Your Personality Affects Your Exercise Habits

Posted by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen Jan 27, 2007

Not only do your Big Five Personality Traits affect your health and lifestyle, it also affects your propensity to exercise!

Your Big Five personality traits do change over time. They affect your achievements, friends, goals, health, and even the type of exercise you do!

According to a new study by Amy Hagan, a graduate student at the University of Florida, extroverts are more successful when they exercise in a gym versus at home, because they like large groups (more excitement and stimulation). People who like new experiences (the openness trait) may be better off running, hiking, or exercising outdoors. Neurotic people are least likely to exercise - but may need it the most to quell their anxieties and worries.

You can change your personality if you want -- but always strike a balance between self-acceptance and healthy growth.

For more info, read How Personality Traits Affect Your Fitness Goals.