Introverts and Extroverts
 

As you all know, I like reading Brooks' blog. Today's was interesting and I thought it could bring out some good discussion. In it he wrote:

The whole post can be found at: Dinosaur Training

Interesting thoughts. I am introverted and do prefer to train alone with routines that allow me to do so. While I haven't thought through differences in coaching/trianing style when training introverts and extroverts. I do treat them both differently in my approach. I tend to deal with extroverts more in a group, the introverts in private.

One of the thoughts that can to mind reading this was regarding focus. We all know some of this is generalization, but if an extrovert prefers action over thinking them perhaps a workout that is more challenging set by set as opposed to workout by workout might be a better option.

This meaning pushing on every set for AMAP versus methodically adding weight each week. Obviously speculating here...

I wonder about rep ranges and programming...

20 rep squats are more mental than anything else. I wonder if introverts have better focus over a longer period to do well at these higher rep ranges. Where as extroverts would be more likely to hit heavy low reps and move on to something else.

Programming? I'd think introverts would be drawn to programs like 531 or Christy's that have a slow progression with a few well chosen exercises that don't change often. While extroverts may be drawn to Westide or Split Training where they get to rotate lifts a lot and tinker often.

I've taken the Myers Briggs several times. I come out as an extrovert, but my extrovert/introvert split is very close.

I really have moments where I am far more introverted.

The Myres Briggs test is a playground for driving people insane. I know I'm not unique in this, but I have two basic modes, one introvert and one extrovert. When I am working on technical, mathematical, or analytic problems, I score very high on the introvert scale. If I have been talking with friends recently, very high extrovert. I'm not saying Myres Briggs should be done away with (though a few psychologists I know think so), but it really depends on the mood you're in when you take it.

But back onto the original theory, I think personality plays a big role in training. If you are an extrovert and like to train in groups, you don't want to wait for your buddies to finish a 20 rep squat while you watch.

I'm not up to speed with the current thinking on this, but some have suggested a biological basis for introversion-extraversion. It's been suggested that introverts have a higher resting level of sympathetic nervous system arousal. This is why they need down time and quiet - they are already close to their optimum without any extra stimulation. By contrast, the extravert has low resting arousal, so he's always looking for stimulation to push him up to the optimum.

One bit of evidence for this is that extraverts tend to have higher pain thresholds than introverts. The extravert's whole nervous system just isn't as responsive.

Taking the argument to the extreme, it's been suggested that psychopaths may have ultra-low levels of arousal. When you and I were little, we learned moral rules because when we did something wrong, we got an angry parent on our case - too much stimulation. But for a psychopath, that same lsituation isn't stressfu and aversivel, it's mildly pleasant. They welcome the extra stimulation. As a consequence, they just don't go through the same conditioning process that other people do.

I don't think whether a person is more of an introvert or an extrovert really has any bearing on how well they perform with certain routines; it just means that an introvert will accomplish the routine alone, or possibly with quiter people whilst an extrovert will be doing the same routine in noiser surroundings (even if that only mean having the radio blaring out) with more outgoing people as their spotters etc.

I'm an introvert but that wouldn't mean that I would change a set-up to supposedly suit that characteristic.

I am an extreme introvert.

I like to workout alone in my garage.
I like abbreviated routines.
I like moderate to high reps.
I like consitant and predictable progress.
I like silence; No talking, music or interuptions.
I have to take a nap every day to mentally re-charge.
I don't last long in crowded and busy environments.
Yet, I am a sociable, friendly, and not at all shy...people often confuse shyness and introvertism (is that a word?).

Here's my deal:

I am an introvert.

I like to workout alone.
I like limited exercises and workouts that get to the point.
I like very low reps reps.
I am obsessed about progress.
I like music that wakes the dead, but no interruptions. Outside the gym my music tastes are subdued.
I can work 20 hours a day on no sleep.
I don't last long in crowded and busy environments. I want to hurt people. Unless it's a bar and I am drinking.
I am very sociable, friendly, and not at all shy.