Nov 06 2008
What Color Are You?
All signs point to SILVER for me. However, I see little flecks of saffron, green, and red in there too… is it possible to be a rainbow?
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I read about the 8 Colors of Fitness in one of my favorite magazines, Experience Life, over the weekend. (You can read it here - opens to a PDF) and because I am obsessed with fitness right now, and I love the color concept, I did the test and found out more about my “fitness color”.
The author of the book bases her research on the well-known Myers Briggs Type Indicator test that asks you a series of questions. From these questions, it estimates your personality type, and assigns you a four letter analysis that tells you more about yourself. Like most tests, it is never “spot-on”, but it can be educational and enlightening to analyze yourself in this way. From this test, the author uses these personality traits and matches them with different exercises and fitness philosophies that you may hold. She encourages the reader to try new activities that they may have not discovered before, thinking that they may be a good match with personality.
While the Myers-Briggs official test is often administered for a cost (usually in the workplace, or in a school) there are similar personality tests that can give you an indication of your personality type. I found a free useful online tool at this website. With the results of that test, you can take the results and apply them to the 8 Colors philosophy. The 8 Colors of Fitness website also gives a beta test that you can use to determine your fitness color too.
I have taken the test twice, and I keep on getting SILVER, so maybe there is no denying the fact. Reading over the description on the website, it gets pretty close to me, but there are still some things that aren’t quite right… but I find that I have some of the other color traits… and maybe that is all the more true – silver reflects other colors! 
According to Myers-Briggs, I am an ENFP personality. This also puts me in the group for the RED fitness color. While I see some bits of myself in that description, I don’t think it really fits me.
As I stated above, fitness and wellness have become a major part of my life in the last few months. When I first started my weight loss journey in 2006, I had great success in a relatively short span of months. However, as time went by and complacency grew, I gained some of the weight that I had lost back. My weight fluctuated thorughout 2007 and early 2008. When I got Lyme disease and some associated illnesses this past June, I knew that this was the time to truly focus on my health. While I could not exercise when I was most sick, I focused on my diet. In late July, I made the switch to a full vegan diet. Having been a strict vegetarian since I was 14, it was not extremely hard for me to stop eating dairy and egg products. When I found a great doctor to help treat my Lyme, she urged me to also cut out sugars and gluten products to eliminate any associated risks of re-infection. And because my health (and my life, in no uncertain terms) depended upon it, I gave those two things up over night. Fruits are okay, but no added sugars. I have had a few little slips with sugar and gluten – mainly in sauces – but things are really going well on that diet front.
Once my energy levels started to come back after my first course of treatment and supplements in September, I was able to slowly start exercising again. This truly made my heart happy. I genuinely love exercise and it was hard for me to remain sedentary. (That is how I read so many books at that time!) Since I am finding such marked improvement due to these medications and my diet, I am challenging myself further with new fitness opportunities. So this little test comes at the right time!
Before I got sick, I had started to research the idea of entering a yoga teacher training program (YTT) in order to deepen my own practice, as well as share my love of yoga with others. According to my fitness color – this is a very SILVER thing to do! So, if all goes as planned, I will be starting YTT in January 2009. I recently reconnected with a friend from college (through Ravelry of all places!) who just finished up the YTT at the same studio! it seems like fate to me! I am practicing yoga daily – four studio classes a week and several home practices. So, with exposure to many activities, I guess one can naturally gravitate towards the activities that best suit their personality traits. I know this is the case with me: I love yoga, as well as spinning (group cycling), hiking, and weight training. Finding what you love and finding the ability to stick with it: that is the key!
If you are interested in reading more about my own regimen, I have started to update my Weight Loss page again – I will be doing another entry this week to record more weight loss! (yea!) I am also planning to write up an informational page here on my blog about Lyme disease and the associated co-infections: I receive questions about it each day, and I want to provide links to some of the great resources available. SO, if you are interested in either of these topics, please stay tuned!
…in the meantime, take the little fitness test and share with me what color you are! even better, update me and let me know if this inspires you to get up and go!
So glad to hear you are really on the road to recovery, and will be starting your YTT in January!
BTW – I’m a blue efficiency
It makes alot of sense for me. Although I like yoga more than most other exercise, and don’t like gyms at all.
