If you’ve ever started a fitness plan only to lose steam a few weeks in, science says it might not be entirely your fault, your workout just might not match who you are. A new study from University College London finds that people are more likely to enjoy and stick with exercise routines that align with their personality.
Here’s how different personality types responded to exercise during the eight-week study:
- Extroverts liked high-energy workouts (like HIIT) but often dropped out before the study ended and didn’t show better fitness gains.
- Neurotic participants preferred calm, solo workouts at home and had the biggest drop in stress.
- Conscientious people were already more active and fit, leaning toward structured, scheduled workouts, though they didn’t always enjoy them more.
- Open-minded types disliked intense sessions but stuck with the program and were open to new activities like hiking or dance.
- Agreeable individuals enjoyed relaxed, longer workouts like easygoing bike rides.
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So, what can you do with this info to help you on your fitness journey? If you’re starting or restarting a fitness routine, try this approach:
- Pick workouts that match your natural preferences.
- Start small to build habits that last.
- Don’t compare. Your best routine may look totally different from someone else’s.
- Let your personality guide you and let exercise shape you in return.
According to psychiatrist Dr. Blaise Aguirre of McLean Hospital in Arlington, Massachusetts, there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to staying fit, but he suggests your best bet is to know yourself, stay consistent, and be patient.
Source: NBC News
