Finding the motivation to exercise can be a challenge for many individuals. Making exercise fun is often seen as the ultimate goal for those who struggle to stay active. Instead of forcing yourself to enjoy activities like running or attending a gym class that doesn’t resonate with you, recent research suggests a more effective approach. According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, aligning your workout routine with your personality type may be the key to enjoying physical activity.
The study reveals that individuals possess different personality traits which influence their enjoyment of various types of exercise. For instance, extroverted individuals tend to prefer high-intensity workouts that involve social interaction, such as team sports. Conversely, those who score high in neuroticism, a measure of emotional stability, tend to favor private workouts that allow for short breaks and less social pressure. This distinction is crucial as it highlights the need for personalized exercise routines based on individual preferences.
Flaminia Ronca, co-lead author of the study and an associate professor in exercise science at University College London, notes that conscientious individuals tend to engage in a well-rounded fitness regimen. “Conscientious individuals are more likely to be motivated by the health benefits of exercise,” Ronca explains. “Understanding how personality influences the types of exercise we are drawn to can help engage sedentary individuals.”
These findings carry significant implications for promoting physical activity, especially considering that only 22.5% of adults and 19% of adolescents globally meet the World Health Organization's recommendation of 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Angelina Sutin, a professor at Florida State University who specializes in the relationship between personality and health, emphasizes the value of a more personalized approach to exercise. “Typically, we advise people to engage in certain types of workouts without considering their individual preferences,” Sutin states. “For individuals high in neuroticism, recommending low-intensity exercise may lead to greater engagement.”
It’s also crucial to understand that personality traits can interact with one another. Some individuals may score high in both neuroticism and conscientiousness, meaning they might feel anxious about exercising but are still likely to participate due to their understanding of its health benefits. This complexity underscores the importance of a tailored fitness approach.
To conduct their research, Ronca and her team assessed 132 participants aged 25 to 51 through a comprehensive questionnaire that evaluated their personality traits based on the widely recognized five-factor model: extroversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness. Paul Burgess, a co-lead author of the study and a professor of neuroscience at UCL, explains that personality traits reflect behavioral tendencies shaped by cognitive capabilities, such as attention and memory.
After the personality assessment, participants underwent fitness tests and were divided into two groups: one followed an eight-week cycling and strength training program, while the control group engaged in just 10 minutes of stretching exercises weekly. Out of the original group, 86 participants completed both pre- and post-testing throughout the eight weeks. The results indicated that while fitness improved universally among all personality types, enjoyment levels varied significantly.
The study also highlighted how personality traits influence stress levels in relation to exercise. Participants with high neuroticism reported a significant decrease in self-reported stress, a finding that stood out compared to other groups. Ronca remarked, “Those who would benefit most from stress reduction were the ones who actually experienced a decrease in stress after eight weeks of exercise,” signaling a powerful message about the mental health benefits of finding the right type of workout.
Given the numerous advantages of exercise, including stress alleviation, both Ronca and Burgess advocate for exploring alternative exercise options beyond conventional workouts that may not appeal to everyone. Burgess warns against an overemphasis on competitive sports, especially for young individuals facing increasing demands. “Many personalities may not thrive in high-pressure environments and could find traditional sports stressful,” he explains.
Ultimately, recognizing the connection between personality traits and exercise preferences can lead to more effective and enjoyable fitness regimens, encouraging a broader range of individuals to embrace an active lifestyle.
