Cult of Personality: What Your Workout Says About You

Gold: Traditional and Social (ESTJ, ESFJ)
Like blues, golds are also traditional and conservative, but they’re more outgoing. They look to authority figures, like doctors and trainers, to help them build their fitness routines around proven methods. They also seek precision in all things and often ask for help in perfecting their forms. Group classes, such as yoga and Pilates, satisfy this desire for authority and positive reinforcement, as does working closely with a personal trainer. Golds also enjoy swimming, tennis, and hiking because these activities have clear, specific goals and accessible role models. 

Green: Nature Lover (ISTP, ISFP)
You’ll almost never find greens in the gym. That’s because they’re outside, getting their exercise the natural way. They usually prefer to be alone, working toward a set goal or just attuning themselves to the rhythms of the outdoors. You’ll find greens hiking, biking, mountain climbing, or running, though they may do some weight lifting to train for a long hike or climb. 

Red: Enthusiastic and Competitive (ESTP, ESFP)
Reds have a ton of energy and a competitive spirit. They want to be where the action is. Like greens, reds see the gym as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. Treadmills are just too boring for these guys. Unless they’re power-lifting, reds would much rather be outside, playing a team sport or a pickup game, such as basketball, beach volleyball, or touch football, with their friends. 

White: Independent and Introspective (INTJ, INFJ)
Whites use the rhythm of exercise to help them get more in touch with themselves. They prefer their own spaces and tried-and-true routines that leave their minds free. You’ll typically find whites at the gym during off-peak hours, listening to their iPods on treadmills or elliptical trainers. Whites tend to avoid group classes, since they resent any outward interference in their routines. They prefer hiking, running, yoga (done alone), and cardio and strength training at the gym. 

Saffron: Expressive and Spontaneous (INTP, INFP)
Brue writes that she chose the color saffron to represent this workout personality because it commands attention in a warm, comfortable way that is also subtle. Saffrons, too, are lively but not extravagant. They struggle with motivation if they aren’t in the mood. Yet they also seek challenges and don’t let their desire for fun lapse into frivolity. Saffrons do best when they mix up their workouts and choose fun activities. Dancing, group classes such as Zumba and spinning, and biking all appeal to these vivacious types. If they do work out on machines, saffrons will always have a great mix of funky beats to keep them motivated. 

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11.12.2009
Kelly Bruneman
This was fun...thanks for posting!!!
That is super interesting Jennifer, thanks for sharing!
I am an ESFP and am far from competitive, I hate competition and run away from it. However, I also hate the treadmill and see exercise as a means to an end, maybe there is some significance to this.
11.11.2009
Bijani Mizell
I agree with you, Jennifer. Working out (for me) is definitely a time of reflection and (sometimes) relaxation from my hard day. I really like to zone out on the elliptical with a good magazine and my iPod and escape into my own little world.
I like to be alone when working out. Even in the ballet class I take everyone keeps to themselves. I am constantly surrounded by people so its nice to quiet my mind and focus on whatever exercise I am doing.
It feels good to write.

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