A behavioural analysis survey exploring what motivates gymgoers to stay focused on their fitness goals has identified five core personality types.

The survey of 3,000 regular gym users, carried out by The Gym Group, found that members can generally be categorised into five groups: Strivers; Planners; Buddies; Rookies; and Techies.

The key to success, it seems, is for gymgoers to understand which type of motivational type they are and adapt their workout schedules accordingly. The two personality types most likely to keep up their regime throughout the year were Strivers (who set lots of goals and targets) and Planners (who plan workouts for specific time slots in a weekly schedule). Around 79 per cent of those surveyed said striving towards a specific goal was crucial to staying on track, while one fifth said they like to plan early morning sessions to ensure they’ve worked out before 8am.

“Personal motivations for activity can vary greatly, but what’s evident from this research is if you’re able to identify a clear goal and allocate specific time slots each week you’re much more likely to have success in maintaining regular exercise,” said psychologist Gill Deane.

“The key is to understand which dominant characteristics you have and use these to your advantage to help keep you committed to regular physical activity throughout the year.”

Understanding motivation is becoming an increasingly key area for gym operators, with Fitness First currently enacting a £270m global makeover based on motivation studies, while smaller gyms are beginning to offer innovative packages such as ‘train more, pay less.’

The five Motivation Personalities

The ‘TECHIES’
Techies stay motivated to keep active by using the latest tech and gadgets to spur them on.
Celebrity Techies: Gwyneth Paltrow, Kanye West

The ‘ROOKIES’
Rookies recognise they can’t do it alone and that they need some advice from the professionals.
Celebrity Rookies: Nigella Lawson, David Cameron

The ‘STRIVERS’
Strivers don’t just train for the sake of training; they need an end-goal in mind to keep them going, such as a marathon or triathlon.
Celebrity Strivers: John Bishop, Gordon Ramsey

The ‘BUDDIES’
Buddies don’t enjoy working out alone, whether it’s because they’re a little self-conscious, bore easily with exercise, or combine their workout with the weekly gossip.
Celebrity Buddies: Nicole Richie & Cameron Diaz, Spencer Matthews & Oliver Proudlock

The ‘PLANNERS’
Planners are commonly busy people who need to schedule activity to ensure it doesn’t get dropped or replaced by work or family commitments.
Celebrity Planners: Madonna, Matthew McConaughey