Struggling to make exercise a lasting habit? You’re not alone. But a new study suggests that the key to consistency may be hidden in your personality. Researchers from the UK found fascinating links between your personality traits and the types of exercise you’re more likely to enjoy—and stick with.

In this article, we’ll break down what the study discovered, explain how your personality type influences workout preferences, and offer practical tips to help you find (and love) the right fitness routine for you.

1. How the Study Worked
To understand the connection between personality and exercise preferences, researchers recruited over 130 participants.
Each person first took two short online assessments:

• Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10): measured their stress levels.

• Big Five Inventory (BFI-10): evaluated five major personality traits—extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, and emotional stability (the opposite of neuroticism).

Then, participants went through physical fitness tests including push-ups, planks, and stationary bike rides of varying intensity (from easy to high-intensity intervals). They rated how much they enjoyed each workout on a scale from 1 to 7.

Half the group followed a structured 8-week home program involving strength training and cycling at three intensity levels. The other half simply stretched once a week and continued their regular routine.

2. What the Study Found About Personality & Fitness

Here’s where things got interesting: your personality traits may actually predict how you respond to different kinds of workouts.

Extraverts:

• Enjoyed high-intensity workouts and VO₂peak testing

• Showed greater improvements in effort-related performance

• Were often part of fitness communities like running clubs

Tip: If you're outgoing and energetic, try HIIT workouts, group classes, or competitive sports.

Conscientious People:

• Logged more physical activity hours and had lower body fat

• Were highly goal-driven and more likely to stick with a fitness plan

• Preferred workouts that emphasized progress and discipline

Tip: Set long-term goals (like training for a race or hitting a strength milestone). Track progress regularly to stay motivated.

Neurotic Types (low emotional stability):

• Didn’t enjoy long, low-intensity workouts

• Surprisingly preferred short bursts of intense exercise like HIIT

• Noted the greatest reduction in stress levels from consistent workouts

• Were less likely to log data or complete follow-ups

Tip: Choose workouts with less downtime to avoid overthinking—short and intense may be best. Keep sessions simple and achievable.

Open and Agreeable Individuals:

• Reported more enjoyment from slower, steady workouts

• Were more likely to complete the study and stay engaged

Tip: Try yoga, walking, or moderate-intensity cardio with a creative twist (dance, hiking, etc.). These types enjoy variety and exploration.

3. Real-Life Application: Match Your Workout to Your Personality
Understanding your personality can make it easier to find a workout that feels less like a chore and more like something you want to do.

Ask yourself:

• Do you love competition or prefer inner focus?

• Are you self-motivated or do you thrive in a team?

• Do you enjoy routine or spontaneity?

Suggestions by Personality Style:

• Solo-minded introverts → Strength training, solo runs, yoga at home

• Community-focused extroverts → Bootcamps, group cycling, dance fitness

• Structured and goal-driven types → Training plans, apps with progress tracking

• Adventurous and curious minds → Try new classes weekly, outdoor challenges, varied routines

4. Our Expert Takeaway
This study highlights a simple but powerful idea: you’re more likely to stick with an exercise routine that aligns with your natural tendencies.

Even better? You don’t need to overhaul your lifestyle overnight. Start with small steps:

• Add 10-minute workouts throughout your day

• Explore new classes or routines without pressure

• Focus on enjoyment, not perfection

Remember: Any movement is better than none. Build consistency first—intensity and results will follow.

Conclusion:
Your ideal workout might not be the one your friend swears by—but the one that matches your personality. Whether you're driven by goals, crave intensity, or need variety, there's a fitness path that fits you perfectly.

Action Step: Take a moment to reflect on your personality, try one new type of exercise this week, and track how you feel after.