Source: Shutterstock

Swimmers are the Best Lovers: What Your Preferred Exercise Says About You

Last updated: Thursday, September 8, 2016 | 4 min reading time

Your sporting preference can say a lot about your personality. Here are the exercises that best suit your character – and how they can help your heart health.

The Myers-Briggs personality test is a popular tool to measure psychological preferences and how people make decisions but the exercise you choose may give insights into your temperament too.

Mindlab, a UK-based market research firm, conducted a psychological study on 2,000 adults to see if the type of exercise they like says something about their personality. It turns out, that there are significant differences between the type of people who prefer to cycle, run, swim and walk:

The Cyclists

According to the study, cyclists are supposed to be more laid back and less likely to feel depressed or suffer from stress. However, researchers also noticed they were the most materialistic – which accounts for their need for the latest wheels.

What does it mean for the heart? Cycling about 30km a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by as much as 50%.

The Runners

Runners, on the other hand, love to be the centre of attention. Most of the responders claimed to be extroverts and, in terms of music, preferred livelier, more upbeat music. Perhaps there is a link between their musical rhythm and their pace?

What does it mean for the heart? A new study shows that running as little as 5 – 10 minutes a day may reduce the risk of death from heart disease by 45%. In fact, runners are 30% less likely to die from any cause as compared to their sedentary counterparts.

The Swimmers

Swimmers are charitable and a lot more organised than their sporting peers. In fact, just like cyclists, swimmers too are happier and less prone to stress and depression. Even better, swimmers are apparently better lovers!

What does it mean for the heart? Your weight is directly related to your heart health, which is why swimming is one of the best ways to lose weight and keep your heart healthy. Different swimming strokes, however, can affect the amount of calories you burn. For maximum effect, go for the butterfly stroke, which burns around 150 calories in 10 minutes for a person weighing in at 70kg.

The Walkers

The walkers are on the other end of the spectrum from the runners as they are more introverted. Instead of being the life and soul of the party, walkers tend to prefer their own company.

What does it mean for the heart? One study found that women who racked up 10,000 steps a day showed a reduction in blood pressure after 24 weeks. Even though it is not an official recommendation from the experts, any amount of moderate exercise is likely to benefit your heart health.

Find out some of the medical procedures available should you need to undergo heart treatment. With the correct insurance coverage, your bill size can be better gauged and managed, while Mount Elizabeth Hospitals can assist with all Medisave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plan claims.

For your peace of mind, talk to one of our heart specialists today.

Kraft, S. (2011, May 11). Bike To Work Week And Reduce Heart Disease Risk By Half. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/225940.php

Lee, D C, Pate R R, Lavie C J, Sui X, Church T S, Blair S N. (2014, August 5). Leisure-time running reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk. J Am Coll Cardiol, 64(5), 472-81. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2014.04.058

Rettner, R. (2014, March 7). The Truth About '10,000 Steps a Day. Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/43956-walking-10000-steps-healthy.html

Article Tags

Heart health Sports & exercise

Sudden Cardiac Death in Modern Day Athletes

This is a phenomenon that has been rearing its head much more in recent years. Athlete or not, it is important to understand its possible causes.

How Can I Stop a Heart Attack?

Heart attacks are the 2nd most common cause of death after cancer in Singapore – but help is available for if you are diagnosed and treated early.

Worst Sports Injuries

Not everyone who participates in sports knows about the risks involved – until they get hurt. Here are the top 5 serious sports injuries and how they can be treated.

Is Your Job Bad for Your Heart?

Various kinds of jobs create different types of stress, and whether the stress becomes harmful depends on the individual.

Diabetes and Amputation: How to Save Your Leg

Complications arising from diabetes and Peripheral Arterial Disease often result in patients losing a limb, but it does not have to be that way.

Sports Heart Expert Tells All

It’s not unusual to hear of professional athletes suffering a heart attack at the peak of their game. Cardiologists can provide expert advice to athletes.