Running out of excuses for skipping the gym recently? Blame science — and your personality type. According to a new UCL study, our enjoyment of movement is deeply rooted in the personality traits that define us. Known as the Big Five model, it groups individuals based on their reigning trait: openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion and neuroticism.
The findings showed that while extroverts are drawn to vigorous, high-intensity group workouts, those who score higher in neuroticism prefer short, solo bursts of exercise that offer privacy, control and independence. Conscientious types simply show up because it’s scheduled in the diary and they like to tick things off.
So rather than forcing yourself to endure the latest fitness trend, aligning your workouts with your personality could be the key to building a routine you enjoy and stick to.
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“Consistency — the secret to results — mostly comes down to enjoying your chosen workout, and having people around you who support your healthy habits,” says Matt Bevan, a London-based personal trainer and the founder of Matter, whose clients include a number of A-list actresses, including Sienna Miller. “A lot of my extroverted clients thrive on variety and explosive movements, like plyometrics. Others, who are more emotionally attuned, prefer to really feel their workout, and enjoy the burn and sensation of lifting weights slowly and with precision.”
Bash Rustom, a master trainer at the Method in Westbourne Grove, in west London, confirms that when there is a mismatch between the movement and the individual, it can be a huge barrier. Getting it right makes all the difference.
Since London’s fitness scene is as diverse and varied as our personalities, we’re not short of options. So whether you’re an energetic extrovert or a mindful mover, here’s our guide to the classes and fitness destinations that work best for each personality type — and why.
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Personality type: extroversion
Enjoy a group class with loud music? Try boxing
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It’s no surprise that the extrovert — an outgoing, energetic social butterfly — gravitates towards high-intensity, high-energy workouts. “Extroverts thrive in group settings and are naturally drawn to social fitness classes with loud music,” Rustom says. “They like being part of a tribe and feed off the energy in the room, so high-intensity strength training or cardio classes set to the beat keep them motivated and engaged.”
Book in for:
• Boxing at Jab, Victoria: a sweaty 12 rounds of high-intensity boxing with excellent community spirit; £26
• VersaClimber at Sweat by BXR, Marylebone and Bishopsgate: a full-body cardio workout care of a unique machine that mimics climbing; £30
• Full Body at Barry’s Bootcamp, studios across London: enter the famous red room for running-based HIIT and pounding music; £26
• Tempest at F45, multiple London locations: a team-based cardio and resistance workout that’s fast-paced and challenging; £25
Dance classes suit open personalities
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Personality type: openness
Open-minded and naturally curious, those with a strong “openness” trait are adventurous and welcome new experiences and variety in their routine. They tend to have a broad range of interests and, according to the study, are less inclined towards traditional HIIT workouts. Instead, their experimental streak makes them well suited to diverse, skill-based disciplines like martial arts, dance or workouts that involve precise technical movement.
Book in for:
• Dance at Pineapple Studios, Covent Garden: learn how to master every kind of dance under the sun at this famous dance studio; from £6
• Tracy Anderson at Surrenne, Knightsbridge: a physically challenging and fast-paced workout, with complex moves to learn as you go; membership £10,000 per annum
• Precision at Nobu Pilates, Marylebone: targeted training that focuses on specific muscle groups for ultimate sculpting; £37
Personality trait: neuroticism
Often prone to worry, anxiety, low self-esteem and emotional sensitivity, individuals high in neuroticism may struggle with maintaining a consistent workout routine — especially if they haven’t yet found the right fit. “Neurotic people can feel overwhelmed when thinking about their performance in the gym,” Rustom says. “They’re typically more sensitive to stress and may shy away from environments that feel high pressure or where they feel they’re becoming compared to others. Performance anxiety is a real thing for them.”
While the research suggests they respond well to short bursts of movement, they’re often best suited to mindful, rhythmic forms of exercise like mat Pilates, yoga or other flow-based practices. These can help soothe a fried nervous system, reduce stress and encourage a sense of peace. “Once a neurotic personality type has experienced a class like this a few times, they often become consistent and start exploring other classes too,” he adds. “It gives them confidence.”
Book in for:
• Yoga at Basic Space, Camberwell and Stockwell: mindful, grounding movement that gets you in the zone, with an online platform (Basic Space at Home, £24.99 a month) for those wanting to move in their own space; from £22
• D Flow at the Method, Notting Hill: Rhythmic, low-impact, high-intensity workout inspired by barre, Pilates, animal movement and yoga; £35
• LDM Sculpt & Sweat at the Sloane Club, Chelsea, and online: a full-body workout that combines Pilates, strength training and cardio for a strong, resilient physique; annual membership from £2,750 per annum
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Personality trait: conscientiousness
Responsible, organised and diligent, the conscientious personality type is well placed on the fitness front because they know their goals and work hard to achieve them. In fact the study found that they were more likely to have good aerobic fitness and core strength — not necessarily because they loved exercise but because they valued its long-term benefits. “They thrive on structure and measurable progress,” Rustom says. “They’re also highly motivated to master proper technique, making strength-based classes with clear frameworks and gradual progression ideal for them.”
Book in for:
• Personal training at Matter, Notting Hill, and online: Bevan is the man to see for unparalleled technique and effective training programmes, while still making it fun; from £140
• 180 House Gym, Temple: from spin classes to boxing bags, TechnoGym machines to dedicated Pilates studio, there’s something for everyone here; membership from £1,750 per annum
• Studio Group Classes at LifeBody, Barnes, and online: small Pilates classes for hands-on and meticulous coaching from Nathalie Clough and her team; £38
• Reshape at 1Rebel, multiple London locations: all-round workout that comprises treadmill work and weights, for all levels; from £23
Personality trait: Agreeableness
Long, low-intensity, steady-state workouts resonate most with those who score high in agreeableness. Activities like swimming, yoga, gentle runs, relaxed bike rides and long walks — especially when shared with a supportive community — are particularly suited to their calm, co-operative nature.
Book in for:
• Hatha Yoga at V London, Mayfair: breathwork and mindfulness meets movement for alignment and general wellbeing; membership £3,000 per annum
• Run with Run Dem Crew, Lululemon store in Spitalfields Market: join an hour-long 5K run with a stellar community on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm; free
• Swim at Third Space, City of London: Lose yourself to front crawl in a 20-metre pool, followed by a sauna and steam; membership from £230 per month