The ability to stick with an exercise program largely lies in finding an activity you enjoy—especially if you don’t enjoy working out alone or with other people. Extroverts and introverts each find happiness in different approaches. Forcing yourself into a workout that makes you uncomfortable isn’t likely to lead to success.
“An extrovert gains energy from the outside,” says Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, author of Better than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love. “Think team sports or high-fives in aerobics class. Conversely, an introvert gets energized from within. Yoga may be a better fit.”
Keep in mind that although one modality may be a better fit than another, Lombardo notes the benefits of experimenting outside your comfort zone. Different exercise options can appeal to individuals of both personality types, so find one that best suits you.
“While introverts may prefer working out on their own and shy away from classes, a cycling class, where everyone does their own thing on a bike, may be a great addition to their workout.”
Even a situation involving a group can be good for those who prefer to keep to themselves if they can run on their own outside of the group. Extroverts may also find balance in an introverted workout such as yoga, Lombardo adds.
The Best Workouts for the Extrovert
Free Weights
You’ll likely find many extroverts in the free weight area with dumbbells and barbells, says Pete McCall, MS, CSCS, health and fitness expert for the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
“They will be the ones lifting heavy and walking around to make sure everyone sees them lifting heavy. The free weight area allows the opportunity to stand out and demonstrate one’s strength or skill level in technical lifts.”
People tend to watch others lift, too, so it’s a good place to be if you like to stand out, McCall adds.
High-Energy Group Fitness Classes
For people who feed off the energy in intense class formats like Zumba and BODYPUMP or enjoy having an instructor in their ear during a boot camp or HIIT workout will enjoy these high-energy classes, says Dr. Jessica Matthews, DBH, NBC-HWC,E-RYT500, health and wellness expert for the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
“These classes sometimes feel like a party but still provide a great workout,” she says.
Small Group Personal Training
The extrovert who wants to reach a specific personal goal but prefers the camaraderie that comes along with a group fitness class can experience the best of both worlds in a small group training session, says Matthews.
“They receive personalized instruction from a trainer who assists them in reaching their unique fitness goals while working alongside other like-minded exercisers.”
Get Adventurous with Fitness Meet-Ups
Adventurous extroverts who like to try new things, like hiking an unfamiliar trail, practicing yoga outdoors in the park or attempting a challenging activity like standup paddle boarding (SUP) while making new friends in the process will find fitness meet-ups a great option, Matthews says.
The Best Workouts for Introverted People
Cardiovascular Exercise Machines
An introvert can hop on a single “cardio” machine and do his or her own workout without drawing too much attention from others, McCall says. This works particularly well in clubs with TV sets attached to the equipment, where you can get lost in a program by yourself.
Weight Machine Circuits
A set of machines arranged in a sequence not only saves you from thinking about which exercise to do next, but it enables you to keep to yourself without asking for additional assistance or supervision from a staff person, McCall says. This order makes it perfect for those who prefer to be left alone during their workouts.
Endurance-Based Activities
Solitary fitness endeavors are good fits for introverted people who prefer to utilize their workouts as a time to clear their head and limit life’s many distractions, says Matthews. Swimming, running and biking can serve as great options given the typical length of these activities.
One-on-One Personal Training
For the introvert who could benefit from expert guidance on how to get more out of their workouts, working one-on-one with a personal trainer works well, Matthews says. “It expands their skill level and fitness know-how in an intimate, comfortable and personalized setting.”
Solo Sports & Activities
Introverted people thrive in sports and activities where they themselves are responsible for their own success, Matthews says. “They can push themselves out of their comfort zones without feeling as though they are competing with or trying to keep up with others.”
Good solo sports and activities include:
- Golf
- Weight training
- Rock climbing
Clear Your Mind with Mind-Body Disciplines
The inward focus associated with disciplines like yoga and tai-chi makes them a good fit for introverted people, Matthews says. “Mind-body exercise is also non-judgmental in nature and is more process-oriented—focused on the experience itself—versus goal or performance-oriented, like other forms of conventional exercise.”
Originally published on September 23, 2015 by Linda Melone, CSCS for Next Avenue.
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