Hi Lolly – thanks for the link. I am a Red Efficient.
Hurray! It is great to hear that you’re feeling better enough to think about yoga teacher training. I bet you’d be a great teacher! I can’t wait to hear about it, too. I’d love to try yoga sometime but it’s so confusing to me, which type do you try for beginners? how do you learn the beginning and then how do you figure out how do to it at home? Confusing.
Thanks for the link! I’ll definitely check it out later.
That’s really interesting! I’m blue, but I think I have some green tendencies, too. Keeping a training log sounds like it could be very helpful for me.
Congrats on adjusting to the new diet and committing to fitness!
I loved both these tests! The personality one was pretty spot on. And my color is “saffron” which is totally true! That must be why I prefer bicycle touring and really long bike rides and have recently gotten a trainer so that my gym time can be very specific.
So interesting!
I’m a silver effecient; not surprising since I tested as ENTP. Thanks for the link!
I am White Harmony, apparently. It rings pretty true though. Thanks for sharing!
So interesting! I’m an INFJ, which is a white harmony. Kind of interesting. I’ve been working out regularly for four weeks now (whoo-hoo!), and most of my favorite activities are listed there. Definitely pretty spot on for me. Neat!
Thanks for the link, Lolly! Seems I’m a Keep it Simple Silver. At least, right now I’d *like* to be — gotta start actually doing the exercising.
Very cool, thanks for sharing! The test indicates I’m a blue efficiency, but my INTJ indicates I’m more white. Either way, they both list my favourite activities as good choices
And I do hope you’re able to go ahead with yoga teacher training. I’ve just started taking yoga classes again, and with this teacher, it is so inspiring! It’s amazing how much difference it makes to have a really great teacher.
It gave me Blue Efficiency, but my Myers-Briggs profile (INTP) indicates Saffron Efficiency. I can see a little of myself in the blue, but saffron is definitely more accurate.
I tested as Green Harmony, but I’m definitely Saffron. I have a major dance addiction.
Very interesting — thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing all of this!
I’ve been struggling with weight loss issues of my own, and am fortunate to have been able to address many of my own roadblocks through acupuncture. I’m at a place now where I feel like all of the tools are in place and I just need to get going!
My best to you!
And I think I will take that test later today…
This was fun! I’m a Gold Harmonious – which totally jives with the Meyers-Briggs testing that I did a million years ago. The funny thing is that the activities that I enjoy doing really fall in the green category. Although when in the gym I’m a Gold to a T. I love my classes, love my spot in the room (put me anywhere else and I’m a mess) and I love my instructors and the people in my classes.
I’m in a rough place in terms of fitness right now, having a hard time carving time for myself so its inspiring to follow your plight. I have no major medical issues holding me back so I’m inspired to get moving with you.
I’m a Gold Effeciency, and the description makes sense. Esp. when it comes to exercise I decide what my goal is (complete a triathalon, do a century on my bike etc.), then figure out the training pattern to reach that goal.
I wonder if anyone has done this w/ knitting?
I tested as a green efficiency! funny… way to go with your yoga teaching plans! Very exciting…
Apparently I’m a Blue Harmony…which doesn’t fit my Myers Briggs type. Hmmmm. I do agree with what it says about my color type, though…
I spot a pair of Keens!
Thanks for the test link – I tested as Green Efficiency, which sounds fairly accurate, with maybe some saffron and red mixed in.
Good luck on your YTT – I have been interested in that before, but I am not disciplined enough to keep up my yoga practice on a regular basis.
i’m a sliver too! “silver harmony” it’s called
That is so interesting!
I’m Green Efficiency. Which is a bit strange, because I don’t think of myself as particularly efficient (other do though, and joke about it), or particularly outdoorsy – I enjoy hiking but spend most of my days inside with books. Hmm…
Your excercising and dieting are inspiring. I’m veggie too, and have been for years, but I really like cheese and would find it pretty hard to give it up if I didn’t have to. I don’t enjoy going to the gym (and, as a poor grad student, can’t afford to anyway) and I really dislike jogging, which doesn’t leave a lot of outdoor activities. I don’t go hiking as often as I would like, due to having to work at weekends and not having a car (Scotland = not great for public transport to the mountains). I’m going to take up Yoga and Pilates again – I was quite good at sticking to my routine when I was an undergrad, but the thesis and grad life seem to have interefered more than I anticipated.
