Every year, many people start a new fitness routine with the best intentions. Unfortunately, within a few weeks, the motivation fades and plans fall apart for many of them. Contrary to popular belief, though, it’s not because they lack discipline; rather, they did not realize that the workout they chose was not the right fit for their personality.
Melissa Crews, a certified health coach and certified personal trainer with Memorial Hermann, says finding the right workout starts with understanding yourself. “When you understand your personality, you’ll be able to find exercises that match your temperament,” she explains. “Matching your exercise program with who you are is crucial if you want to obtain the goals you’ve set for yourself.”
Why Personality Matters More Than Trends
Crews sees this mismatch pattern often, especially at the start of the year: A person makes a New Year’s resolution to get in shape, and they start out strong, but by mid-January they’ve fallen off the wagon. The problem, she says, is that they’re trying to follow programs that are not designed for them. Effort is not the main issue.
“People tend to adopt exercise programs or workout routines they either see trending on social media or hear about from someone they know,” Crews explains. “And while those programs and routines could work for a handful of people, it’s unrealistic to expect them to work for everyone.”
Crews encourages people to choose movements and exercises that they enjoy. Trends come and go; they may expose people to different kinds of workout programs, but nobody should assume they’ll all work equally well for them. “In order to stick to a program, you need to be interested in it. Maybe the workout plans your favorite influencer follows sounds good, but you should prioritize a plan that is aligned with who you are. Do something you enjoy,” she says.
The key is to better understand your preferences and lean into finding out what works for you. Crews noted three traits to track when it comes to determining your favorite workout: how much structure you prefer, whether you like working out alone or with people, and what intensity level you like in your workouts.
Structured vs. Flexible Personalities
One of the first traits Crews helps people determine about themselves is how flexible a person is with their workout regimen.
People who prefer structure tend to like predictability and a well-planned schedule. “Folks who like structure tend to have clear expectations of their time in the gym, know what workouts they’re going to follow and want to record measurable progress,” Crews says. “These individuals often enjoy knowing exactly which days they exercise and which they rest, and they find great satisfaction in checking off completed workouts.”
Others dislike this kind of rigidity and instead want flexibility. “The flexible person enjoys having a menu of options that allows them to choose how they want to pursue their goals,” Crews explains.
For example, this kind of individual knows they need to get their strength training in, but they can be flexible in how they do it, whether it be body weight, free weights or machine exercises. They also can be flexible in when they choose to participate in their workouts.
However, Crews notes that flexibility still requires accountability. Even if you have a go-with-the-flow personality, it’s important to have an accountability partner, such as a friend, colleague or health coach. Having accountability in your life will help keep you on the path toward your goals.
Introverted vs. Social Personalities
Another factor is how much people prefer to engage with others while exercising.
As you might imagine, introverts often prefer solo workout environments where they can escape the world and spend time alone in the gym. “Introverts tend to have their headphones on and stay really zoned in on their workout,” explains Crews.
If you are an introverted personality and choose to sign up for a group fitness class, Crews cautions that “the chances of you maintaining the class successfully are going to be a little bit slimmer.” For these individuals, home workouts, solo gym sessions or quiet outdoor walks may feel more sustainable.
Social personalities are the opposite. Extroverts often thrive in a social gym environment. “These folks will thrive in the group fitness activity or in recreational sports,” Crews says. “For them, connection is part of motivation, and they can achieve that by different means, whether that be through walking clubs, workout partners or group classes.”
High Energy vs. Slower Pace
Energy preference also plays a role in how well you stick with an exercise program. Those who thrive on intense workouts look for high-energy environments—think high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes, competitive sports or a workout partner who’s willing to push hard. “If you’ve ever been to a HIIT group fitness class, you know the kind of high-energy workout I’m talking about,” Crews says.
At the opposite end of the spectrum are the slower-paced, less intense workouts, which embrace steady, mindful movement over intensity and competition. Crews says that these kinds of exercises also tend to be lower impact: A person who enjoys a slower pace would thrive in yoga, Tai Chi or Pilates exercises.
Of course, people who prefer higher-intensity exercise also can enjoy yoga; introverts might still take part in a good Zumba class, and extroverts can take a leisurely nature walk without rushing through it. The point is to really understand your innate preferences so that you can tailor your workouts to those preferences for the sake of maintaining your workout habits.
The Basics Still Matter
No matter your personality, Crews emphasizes that a well-rounded routine is important. She says it’s important to include all three of the following types of exercises in your routine:
- Cardiorespiratory, such as running, biking, swimming or group sports
- Strength training, such as free weights, body weight or machine exercises
- Flexibility, such as yoga, Tai Chi or stretching
“All three of these components are very important to our health and wellness goals,” she says.
If you find it difficult to know where to start, consulting with a health coach or certified trainer can be a great first step in helping you incorporate all three styles of exercise into your routine.
Try, Adjust and Reassess
While there are three different traits to consider when it comes to exercising, Crews reminds people that preferences can change. “It’s very important to realize that your ‘season’ may change,” she says. “Life events, injuries or stress can all affect what feels right, which can cause a shift in what you enjoy most.”
Because of that, she encourages everyone to experiment with their routines until they find the workout that serves them best. In particular, she notes that it is important to give yourself grace and to be flexible with the process, especially if you are a beginner.
Ultimately, mindset matters most. She encourages people to do what they enjoy and let go of what they do not to help build consistency, which can ultimately lead to habits that last for a lifetime. “Don’t go into creating a new workout routine with an all-or-nothing mindset,” she says. “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about developing consistency.”
A Final Word of Encouragement
For those who resolved in January to work out and already feel discouraged in February, Crews offers reassurance. “Don’t give up,” she says. “Have grace for yourself and know that it’s not about what we can’t do, it’s about what we can do! Consistency is key, even if it’s 10 minutes of movement a day. Keep moving! Progress builds over time, and you’re building a new habit brick by brick by brick.”
