Recently, I came across an article discussing the relationship between sports and personality.
It was so interesting that I couldn't resist comparing it with myself to see which type of personality I belong to.
Psychological research has found that different types of sports tend to attract people with similar personality tendencies. At the same time, persisting in a certain sport for a long time will, in turn, reinforce these traits.
Below are some common types of sports. While reading, compare them with yourself and perhaps you will have some new discoveries.
01 、People who enjoy team sports (such as football, basketball, etc.)
If you prefer team sports, it usually means that you are an extroverted person who values cooperation and interaction.
These types of sports highly rely on teamwork and immediate communication. Therefore, participants often:
- Are good at socializing and collaborating
- Have good communication skills
- Are willing to sacrifice personal performance for the team's goals
They can quickly adapt to environmental changes and find their place in the group.
Personally, I clearly don't fit into this category.
During my student days, I also joined a school team and played basketball a few times, but it was more of an experiential nature and not a true commitment.
02 、Those who enjoy competitive sports (such as badminton, table tennis, tennis, etc.)
People who enjoy competitive sports usually have a strong sense of purpose and a strong sense of winning or losing.
Such sports require:
- High concentration
- Quick reactions
- Clear tactical judgment
Therefore, such people tend to be quick-witted, highly efficient, and also possess certain social skills, and can remain rational in confrontations.
At this point, it is inevitable to think of the world champion of table tennis, Deng Yaping.
Not only is she extremely resilient on the field, but after retiring, she also, with the same willpower, completed her doctoral studies at Cambridge University without any prior knowledge of English, which is a typical manifestation of this personality trait.
03 、 People who enjoy individual sports (running, swimming)
Those who prefer individual sports often mean they enjoy more the process of independently achieving goals and challenging themselves.
Such people usually:
- Have relatively stable emotions
- Are less dependent on others
- Are able to maintain concentration for a long time
They value inner growth and personal achievements more, and have a relatively rich and reserved inner world.
I like running largely because it is simple enough and doesn't require complex preparations.
As long as there is a venue, it can be completed.
With energetic music and the rhythm reminders like "private coach" from the Keep App, this exercise process becomes more like a focused and free personal journey.
Friends who love running can read my article ". When people reach middle age, running becomes like saving lives“. click here to read
04、People who love outdoor activities (mountaineering, hiking, cycling)
People who are passionate about outdoor activities usually have a strong desire for exploration and an adventurous spirit.
They:
- Like to be close to nature
- Willing to accept uncertainty
- Have a certain ability to adapt
Such people tend to be relatively independent and have a high demand for freedom and experiences.
05 、People who persist in strength training (fitness, weightlifting)
Those who have been engaged in strength training for a long time usually have extremely strong self-discipline.
They are accustomed to:
- Setting clear goals
- Strictly following the training plan
- Paying attention to phased achievements
In real life, such people tend to be more responsible and have a certain inclination towards leadership.
To be honest， this kind of exercise requires extremely high self-discipline， and I have never been able to truly maintain it for a long time. This is also a kind of regret for me.
06、People who enjoy adventure sports (such as skiing, surfing, rock climbing, etc.)
Adventurous sports enthusiasts usually enjoy pushing the limits.
They:
- Desire novelty and excitement
- Willing to take risks
- Not easily defeated by failure
Such people have bold personalities and strong action abilities.
For me, this seems to be a type of sport that is "beyond reach", more about appreciation rather than participation.
07 、People who prefer gentle exercises (yoga, Tai Chi, Baduanjin)
Those who choose gentle exercises usually pay more attention to the balance and stability of their body and mind.
They:
- Have relatively stable emotions
- Have a strong ability to regulate stress
- Are not eager to pursue external success
Such people pay more attention to long-term health and inner order.
Yoga has been my companion for many years.
My yoga mat has accompanied me for over twenty years. It has become an integral part of my daily life, just like eating and drinking.
08 、People who love dancing
Those who are passionate about dancing usually have rich emotions and are highly creative.
Dancing is a highly expressive form of movement:
- Transmitting emotions through the body
- Enhancing the ability to express and feel
- Being more sensitive to rhythm and beauty
I love dancing.
As soon as the music starts, fatigue and unhappiness are quickly swept away, and I am completely immersed in it, as if temporarily detached from reality, with only the rhythm and breathing remaining in the world.
Whether you know that “The therapeutic effect of dancing is no less than that of a mindfulness meditation. ” ? read my article click here
09 、People who prefer leisure sports (such as walking, slow jogging)
Those who enjoy walking often enjoy a simple and quiet lifestyle.
They:
- Don't rely too much on external evaluations
- Are good at observing the details of life
- Can be alone without feeling anxious
This kind of sport reflects a peaceful and reserved attitude towards life.
Perhaps due to age, I don't really want to enter this stage too early at present. This sport is more like something for myself when I'm in my eighties or nineties.
To want to know “The slower you run, the longer your lifespan? ” can read my article click here
10、 Enjoying meticulous sports (golf)
Golf enthusiasts usually pay great attention to details and planning.
They:
- Like to think in a quiet environment
- Reconsider decisions multiple times before making them
- Tend to pursue stability and precision
This summer, on a whim, I played a few rounds of golf. Of course, it was all at the practice range.
But I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the green field. I could temporarily put aside the trivialities of life and let my thoughts wander freely.
Summary:
How does exercise affect your personality?
To be more precise, it is not exercise that shapes one's personality; rather, it reflects and reinforces the inherent personality tendencies.
Running, yoga, dancing, golf...
These sports that I naturally chose and have persisted in for a long time all point to one common feature: controllable rhythm, emphasis on awareness, and attention to physical and mental balance.
From this perspective, I am more like a person with relatively stable emotions, who values internal order and continuously pursues self-growth.
So, what about you?
Can you also see some familiar personality traits in the sports you enjoy?
------------The article was last updated on December 31, 2025.
--Extended Reading and Resources
Modern life constantly reminds us to learn "deleting, letting go, and organizing".
However, there are always some items that naturally stay with us over time.
My yoga mat has been with me for nearly 20 years. It's the right size and doesn't slip easily, making me forget that it should be replaced.
If you are on the yoga journey, I hope you can also encounter such a long-lasting companionship. Click the Amazon link to find your good companion. click here to enter.
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