Spring 2003 APT Bulletin

This is the third article (previous articles in APT Bulletin, Vol. 25, no. 3 and Vol. 26, no. 1) in a five-part series on the connection between psychological type and approach to physical exercise. My research in this area indicates different motivations, styles, and requirements influence the approach to physical exercise and environments preferred by each of the 16 types.

To gather information about the connection I have been interviewing individuals of the 16 types who exercise regularly, asking the following questions:

1. Describe a typical week of exercise.
2. Where do you exercise? What aspect (s) of that environment is (are) important to you?
3. Do you exercise alone or with friend, family or group?
4. What motivates you to exercise?
5. Describe your history of physical exercise.
6. What types of exercise, exercise interactions, or environments turn you off?
7. What coaching/training styles work, or don't work for you?
8. What advice would you give to people with your preferences who do not exercise to help them exercise?

Extraverted Intuition ENTP, ENFP, INTP, INFP

Extraverted intuition in the dominant or auxiliary position is stimulated by the outer world of new ideas and possibilities. Extraverted intuitives are constantly in search of the widest range of new opportunities. They prefer "something else going on" when exercising are attracted to exercise that occurs inside a philosophy goal, idea, or purpose depending on whether the auxiliary is Thinking or Feeling. People with extraverted intuition report following the following approach to physical exercise:

• An efficient approach to exercise
• Convenience is important
• Often try to disguise exercise
• Can ignore physical needs and easily forget to exercise
• Can easily become bored with exercise routine

ENTP, ENFP

Extraverted intuition in the dominant position is attracted to exercise that connects to the stimulating world of new ideas and possibilities. Their approach to exercise is frequently characterized by an "all or nothing quality." When the auxiliary is Thinking, the attraction is to efficiency, intensity, and accomplishment. When the auxiliary is Feeling, the attraction is to exercise with personal meaning as they define it for themselves. Accomplishing Exercise in an Efficient Manner, the ENTP Approach

Robert, a 52-year-old chemist, exercise five to seven days a week from his home. He has been following this routine for nearly fifteen years. Robert either rides a recumbent bicycle for thirty minutes at a very high resistance level or walks in his neighborhood for four to five miles, weather and time permitting. His work schedule frequently calls for travel. Wherever he is, he looks for a walking route convenient to sheer he is staying. He avoids gyms and fitness centers at home and on the road. Of late, he has been considering adding weight lifting to his program, but thus far has not, stating," it's too purely exercise, hard to disguise."

Robert walks by himself, with his wife, or sometimes with a colleague or associate. He likes to have "walking meetings," and enjoys the efficiency of walking and talking. He also enjoys walking by himself. "When I walk by myself, I use the time for planning."

Exercise is not something Robert particularly enjoys, but he has experienced the benefits so profoundly. "Exercise makes me feel better. It reduces my level of anxiety and I sleep better." When asked if he would prefer to get the benefits without exercising, he answered with a resounding, "You bet!"