If you start exercising for health care or diet, but you find yourself increasingly reluctant to do it, it may not be because your willpower is weak, but because the exercise you are doing is not suitable for you.
According to a research team from the Department of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK, only 12% of people make an exercise plan and completely stick to it. As for the reason, experts say, “The exercise being done may not suit the person’s personality.”
There is also research showing that if exercise does not match your personality, you will fall into a slump. The University of Hertfordshire research team also said, “The results of the study showed that if you decide to exercise, you can more easily succeed if you make a plan that suits your personality.”
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that people who chose exercise that matched their personality enjoyed exercise more, stuck to it more consistently, and improved their skills more than those who chose exercise that did not match their personality.
You can get the best results when you exercise appropriately.
All types of exercise have positive effects on the body at the cellular level. It may help reduce depression and anxiety by stimulating the release of mood-boosting neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins.
However, if you are enjoying the exercise that is right for you, the psychological effects can be greater than this brain chemistry. Research has shown that intrinsic motivators, such as personal growth, autonomy, and enjoyment, are more strongly associated with consistent exercise habits than extrinsic motivators, such as weight loss or appearance goals.
In other words, exercise is most effective when it meets core emotional and psychological needs. Research shows that adjusting exercise to suit your personality can improve performance.
A meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who chose exercise routines that matched their personality traits performed better overall and were much more likely to exercise consistently over time.
So, what kind of exercise is right for your personality? We looked into exercises suitable for each personality type that have been found through various studies.
extrovert
People with an extroverted personality are characterized as being sociable and actively revealing their inner thoughts and emotions. Experts say, “These people have an excellent ability to interact with energy,” and “For people with an extroverted personality, exercise that feels active is good.”
These exercises include high-intensity interval training (HIIT), long-distance riding, and team sports such as soccer and basketball. One study found that people with extroverted personalities enjoy strenuous exercise, including high-intensity interval training.
These people had high baseline physical strength and excellent maximum power and cardiorespiratory capacity. Experts say, “Extroverts tend to like to socialize, so making exercise plans with close friends makes the exercise more effective,” and “exercise in a team is especially good.”
They added, “Extroverts need healthy competition to drive their momentum,” and added, “When they exercise with friends, they become immersed in exercise through competition with others.”
an introvert
Introverts generally prefer solitary activities and quiet environments. I find it particularly energizing when I can focus inward without feeling like I’m doing something for someone else.
Experts say, “For introverts, exercises such as yoga, swimming, hiking, or weight lifting while wearing headphones help develop perfect inner focus.”
Research shows that introverts enjoy structured, repetitive exercise where they know exactly what to expect. For example, walking or running on the same path or practicing Tai Chi.
One study found that introverts were more likely to enjoy low-intensity, private exercise, such as walking alone or light home exercise. These exercises provide introverts with autonomy, space, and a calm pace, supporting both physical health and emotional regulation.
An anxious and worried person
For people who are anxious or anxious, a quiet, low-pressure environment can make exercising more enjoyable. Experts say, “This could be working out alone at an apartment gym, working out at home, or any activity that creates a calm and focused atmosphere, such as yoga, swimming, tennis, golf, or anything else.”
People with anxiety, like introverts, tend to prefer exercise at a slower pace and in smaller spaces or completely alone. The latest research shows that these people adapt well when they engage in private, low-intensity, non-threatening exercise.
Additionally, people with anxiety have been shown to benefit significantly from any type of exercise. One study found that regular physical activity helps reduce anxiety by lowering stress hormones such as cortisol and increasing calming neurotransmitters.
impulsive person
If you are an impulsive person who just acts on your mind and hates making plans, you need another way to get regular exercise. Write down your exercise plan in detail, including when, where, and how. Experts said, “It’s also a good idea to break your goals into smaller pieces.”
For example, you can make small action plans such as ‘I will succeed in running a full marathon within a year’ or ‘I will run at least 3 km more every month.’ People with impulsive personalities tend to like vigorous exercise such as sprinting. Contact sports such as taekwondo, basketball, boxing, and ice hockey are also good.
a curious person
People who are always looking for new things and have a lot of curiosity are the most active types when it comes to exercise. I especially enjoy outdoor activities such as walking and cycling. Studies have shown that people with curious personalities exercise to relieve stress and choose unconventional lifestyles.