INFJs and Exercise

As an INFJ who loves exercise, sometimes I believe I am a bit of an outlier. However, from a very young age I was interested in fitness (thanks to movies like Rocky IV and Bloodsport) and I took up weight training quite early.

However, I understand that as an INFJ sometimes activities like exercise just don’t seem to have enough “meaning” to implement into our schedule. Also, unless you have a home gym, weight training requires going out to a public place – something us INFJs are often loathe to do.

Would I recommend the gym for INFJs? I think so. I think it’s a good way to “get out” socially but still be within striking distance of home. It’s also a way get out of the dreaded Ni-Ti loop.

Now, let’s get away from this “gym and weights” mentality and talk about exercise in general for a minute.

Exercise Gets Us Out of Our Heads

Exercising allows us to get in touch with our bodies and strengthen our weak (and somehow overly sensitive) Se (extraverted sensing). Feeling your muscles working is a great way to get out of your head and into your body, but you need to find an activity that is right for you.

One reason I enjoy weight training is that it does a good job of keeping me in the moment (anything intense will do this). As INFJs we are future focused. The slight “danger” of weight training makes me pay attention and brings me into the present.

Outdoor exercise (like walking) also helps us to feel grounded in our environment. Many INFJs love to get out in nature, and science shows us that walking is a great way to get healthy and relieve stress.

Types of Exercise

So what type of exercise should an INFJ do? Well, I’ve already mentioned two of my favorites. Weight training (at the gym or at home) and walking in nature. However, the best type of exercise for an INFJ is whatever they enjoy.

As long as you are moving your body and becoming more in tune with it (and your environment) you are on the right track. Riding a bike, hiking, gardening, sports…whatever you like is what you should go for.

I know it can be tough for us “mind dwellers” to get out there and move, but I just wanted to share that exercise has greatly improved my life. A little research online will show you that it has greatly improved others INFJ lives as well.

Start Slow

I think one thing to remember with exercise is that you should start slow and gradually ramp up over time. That means as little as a 5-10 minute walk could get you started.

Later, when you adjust to this small amount, you can more intensity, duration, and frequency. Remember the old quote (which I thought was by Benjamin Franklin but evidently it’s just a traditional proverb):

Little and often make much.

-TRADITIONAL PROVERB