Personality traits and preferred exercise environment of fitness club members

Abstract

Background: Fitness environment can be adjusted to better combine with salient personality characteristics. Nevertheless, previous research seems to neglect the personal characteristics of individuals. It would be beneficial if the fitness club environment will be adapted to the personality characteristics of their visitors because these changes could increase adherence to various exercise programs. However, there is a lack of research on individual preferences and predispositions of fitness club members. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess associations between personality traits and physical/social environment preferences of fitness club members. Methods: A total of 613 fitness club members (286 men and 327 women), age (M ± SD) 29.2 ± 10.1 years, answered 15 questions regarding physical and social environment preferences and the short version of the NEO-Five Factor Inventory. Results: The path analysis showed that a general personality factor, represented by Conscientiousness, Extraversion, and Agreeableness, predicted preferred environment in a fitness club setting, especially concerning to performing new/ repeated exercises and social aspects of exercise. Furthermore, Openness and Neuroticism did not correlate to fitness club exercise practice preferences. Conclusions: The study found evidence suggesting that a general personality factor represented by Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Agreeableness can predict preferred fitness environment regarding the performance of new/repeated exercises and social aspects of the exercise.