Want to get more out of your workout? A few personality tweaks might be all it takes, finds new research published in PLOS ONE. In particular, those with more resilient characteristics are more likely to have greater aerobic capacity, according to researchers from Florida State University. That capacity—a key marker of cardiovascular fitness—is what determines, for example, how long you can sprint without losing your breath, or how hard you can push yourself during a tough bike ride. The study, which evaluated nearly 650 participants, first assessed the personality traits of each participant—looking specifically for indicators of neuroticism, openness, extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Then, researchers measured the aerobic capacity of each participant during a walking exercise. Participants with neurotic traits demonstrated a lower aerobic capacity, while those with high degrees of conscientiousness, extraversion, or openness (all markers of resiliency) performed much better. “This better physical fitness may be due to several factors,” says lead study author Antonio Terraciano, PhD, an associate professor of geriatrics at Florida State University’s College of Medicine, “including the likelihood of maintaining a more active lifestyle and decreased odds of being overweight and engaging in risky health behaviors like smoking.” It makes sense that resilient people would boast better fitness: They tend to be less vulnerable to stress and anxiety, less likely to suffer from depression, and more likely to exhibit self-discipline. The good news? You can become more resilient even if you aren’t right now. “Developing appropriate coping skills can dramatically improve your ability to deal with stress, which can help create resiliency,” Terracciano says. How to do it? The American Psychological Association offers several tips, including the following three: Get connected. Strong relationships with family and friends are important in developing a resilient personality. In particular, be ready to accept help and support when you need it. Confront change. When a crisis or a major transition hits, do you see an insurmountable problem, or a change that you can cope with? The APA recommends adjusting how you respond to these events, particularly recognizing that change (and adverse situations) are an inevitable part of life. Love yourself. Develop confidence in your own abilities and instincts, and pay attention to your needs and feelings. Find a few activities that relax you, which will keep your mind primed to deal with tough situations that require a tough persona. More from Prevention: Workout Ideas For Small Spaces Questions? Comments? Contact Prevention’s News Team.
