The Best Workout for Your Enneagram Type
On our journey to wellness, we can’t ignore the intrinsic link between our physical and mental health. We already know that exercise and eating well can help us maintain our physical health, but have you ever considered how understanding your personality type can help play an important role?
Move over, Myers-Briggs, because the Enneagram is helping people uncover new layers of themselves they’ve never paid attention to before. If you need a refresher, The Enneagram is a nine-pointed diagram system consisting of nine different personality types that are interconnected. Your personality is determined not by a test (though they exist to give you somewhere to start), but by learning about each type and determining your basic motivations and your basic fears. Discovering your Enneagram type is a process, but once you’ve found your type, you can apply it to your understanding of how you operate in several areas of your life, including physical fitness. For example: more routine-oriented, disciplined people might thrive in a set Ashtanga sequence, while high-energy go-getters are attracted to the ever-evolving HIIT workouts. By finding what you gravitate towards, you might be more likely to stick to your routine.
Read on to discover which workout is best for your Enneagram type and find the Alo Moves workout we recommend for you.
Type 1 - The Reformer
As the perfectionists of the Enneagram, Ones would thrive in a workout that has a clearly defined end-goal — in this case, clearly defined abdominals! Ones are all about discipline and practicing self-control, which is essential when working toward a specific goal. They don’t accept mediocrity from themselves or anyone else, and they push themselves to be the best they can.
Push your limits with Core Sculpt by Ashley Galvin.
Type 2 - The Helper
Type Twos are motivated by their desire to help others and make them happy. Their best fit would be a class they can take with someone else so they can encourage their workout partner as they push themselves too. Barre is a challenging, endurance-focused workout, providing lots of opportunities for Twos to encourage those practicing alongside them.
Get sweaty with Ultimate Barre Burn by Adrienne Kimberley.
Type 3 - The Achiever
Threes aren’t afraid to put in the work to achieve their goals, especially when they are passionate about the outcome. To feed their competitive spirit, they’d be the perfect candidate for continually working on a complex skill, such as perfecting an arm balance or handstand.
Soar to new heights with Destination: Handstand by Melini Jesudason.
Type 4 - The Individualist
Fours constantly struggle to find themselves and often question their identity. And what better way to find yourself than by getting lost in nature? Hiking is a natural fit for Fours, who feel a deep emotional connection to life itself and strive to surround themselves with beauty. Strapping on a pack and exploring rugged trails may just be the trick to filling their tank.
Take a hike with the Yoga for Hikers playlist.
Type 5 - The Investigator
Fives are described as “cerebral types” and are often lost in their own thoughts. They have a strong desire to better understand everything around them and are lifelong learners. Solo walking would feel like coming home to a Five; retreating into their mind is where they’re most comfortable.
Get a mental and physical workout with a Walking Meditation by Jackie Stewart.
Type 6 - The Loyalist
Sixes aren’t fans of surprises and they thrive on routine. They often struggle with anxious thoughts, and having a reliable workout to count on will help keep them centered. They need a workout like Ashtanga, a set sequence where they know what to expect and can commit to it. And as an extremely loyal type, they will stick to it.
Get started with Ashtanga: Step By Step by Laruga Glaser.
Type 7 - The Enthusiast
As high-energy, upbeat people who are always down for a good time, Sevens need a workout to match. Their best bet is undoubtedly HIIT as their enthusiasm will carry them through to the end and the constantly changing exercises will keep them from being bored — something they avoid at all costs.
Mix things up with Level Up: HIIT by Jacy Cunningham.
Type 8 - The Challenger
Self-confident, assertive, and determined, Eights know what they want and love being in control. One of their key motivations is to prove their strength, and what better way to feel that than by working through a strength-building class?
Build muscle with Fit and Strong by Callie Gullickson.
Type 9 - The Peacemaker
Good vibes only. Nines are highly protective of their energy and will do almost anything to maintain the peace. They are naturally attracted to a calming workout like yoga (extra points for Yin or Restorative Yoga!) As open, non-judgemental people, yoga is a harmonious activity for their mind, body, and soul.
End the day with Unwind: Evening Yoga by Carling Harps.
Practice these workouts and more for free with a 14-day trial to Alo Moves.
