry about that. If the right guy dropped out of the sky I wouldn't be opposed to it but God would have to knock me over the head with it. I love my life right now. I've been single for 20 years now and am not doing all this self improvement to attract someone or because " I'm in love". Except with myself LOL. I raised 5 kids by myself and went to college while they were young. After they were grown and starting to get out on their own (except this same daughter who kept moving back in with her kids and husband) I took care of my elderly mother. She's at rest in heaven now and for the first time I can think about pursuing things I want to do. I'm not knocking those who are married or looking for someone because we all are different. So don't be offended or think I'm a "manhater". I think I'm just one of those women who really are happier on their own. I've got lots of things I've thought about before but since reading The Spark about goals for every area of my life I'm realizing I can really set goals to do some of those things that I hadn't really thought possible. Lookout world, here I come!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MEADSBAY 1/11/2010 9:39PM

What a wonderful positive outlook you have! It is time, after a lifetime of caring for others, to take care of numero uno! Many women (married or not) have a hard time with this. You are one smart cookie, I mean Sparky! xoxo elizabeth Report Inappropriate Comment

STRINGI719 1/11/2010 11:55AM

So inspirational! Thanks so much for openly sharing of yourself. I agree 100% that this change HAS to be for yourself. Any time you try to change for someone else, it doesn't work, or it doesn't stick. Please keep sharing, it's incredibly motivating to others! Report Inappropriate Comment

GLORYLIGHT57 1/10/2010 10:23PM

Oh...I love your energy and spirit. God has blessed you with the ability to stand strong on your own; that's a wonderful gift to have. It's great that you are able to walk 9 miles, so many can not. Great Success to you on your 15 mile walk in March. Report Inappropriate Comment

DAWNWATERWOMAN 1/10/2010 10:14PM

You are woman Hear you ROAR! I love it. Funny how some foks just don't get it. I GET IT. Glad that we're getting it together! Love you, Dawn Report Inappropriate Comment

CAPECODSANDI 1/10/2010 8:29AM

You sound like a very strong, independent woman. I too raised 4 kids alone, went back to college and just recently remarried after 15 years of being single. It isn't easy finding a man who respects a woman who is fiercly independent, has a career, a strong mind and will. It is heaven when you do finally find one though!I commend you on thinking of yourself, woman for too many reasons never take care of themselves. Kudos to you and I hope you reach all of your goals! Sandi Report Inappropriate Comment

JAKEANDNELLIE 1/10/2010 4:54AM

Keep on going! My family is a lot the same way, except it's my mother and brothers (I'm single, never been married, no kids). They always expect me to fail - it's always seemed like I'm willing to so they won't be wrong. Not this time! I haven't even mentioned SparkPeople and they have noticed any changes, or at least said anything to me. Keep on walking. I wish I could walk distances like that, but my knee just won't take it. I am up to 2 miles most days, though. Stay focused, determined, and positive. Put yourself first! Sheila Report Inappropriate Comment

BIGT_56 1/10/2010 1:14AM

You Go Girl!!!! My kids think I am crazy ever since I bought a bicycle three years ago and started going on organized rides and camping out to do them. I think our kids see us as their mom and not as a real person with thoughts and dreams of our own. I know what you mean about learning to love yourself. I was married 30 years to a wonderful man that died all too soon at the age of 49. I had went straight from my mother's house to living with my husband. For the first time in my life I can do things just for me and I like it! Now if I could get my children to "launch", especially my daughter I could really enjoy some "me" time. I have declared 2010 to be the "Year of Me"...whether my kids like ot or not! Report Inappropriate Comment

CYCLINGSANDY 1/10/2010 12:02AM

Your daughter's comments remind me of the ones I get from my daughters about my bike riding 35+ miles several times a week. They think I am obsessed or crazy-nutty. I know they are supportive of me, but they just don't get it I need to do this for myself. Just as you need to do it for you too. Hang it there! We'll show them who is in better shape! We are! Good for you walking 9 miles! Report Inappropriate Comment

FRANRN76 1/9/2010 10:58PM

It should always be about "YOU". Changing ourselves for others will not make us happy.. I hope that you have some fun!!! Live your life for you!! Sounds like it is about time too.. God Bless Report Inappropriate Comment

Annual rabies vaccination day...Fun!!!

Saturday, January 09, 2010

Today I took my lab Abigail

to get her annual shots and city license. That is always so much fun!!! Not because she hates it or fights it, but because she just gets so darn excited! Since she weighs close to 100 lbs, trying to keep a very excited dog under control at the rabies clinic held at the Humane Society where there are other dogs and cats is my workout for the day LOL. She's excited to get in the car, she's excited to get there, she's excited to get out, she's excited while filling out paperwork and paying, she's excited while getting the shots, she's excited going back out the door again and excited getting into the car and excited about every dog, kid, person, bike, etc she sees on the street as we are driving. She's a bundle of energy. The volunteers at the shelter were laughing at her when I had to give her age and I told them she was 7 years old. They said she's more excited than the puppies that go through there! She's so funny. And she sheds a ton. So I have hair all over me by the time we get back and all over my car, which is why she doesn't get to ride with me as much as she would like to. I've tried covering the seats but it doesn't work. There is still hair everywhere and she's usually so excited that the covers don't stay in place long. But I do take her with me sometimes. I just have to know that when we get back I have to go vacuum the car out good before anyone else (including me on days when I'm working) gets in it so they won't get covered with hair. Which is where I'm off to now..... to the vacuum!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SCIFIREADER 1/9/2010 2:30PM

I can just bet that she is a blast on a walk, keeps up your pace for you. She sure looks like a sweet heart. Report Inappropriate Comment

DAWNWATERWOMAN 1/9/2010 2:03PM

Just think, even more calories to be burned while vacuuming. You should thank her for the great day of cardio! Thanks for sharing it with us, your spark friends. Love, Dawn Report Inappropriate Comment