Why do some people love exercise and others avoid it? It all depends on the type of physical training chosen

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology shows that people are more motivated to exercise when they choose a type of exercise that matches their personality. The conclusion of the research is that the motivation to do sports decreases not because of a lack of discipline, but because, most of the time, the types of exercises we choose to do do not suit us.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

More specifically, extroverts tend to prefer intense, fast-paced workouts with a lot of energy around them. For them, team sports or dynamic classes are more satisfying than running on the treadmill. More emotionally sensitive people, for example, feel better when they take part in training with a personal trainer, in private, without social pressure and with frequent breaks. The authors of the study note that introverted people prefer low-intensity activities carried out in quiet spaces, where they do not feel noticed.

Personality, the most ignored predictor of motivation

“Personality determines what intensity and form of movement we are drawn to. If we understand this, we can take the first step towards helping sedentary people engage in physical activity.” explained Flaminia Ronca, co-author of the study and associate professor at University College London.

She said that organized people maintain their exercise habit more easily, because for them movement is a clear investment in health.

Currently, only about 22% of adults and 19% of teenagers reach the threshold recommended by the World Health Organization, i.e. 150 minutes of exercise per week, draw the attention of specialists.

“Emotionally sensitive people keep getting told to do intense exercise, but they won't do it. And we know that even low-intensity exercise has benefits. If you know a person has this profile, recommendations can be adjusted and the chances of taking up exercise increase.” added Angelina Sutin, professor at Florida State University.

What researchers say about social pressure and performance

“There are personality types that don't react well to competitive situations. For them, the pressure to perform is something very difficult,” said Paul Burgess, professor of neuroscience at UCL and co-author of the study.

So, when we choose what type of physical activity to do based on “who we are” and not based on “what we think we should do,” movement becomes easier, more stable, and more sustainable in the long term.

“For over ten years I've been organizing runs to which tens of thousands of people come every year. And if I had to draw one conclusion from all these meetings, it's this: people differ not in how far they can run, but in the way they move. And that way has so much to do with personality that it surprises me how well it matches what psychologists say.” Radu Restivan, the founder of the 321sport community, explains for “Adevărul”.

“I find it amazing that, regardless of personality, running manages to create a space where everyone feels included. Very different people end up connecting not despite their differences, but because of them. That's the beauty of a mature community: it expands everyone's comfort zone without canceling it out.” says Radu Restivan.

Why sports become easier when you stop fighting yourself

That is precisely why he believes that the question “how do I make myself like sports?” it does not have a universal answer. “It should start with something much simpler: “what kind of person am I and where would I feel good moving?“. Cwhen you choose the right movement for your way of being (whether it's a solitary workout or a lively and warm group) motivation naturally increases. You no longer fight with yourself, you work together with yourself“.

“Running showed me that we don't have to look alike to fit in. We just need a common goal: to be better. And when everyone finds their place, regardless of personality, sport becomes not only effective, but deeply human.” he says.

How psychotherapists explain the connection between personality and motivation

For her part, psychotherapist Florenta Petrică declares for “Adevărul” that: “Sport is not just physical exercise, it is a practice that deeply interacts with each person's personality, motivation and mental state. The way we relate to exercise depends on our individual traits: extroverts enjoy social and dynamic activities, introverts prefer quiet pace and autonomy, and conscientious people appreciate routine and measurable progress. Choosing a type of exercise that suits your way of being not only increases the pleasure you feel, but also the foundations of real intrinsic motivation, which supports continuity and long-term involvement”.

In his opinion, intrinsic motivation can be built gradually, step by step. So the first step is choosing activities that bring immediate pleasure and feel accessible even for a few minutes a day. The next step is to set realistic and measurable goals, focused on personal progress and not on comparison with others. The continuation of the practice is supported by mindful attention in the “here and now”: noticing the breath, posture and muscle sensations during the exercise. “This engagement increases satisfaction and motivation, turning exercise from a chore into an active and enjoyable experience of connecting with your body and the present moment.”

At the same time, sport has strong effects on mental and physical health. Regular exercise, especially cardio, stimulates the release of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline, lowers cortisol and increases mental clarity. “These neurochemical changes help reduce stress, relieve anxiety and depressive symptoms, providing a real feeling of relaxation, energy and vitality. Bringing attention to movement amplifies these effects: focusing on breathing, rhythm and bodily sensations transforms exercise into a moment of presence, increasing intrinsic satisfaction and pleasure.”

“When sport is adapted to the personality, internal motivation, emotional state and is lived with conscious attention, it becomes a complete tool of well-being”, she adds “Intrinsic motivation, active involvement and visible progress generate positive emotions, deep involvement, harmonious relationships, meaning in experience and a sense of achievement, all components of a balanced and satisfying life. Basically, sport is no longer just a means to achieve physical results, but an experience of presence, energy and regeneration, which brings immediate and lasting satisfaction”.