A new study shows that choosing activities that fit a person’s personality can make exercise more enjoyable and help people stick with it longer. Researchers tracked how individual traits influence responses to different workouts and highlighted implications for health in Thailand’s busy cities and close-knit communities.
The study, conducted at University College London, followed 132 adults aged 25 to 51. Participants completed personality assessments based on the Big Five model—extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness. After eight weeks, one group did structured cycling and strength training while a control group did light stretching. Results indicated higher enjoyment and greater benefits when activities aligned with personality.
Extraverts tended toward high-energy, social workouts such as team sports and gym classes, thriving on interaction and lively environments. Individuals with higher neuroticism favored low‑intensity, solitary routines like home workouts or private yoga, reporting notable stress reductions during the program. The findings challenge the one-size-fits-all approach to exercise that can deter people who don’t fit the conventional active stereotype.
A co-lead author noted that understanding personality helps identify appealing entry points into regular physical activity. This matters globally, given that only about one-quarter of adults and a fifth of adolescents meet the World Health Organization’s guidance of 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. For Thailand, with its diverse urban and rural landscapes and growing digital fitness options, the message resonates.
Thai health experts suggest clinicians and fitness professionals tailor advice to individual needs rather than default to demanding regimens. Low- to moderate-intensity activities can still yield meaningful health gains, especially for those hesitant to join group settings or public gyms. In Thailand, this approach aligns with community-based activities in temples and villages and the rising popularity of at‑home workouts amid urban life.
The study emphasizes mental well-being alongside physical health. Those with higher neuroticism reported the greatest stress relief when engaged in preferred activities, underscoring a practical takeaway for Thai counselors, fitness instructors, and clinics: provide varied options that respect comfort levels and social norms. As mental health awareness grows in Thailand and barriers to care persist, personalized movement becomes increasingly important.
As Thailand modernizes, fitness guidance should move beyond generic slogans like “go for a run” toward personalized pathways. Office workers in Bangkok and older adults in parks can benefit from a spectrum of options—from group classes to private routines—that fit individual personalities. Experts encourage people to reflect on energy, interests, and routines before choosing activities. Quick self-checks, such as informal personality questions or brief consultations with health or fitness professionals, can help start the journey.
Future research focused on Thai populations could yield deeper insights into how culture and environment shape exercise preferences. Integrating these ideas into school curricula and workplace wellness programs may help reverse declines in youth activity and reduce lifestyle diseases.
For those ready to begin, ask: Do you feel energized by social interaction or recharged by solitude? Use that insight to explore options like yoga, swimming, dancing, team sports, or brisk walks. Parents, educators, and community leaders can help by encouraging a variety of activities rather than promoting a single regimen.
If you’d like more context, review the broader study in a leading psychology journal and consult local fitness offerings or a health professional to tailor activity plans to personality and lifestyle. By listening to body and mind, Thailand can pursue a healthier, happier society through personalized movement.