NOT SURE WHAT WORKOUT TO DO? WHAT'S YOUR PERSONALITY?

 

Matching Your Workout to Your Personality: The Key to Fitness Success?

Are you an extrovert who thrives on high-energy group classes? Or an introvert who prefers the solitude of a solo run? According to a new study published in Frontiers in Psychology, aligning your fitness routine with your personality type could be the secret to enjoying your workouts more and sticking with them long-term.

The research, led by associate professor Flaminia Ronca at University College London, found that our personality traits strongly influence which types of exercise we find most engaging and exciting. "It's OK if we don't enjoy a particular session," Ronca explained. "We can try something else."

The study looked at the Big Five personality traits used in psychology: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability (neuroticism), and openness. Here's what the findings suggest about the ideal workout for each personality type:

Extroverts: Bring on the intensity! If you score high in extraversion, you likely crave the adrenaline rush of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and the camaraderie of team sports. Consider trying:

• HIIT classes
• Group cycling
• Team sports like soccer or volleyball
• High-energy bootcamps

Conscientious types: Set those goals Highly conscientious individuals tend to thrive on goal-oriented exercises. You may love:

• Weight training with progressive targets
• Marathon or race training
• Joining a run club with mileage goals

Anxious? Embrace solo sweat sessions For those prone to anxiety and mood swings, light, one-on-one workouts in a private setting may feel most comfortable. Think about:

• Personal training sessions
• Private Pilates or yoga instruction
• Avoiding crowded group classes

Open and agreeable: Keep it fun and varied If you're high in openness and agreeableness, you likely crave variety, fun, and a sense of play in your workouts. You might enjoy:

• Dance-based classes like Zumba
• Rock climbing
• Martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Trying new class formats frequently

Introverts: Enjoy the solo burn
To no one's surprise, introverts tend to prefer exercising alone, often at home. Great options include:

• Solo running, biking, or swimming
• At-home yoga or Pilates
• Strength training in a home gym

The bottom line? There's no one-size-fits-all approach to fitness. By choosing workouts that jive with your personality and preferences, you set yourself up for more enjoyment, consistency, and ultimately, results. So listen to your inner exercise instincts - your ideal workout is out there waiting for you.