7 Workouts Made for Introverts

Get ready to jump in. Swimming gives you the freedom to work out your way. Simply being submerged in the water gives you time to zero in on your thoughts—not to mention a lap pool offers a you a break from the day's traffic noise, chatty coworkers, and nonstop music to create a peaceful, calming environment you'll appreciate, Petruzzelli says.

Whether you're kayaking on open water or killing it on the rowing machine at the gym, the key to making rowing introvert-approved is to tackle it solo. "Being out on the water, away from other stimulation, can be very reflective and quiet—which would very much suit the introvert," Petruzzelli says.

With sprints on a track or HIIT workouts, it's all you—and you wouldn't have it any other way. "Introverts may be drawn to interval training because of its focus on personal intensity levels," Petruzzelli says. Plus, it can be done solo, leaving the type of exercise, pace, and intensity up to you.

Think back to your last Pilates class and remember how you felt walking out. Chances are you felt relaxed and clear-headed. The inner focus practiced in Pilates, with instructor-guided cues for breathing and pressure paired with one-on-one instruction, makes Pilates a must for every introvert's routine.

You'd be hard-pressed to find an introvert who doesn't embrace the peacefulness of yoga. Blame it on the Zen. The quiet environment allows introverts to tap into their reflective and introspective thoughts, Petruzzelli says. Beyond the peaceful setting, introverts thrive in a Bikram class thanks to the steady flow of 26 postures, she says. That means, after a few classes, you'll know exactly what to expect, and the instructor won't talk as much, save for the occasional adjustment.

Group classes aren't a no-no for introverts, but some may be more enjoyable than others. "Introverts go to group classes sometimes just to feel connected to people," Lagos says. Barre class presents the ideal option since you're able to work on your stellar ballet moves within your own personal space, but you'll have a chance to soak in the sense of community. Even though it's taught in a group setting, social interaction is limited, so you can focus on yourself.

One-on-one training lets you sweat it out without the extra socializing as you swap weights or wait for a machine to free up. The setup works best when you find a trainer you trust to guide your exercise progress, Petruzzelli says. By finding a trainer and workout you're comfortable with, you'll also likely find a jolt of motivation to stay committed to the workout for the long haul, she says.