What’s Your Fitness Personality?

If your one-size-fits-all workout isn’t working out, maybe it doesn’t suit you. After beginning an exercise program, 60% of people drop out within the first six months and 90% drop out within two years. “Tailoring a workout schedule to fit your personality can make it easier to maintain,” says University of Florida graduate student Amy Hagan who presented research results at the 2004 North American Society for the Psychology of Sports and Physical Activity annual meeting.

Hagen gave a 300-item questionnaire to 860 university students, sorting them into five personality traits: extraversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. The cheat-sheet below, based on Hagen’s study, hints at where you might fit:

Extraverted – You’re sociable, crave excitement and love activity. You’re always on the go and would easily work out six days a week if you could fit it in. An intensive gym workout schedule of aerobics classes and weight training suits you better than slow workouts at home alone. When home alone is the only option, listen to music to help keep you going.

Open – You’re receptive to new experiences and prefer variety. Regularly scheduled workouts won’t do. Frequent outdoor adventures that include physical activities keep you motivated to get in peak shape.

Agreeable - You’re easygoing and usually go with the flow. Exercising regularly is not a problem for you, especially in the morning. But you’d happily tag along with any of the other types.

Conscientious – You’re strong-willed, determined, achievement oriented and organized. You prefer to take charge of your own exercise routine so it gets done right. A high-intensity workout with self-scheduled sessions suits you best. You’d rather lead your own cardio than have a fitness instructor micromanage you. Hire a fitness professional for a one-time consultation. Then take it from there.

Neurotic - You’re emotionally sensitive, a worrier, and easily scared or embarrassed. You are the least likely to exercise, but would get the most out of it because regular exercise reduces anxiety and stress. Boost your mood with cardio or low-intensity workouts. A home treadmill is a better investment for you than a gym membership. Better yet, try yoga, tai chi, and a dog that brings you his leash.

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