Keep up the good work – if you can keep it up than I can!
Very neat concept! I tested out to be a Silver Harmony but I think I’m half silver and half saffron!
What a fun test! I’m saffron harmony and the description seemed to fit pretty well.. I’m very impressed by your determination and steadfastness on the diet / fitness / health front. It’s an inspiration to the rest of us – keep up the good work!
thanks Lolly, i was saffron…. can’t weight… to check out your weight loss page.
I started yoga a few months back and absolutely love it. I’ve been thinking about uping my classes and had thought about home yoga too. Wondering how you go about your home study? Do you use dvd’s or do you set your own up?
They are starting a teacher training here soon and i’d thought about taking it but I don’t think I’m quite there yet. I’d like to get some more practice under my belt before I take that on.
I am a Saffron and it is SO TRUE!
I love the Myers-Briggs Temperament Sorter – thanks for linking to this article. I am forwarding a link here to all my friends!
HI Lolly! I am a blue and I agree totally with that.
I am glad you are feeling better and able to be back into an exercise routine that you enjoy!
Thanks so much for sharing this Lolly! I’m a Saffron and it’s so true!
This particular sentence cracked me up, it’s so spot-on:
“Although their outward demeanor is relaxed, inwardly Saffrons can be intense”
yes, it does inspire me! Thanks for the link to the article! it sounds very interesting. I’m so happy to hear that you’re feeling better
Interesting- it says I’m a blue harmony. I’m not sure that matches my Myers-Briggs, but it does seem accurate to my fitness style! I am very much about following the rules, doing the tried and tested, and keeping track of my workouts.
Exchanging pleasantries is definitely a big part of my fitness, too! I workout with another knitter every weekend, and now run with my boyfriend, too. I love working out with friends- it’s such a motivating factor for me, and after all I’m a chatty person, too.
Thanks for linking these!
I am ENFP too and SILVER! This was a very interesting article.
Oh wow, that’s really interesting! I’ve never seen the 8 colors of fitness before!
I’m Saffron Harmony (INFP).
That’s pretty much me to a T! I can see how this could be really helpful for people who have a hard time finding the motivation to figure out what exercise activities are a good fit.
Thanks for this post Lolly, I am really enjoying reading the article. I’m a Saffron (but not totally). I’m often struck with some of the apparent parallels in our lives. I also started a weight loss journey in 2006, and have had my (literal) ups and downs since then. I was researching training as a yoga teacher earlier this year before becoming very ill over the summer (with pneumonia). And, like you, I’ve just signed up to start training in January. I’m so looking forward to it! Oh, and I also work in a museum.
Hey Lolly, your post is really inspiring! I took the test and I am blue efficiency–it is spot on. Glad to hear you are feeling better, and good luck with the yoga class!!
I’m an INFJ, which translates into White, which makes a lot of sense. Every time I’ve tried to get a weight loss or fitness program started, I get majorly hung up on creating charts and graphs to show my progress, and when I see no progress, I don’t feel motivated.
I’m a Saffron Efficiency, but I don’t necessarily go in for the “spontaneity” that seems so much a part of a Saffron. Other than it’s pretty accurate, though I definitely see some white and especially green in me. I’m so glad you’re feeling better. I’m super interested in your diet and how that’s effected you. I eat pretty healthily, but I’m looking for ways to boost my health and energy. How do you deal with breakfast? Do you pack a lunch?
Hi Lolly. I am a Silver Harmony – no surprise there, as I am also a Certified Purna Yoga Instructor and own a yoga studio. It’s a good thing I like mixing “work” with play! I will begin offering teacher training in February, and every time you talk about becoming a yoga teacher I think “How great!”. I hope that you have a wonderful experience at your studio!
What a fun little test! I’m a Green Harmony, which is a spot on description of my fitness style.
Congratulations on your health journey. Very inspiring!
I am “Saffron Harmony”! And it’s true, I much prefer exercise that is interesting and engaging – one of the reasons the classes I’ve liked the most are martial arts, and belly dance. Both are exercising while I’m learning something that is interesting to me. And I do love being outside, when I can. The one gym class that I’ve liked the most so far is Zumba.
