What Workout is Best for Your Personality Type?

True Blue (ISTJ, ISFJ) – Tried and True

Blues are loyal, traditional, dependable and straightforward. They are committed and conscientious, especially about safety and consistency. “You’ll see Blues habitually using the same gym equipment all the time,” notes Brue. “They like to monitor their heart rate and keep track of their progress.” They also like to create their own space and are likely to read books or magazines while on a treadmill.

Motivation: Blues will benefit from keeping a training log or wearing a pedometer or heart-rate monitor. They like familiarity and cleanliness and will prefer an exercise space or gym that is organized, safe, predictable and clean.

Suggested Activities: Rowing, running, walking, yoga, interval training.

Gold Standard (ESTJ, ESFJ) – Just the Facts

Golds are traditional and conservative. They trust the suggestions of authority figures such as doctors, fitness instructors or personal trainers. They rely on proven methods to achieve the results they desire. “It’s especially important to Golds to work out in a friendly, positive environment,” Brue says. They get attached to certain classes and teachers they like and may quit a class if their favorite instructor leaves. Golds also value precision. They want to be sure that they’re executing correct form at all times.

Motivation: Golds will benefit from setting clear, specific goals and from having good, accessible fitness role models. They should make a point of telling others about their results and successes. “Be careful in large group classes,” Brue warns, “since your desire to interact with others might detract from your workout.”

Suggested Activities: Swimming, Pilates, yoga, tennis, one-on-one personal training, hiking (with a goal, such as reaching all the highest peaks in your region).

Roaring Red (ESTP, ESFP) – Now!

Reds are quick responders with high energy. They like to be where the action is, living in the moment. “Reds never zone out and disengage during a workout,” Brue says. You won’t see them reading a book or watching TV while on a treadmill. In fact, you’ll rarely see them on treadmills at all, she says — because Reds find them boring.

Motivation: Friendly competition is a great motivator for Reds. Pickup basketball games, beach volleyball, mountain-bike rides with pals — these are the activities that sound fun to them — and fun is essential. If you’re a Red, stock your trunk with equipment to keep exercise an exciting, entertaining and easily accessible part of each day.

Suggested Activities: Basketball, tennis, racquetball, in-line skating, Frisbee, mountain biking, soccer, skiing.

Going Green (ISTP, ISFP) – Nature Beckons

For Greens, the desire to be outdoors overrides all other motivations to exercise. They prefer to be alone and are in tune to all the vivid details of the natural world. “Greens are great navigators,” Brue says. You won’t see them in gyms very often unless they’re working toward a specific goal, such as training for a mountain climb or backpacking trip. In doing her research, Brue met a few Greens who trained on a stairclimber while wearing a weighted backpack to more closely replicate their climbing experiences.

Motivation: Greens should look for appealing outdoor challenges and keep time open in their schedules for adventure. Set a goal — say, a mountain peak or charity bike ride — put it on your calendar, and begin training for it. Consider joining a local outdoor club that takes regular trips in your region.

Suggested Activities: Hiking, orienteering, backpacking, mountain or road cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, windsurfing.

Next: Silvers (ENTP, ENFP) and Saffrons (INTP, INFP)