Personality Traits Influence Exercise Enjoyment and Commitment

Finding motivation to exercise remains a significant challenge for many individuals, contributing to the alarming statistic that less than 25% of people meet the World Health Organization's recommended activity levels. However, recent research from the University College London (UCL) suggests that aligning exercise types with individuals' personality traits can enhance enjoyment and commitment to physical activity. The findings, published in *Frontiers in Psychology* on July 9, 2025, reveal insights into how personality influences exercise preferences and engagement levels.

The study, led by Dr. Flaminia Ronca of UCL's Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, involved participants undergoing lab tests to determine baseline fitness levels. They were divided into two groups: one followed an eight-week home-based fitness plan consisting of cycling and strength training, while the other maintained their usual lifestyle as a control group. Throughout the study, participants completed questionnaires assessing their enjoyment of each training session. The research examined five key personality traits: extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, and openness.

According to Dr. Ronca, "Our brains are wired in different ways, which drives our behaviors and how we interact with our environment. Therefore, it is not surprising that personality influences our responses to various intensities of exercise." For instance, individuals with high extraversion scores reported greater enjoyment from high-intensity group workouts, while those high in neuroticism preferred solitary exercises with short intervals. Furthermore, participants with high conscientiousness engaged in exercise regardless of their enjoyment, whereas those high in openness were motivated by curiosity.

The study also highlighted a noteworthy correlation between personality traits, fitness changes, and stress levels. Before the intervention, stress levels were comparable between both groups. However, post-intervention analysis revealed a significant reduction in stress among participants with high neuroticism, suggesting that these individuals particularly benefit from exercise as a stress-relief mechanism. Dr. Ronca expressed optimism regarding these findings, stating, "It's fantastic news, as it highlights that those who benefit the most from a reduction in stress respond very well to exercise."

Prof. Paul Burgess, senior author and a member of the UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, further emphasized the importance of finding enjoyable physical activities. He stated, "Understanding personality factors in designing and recommending physical activity programs is likely to be crucial in determining how successful a program is, and whether people will stick with it and become fitter." He urged individuals not to be discouraged if they do not immediately enjoy a particular exercise routine, advocating instead for exploration of various activities that align with personal interests.

The significance of these findings extends beyond individual motivation; they suggest that tailored exercise programs could enhance public health outcomes by addressing the psychological barriers that deter many from engaging in regular physical activity. As the global prevalence of sedentary lifestyles rises, understanding the interplay between personality traits and exercise commitment may prove vital in promoting healthier behaviors.

In conclusion, the research underscores the necessity of personalizing exercise regimens to fit individual personalities, revealing that enjoyment is a crucial component of sustained physical activity. The insights gleaned from this study may pave the way for the development of more effective public health strategies that encourage physical fitness through tailored programs, ultimately contributing to improved health and well-being across populations.

### References: - Ronca, F., et al. (2025). Personality traits can predict which exercise intensities we enjoy most, and the magnitude of stress reduction experienced following a training program. *Frontiers in Psychology*. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1587472. - World Health Organization. (2020). Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health. Retrieved from [WHO website](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity). - UCL Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health. (2025). Research Highlights on Exercise and Personality. Retrieved from [UCL website](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/sport/research).

This research presents a promising avenue for enhancing exercise adherence and enjoyment, ultimately contributing to healthier lifestyles throughout society.