How fun! In the MBTI, I’m a INFP which fits the Saffron, which I got when I tested first time. Second time, I got the White Harmony which also fits me but is also opposite of the Saffron…I guess with me…it varies. Congratulations on your decision. It’s going to be an amazing journey. One of my friends finished Ana Forrest’s training over the summer and it has changed her life from what I’ve seen. Goodluck!
I’m interested in the nutritional choices you mention. It sounds like you have removed a lot of things that are common to an American diet – could you say something about what you do eat day-to-day?
I’ve taken the MBTI (or similar tests) several times, and I always come out an INFJ or INFP…my J and P swing back and forth, but never to extremes. Going by those types, I am either Saffron or White. The descriptions of both of those from the 8 Colors sound very accurate for me. However, I went to the 8C site and took the test there twice…the first time I came out Silver, the second time Purple. Both of those are “E” types — I am so NOT an E — and the exercise descriptions don’t jive well either. Kind of interesting that the type ended up being so different for me there! I think I’ll stick with what I know myself to be.
That was fun. I took both tests and they totally matched up with each other. INFP and Saffron Harmony. Now, all I need to do is start exercising!
It’s good to hear you’ve recovered from Lyme and that you’re back to doing what you love.
I took the test and I am a Blue. When I read the profile I was laughing out loud at my computer–that is so me. But what the test unfortunately can’t take into account is my wicked arthritis and that exercise in the gym is the worst kind for me. Luckily I do really enjoy yoga (I was doing Kripalu/Iyengar for a while and it really helped me) and I can do it here at home. I can’t imagine what it would be like to get instructions in German!
Congrats, I am so glad you decided to go after the teacher training! I looked at the article, I am a blue, it matches my ISTJ personality too.
thanks for the fun link….I am green
The test says I’m a blue efficiency, but my myers-briggs says I’m a white… after reading both descriptions, I’m a little bit of both!
Thank you for the interesting link. I forwarded it to my sister who is a health and fitness professional. I tested as Saffron, which matches my Myers-Briggs (INTP or INFP depending on how I’m feeling at the time). I think Saffron efficient fits me pretty well. When I am able to exercise I prefer Pilates and ballet – there is music and flow but also structure and challenge.
I’m happy you decided to pursue the yoga teacher training – that’s so exciting!
I’m a Saffron Harmony. I love Nature so much, I thought I’d be Green. I’m naturally drawn to any fitness pursuit that takes place outdoors and yoga. Apparently I’m INFP. I’m not sure exactly what that means yet.
This was fun…will think about it some more when I have more than a minute
Fascinating! I got green, which is usually my favorite color, but saffron seemed to make more sense to me when I read the descriptions (and matched my Myers-Briggs). \
And good on you for fighting back against Lyme! A couple of my relatives have it, and it’s made life very hard for them. I look forward to reading what you have to say.
Congrats on YTT! I’ve been wanting to start yoga for sometime now. Maybe this could me a new years goal.
I’m blue. Thank you for this tip, I enjoyed reading – I fit some of the profile but not all – like everyone else:) I hope to re-commit a little – my friend is starting weight watchers tomorrow – so I hope to support her by being her walking buddy! I did WW years ago and found it key to “re-thinking” what I eat. I am also a yoga lover – your practice sounds amazing – such dedication. Lots of good wishes coming your way on your Yoga training plan ! Good luck!
What wonderful fall walking weather! Lucky you get to wear your lovely knits. I’m happy to hear you are on the mend. Congrats on getting back on track.
I am most definitely a Red. It said I am Silver, which I can see, but red is all me!
Certainly an interesting site – said I was a Green, but in reading all of the possible results, I’m way more a Saffron than anything else (the convenience and flexibilty in scheduling is SUCH a big thing for me to keep at it). Oh well, lol!
I am an EIFP as well as a Saffron Harmony, although I would do the same things as a Saffron Efficient as long as I knew the person I was dealing with. No marathons though. Running doesn’t appeal to me. My back won’t stand for it.
I do think you would do well as a YTT. You have a way of making things clear without complication.
I am a blue efficient. Which matches my myers briggs type. It is interesting!
I love a good personality quiz, just the thing to calm me down for sleep tonight. For what it’s worth… I highly recommend YTT, I did it almost 5 years ago now and I was a fantastic experience. Not only does it deepen your own practice, but helps you to really know your own body, how it works and sometimes how to fix it.
