The science behind your workout choices: How your personality shapes exercise choices

Ever wondered why some people thrive on grueling high-intensity workouts while others dread even a short jog? It turns out your personality might hold the answer. A recent study by researchers at University College London explored how the “Big Five” personality traits—openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism—affect exercise preferences.

By studying over 130 volunteers with varying fitness levels, the researchers discovered clear links between personality and workout enjoyment. From extroverts loving group-based high-intensity sessions to neurotic individuals preferring private, short bursts of activity, the findings suggest tailoring your fitness routine to your personality could improve both motivation and results.

How personality shapes exercise enjoyment

The study found that personality traits strongly influence the types of workouts people enjoy.

Extroverts were most drawn to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which combines short bursts of intense exercise with brief recovery periods. The social, energetic nature of HIIT aligns perfectly with their outgoing tendencies. On the other hand, people high in neuroticism—those prone to anxiety or obsessive thoughts—preferred shorter, private workouts that allowed them independence and minimal monitoring.

Conscientious individuals, who value discipline and goal-setting, gravitated toward aerobic and core-strength exercises, focusing more on health outcomes than sheer enjoyment.

What is high-intensity interval training (HIIT)?

HIIT alternates between intense activity and recovery periods, making it efficient for improving cardiovascular health and burning calories. It can be performed aerobically, such as sprinting or brisk walking, or anaerobically, like weightlifting.

Since 2014, HIIT has consistently ranked among the top fitness trends globally. For extroverts, the fast-paced, visible nature of HIIT workouts provides the stimulation and social engagement they crave, explaining why they often report higher enjoyment levels in such sessions.

Neuroticism and why private, short workouts can reduce stress effectively

Neurotic individuals showed a preference for short, private workouts over longer sessions in public or monitored settings. Interestingly, this group was the only one to experience a notable reduction in stress levels after exercising.

The findings suggest that providing space and autonomy in workouts not only caters to personality but can also maximize mental health benefits for certain individuals. Short, independent sessions allow neurotic people to feel in control while reaping the calming effects of physical activity.

Conscientiousness and how structured exercise routines support long-term goals

Conscientious participants tended to stick with aerobic exercises and core-strength routines. Their motivation often stems from long-term health goals rather than immediate enjoyment.

This insight highlights that even if someone doesn’t “love” a workout, aligning it with personal goals and structure can sustain consistent engagement. Well-planned and disciplined routines help conscientious individuals track progress, maintain consistency, and achieve measurable results.

Openness and why creative, less strenuous activities appeal more than intense workouts

People scoring high in openness, characterized by curiosity and creativity, were found to enjoy less strenuous activities over highly intense workouts.

This may reflect a preference for variety, novelty, and less predictable challenges rather than repetitive high-intensity sessions. Open individuals are often drawn to exercises that stimulate their imagination or allow exploration, such as dance, yoga, or outdoor adventures, rather than conventional high-intensity training.

Why tailoring workouts to personality matters

Understanding how personality influences exercise preference can make workouts more enjoyable and sustainable. Dr. Flaminia Ronca of University College London notes that leveraging personality insights could help individuals stick to their fitness regimes and ultimately improve health outcomes. By aligning exercise with inherent traits, people may find workouts less of a chore and more of a rewarding habit.