Research

April 17, 2007

Type and Physical Exercise: Which Holds Sway… Job or Play?

Type plays a fascinating and pivotal role in how and why these people exercise. It is a connection I have been studying for six years, as I have interviewed hundreds of…

May 15, 2003

The Feeling Function and Physical Exercise

The feeling function is a rational judging process driven by values that are assigned to all things. The focus is on these subjective values and decisions are made in…

April 15, 2003

The Thinking Function and Physical Exercise

The thinking function is a rational judging function driven by principles of cause and effect. It links ideas through logical connections and is impersonal in its…

March 15, 2003

The Intuitive Function and Physical Exercise

To gather information about the connection between type and physical exercise, I have been interviewing individuals of the 16 types who exercise regularly, asking the…

February 15, 2003

The Sensing Function and Physical Activity

As I suggested in my last article, the difficulty for many people in maintaining an exercise program frequently results from choosing an exercise program that is…

October 25, 2002

Tales about Type and Physical Exercise

I have been studying type for over ten years, but I did not make the connection between type and physical exercise until a conversation with my mother (ESFJ) a year ago.…

Blue

Conscientious, committed, and safety-conscious, Blues approach to exercise is dutiful and without internal debate. They are very tuned in to their bodies, and correct form is essential to them. Steady and methodical, Blues prefer to focus on one thing at a time. They enjoy keeping track of their progress and take comfort in following programs that have been tested and proven effective.

Green

Minimalist and practical, Greens are naturally observant of the physical details and small variations in their environment. The natural world beckons, and Greens easily blend in. Being outside makes them feel alive, so getting their exercise through activities of daily living, including working outside, makes sense. Greens are motivated to maintain a level of fitness so they can participate in the outdoor activities and challenges that are important to them.

Gold

Traditional and conservative in their approach to exercise, Golds avoid trendy fitness fads. With a reverence for tradition and finding comfort in the familiar, Golds seek a balanced life, aiming not to overdo. Golds prefer structure and routine, valuing experience, safety, proven methods, and information from experts. They’re proud of what they do and enjoy sharing the results.

Purple

Disciplined and consistent, Purples approach exercise with an objective, and always with a plan. Purples organize exercise into categories, such as cardio, strength, and flexibility. They are attracted to variety and experiment with different approaches from time to time, but they are soon drawn back to exercise they can make routine. Once they incorporate exercise into their lives, they generally stay with it.

Red

Fast paced and in the moment, Reds love to be where the action is. Reds experience life through their senses, craving stimulation and adventure from the physical world. Moving is natural; physical activity is about being alive. Because Reds are oriented to activity in the physical world, the idea of putting time aside for “exercise” seems tedious and boring unless they are training for a goal with others. Reds understand the importance of fitness and naturally incorporate it in their physically active lifestyle.

Saffron

Playful and spontaneous, Saffrons are attracted to activities that are flexible and convenient. Needing opportunities for self-expression, they tend to lose interest in anything too structured. Easily bored and internally demanding of themselves, Saffrons enjoy challenging activities with the right combination of fun, freedom, and flow. A sense of play is appealing, making fun activities, either solo or alongside like-minded others, a high priority.

Ingenious and opportunistic, Silvers wrap exercise in disguise. Having an alter-native purpose keeps them engaged. Silvers enjoy activities that are convenient, requiring minimal process and planning. They are attracted to new ideas and possibilities and to activities that can be done with others. They enjoy variety and tend to cycle through fitness passions. Alternatively, they might avoid the temptation of novelty and keep their exercise program simple.

Silver

White

Private and self-contained, Whites are attracted to physical activity they can structure at their own pace. Exercise provides alone time for reflection. Jarred by interruptions and chaos, Whites require orderly environments that provide necessary calm. Outdoor settings and familiar paths and activities are appealing. Advanced planning makes it happen.

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