I came out as a red harmony, but after reading the other colors, I think silver would have been more appropriate. Those quizzes are sometimes tough for me, because for some questions I’m completely ambivalent, and could answer either way! It’s hard to get an accurate result for me…does that ever happen to you?
So interesting! My fitness color is blue. I’m really trying to psyche myself up for working out more regularly (I really need to do it), so thanks for this little reminder.
Amazing how this has all fallen into place for you. I’m so excited that you’re going to be doing YTT soon – it will be an amazing, confidence-building, healthy experience for you. The additional weight loss is also great news – I’m glad that you’re back where you feel you need to be with that.
Beautiful images from your hike! We also went on a lovely hike yesterday. xoxo
It’s so interesting reading about your fitness journey and your approach to it.
I took the test and it was spot on – Saffron Harmony. I am an INFP and could so relate to the description. Once again, thank you for sharing with us. You’re a wonderful resource in so many areas!
This was really interesting. I am a blue harmony which matches my Myers-Briggs perfectly. Maybe you could join each of the colours with a new exercise for the next project spectrum? Then we all get to try a new type of exercise every month…
I always find personality tests interesting, thanks for posting links to some! My Myers-Brigg score came out as IFSP, though I think sometimes I might be more INSP. My exercise colors seem to concur … I tested as Saffron Harmony (INSP), but also see myself in the Green color (IFSP). I do like to have fun, that’s very important … but why workout in a gym if I could go run or bike *outside* ?! I like my exercise to be a natural part of my day, whether that’s through sports or very physical work/play.
I read this post a few days ago (totally side-tracked by all the fun links!)….congrats on the YTT! Sounds exciting!
That was a very interesting post! As I’ve been quite busy lately, I set it aside to read again when I’d have some time to read the article and take the test. According to my results, I would be a green, which is a bit surprising to me, as I’m not one to need to be outdoor as much as the green’s description says, but I guess I have something to learn from that result. On the other hand, it’s true that I’m one who likes to maintain fitness through activities of daily living, so part of the green’s description fits me. I also see some flecks of saffron and white in me.
I know very well what a difference a change in diet can make in one’s life! I’m glad that you could implement changes that help you get better, and reading about your experience is really interesting to me. Thanks for sharing! Also, I’m looking forward to reading your informational page about Lyme.
Hi Lolly,
I took the test and turned out to be a Saffron Efficiency, which correlates to INTP, which I totally am. I wasn’t even expecting that connection!
Greetings Lolly and Friends,
This is Suzanne Brue, author of The 8 Colors of Fitness http://tinyurl.com/65h9z8. I am thrilled that so many of you visited my website http://www.the8colors.com ,took the quiz, and posted comments. I read all of them with great interest! Lolly, what fun to meet you through your site, read your comments and posts, book recommendations, and all about knitting. For years, I always had at least one knitting project going. Knitting got me through some rough times. I haven’t knitted for years, but after looking at your site, I’m inspired to pick it up the needles again.
Back to The 8 Colors, my mission behind researching and writing the book is rooted in the simple truth—that pure exercise is boring for most people, and the key to sustaining exercise is to couple it with more natural and enjoyable aspects of your personality. I have found that people (especially women) beat up on themselves about not exercising. When what’s actually going on is they are trying to push through an exercise regimen that does not suit their personality. Knowing your fitness personality can save you false starts, time, trouble and lots of frustration!
Lolly, going through your website—I can see lots of Silver evidence. I loved when you wrote, “When I can’t decide what I want to do, I try to find a way to do them both.” Very Silver! Your big picture approach, varied interests, fascination with so many ideas, and general enthusiasm –all so Silver.
Congratulations on YTT—Silvers have a particular love for Yoga. As a Silver described in my book, “Yoga is a vigorous workout that doesn’t seem like exercise. I like the theory behind yoga, and the practice gives me a place to put my brain. I wouldn’t like if it didn’t have the mental dimension. “
Again, thanks to all for your interest in The 8 Colors. I’d love to hear from you with any questions or comments about the quiz and your fitness personality.
Suzanne
just catching up – that’s awesome that you’re starting YTT, lolly! please blog about it!