What Yoga Pose Are You Based on Your Enneagram?
If you were a yoga pose, which yoga pose would you be? Take the Enneagram personality test to determine your primary type, then read on to find what pose suits your personality and the class to put it into practice.
type 1: The REFORMER
Bow Pose
Bow Pose is named because the shape resembles an archer’s bow, tightly strung and ready to aim — just like you. Armed with a sense of mission and purpose in life, Type Ones have their goals in mind and a steadfast plan to achieve them. You know that it takes careful, steady steps to reach your destination, just as Bow Pose requires consistent practice and dedication to reach its full, deep backbend. Your perfectionist self loves the dynamic nature of this pose, as it gives you many things to focus on and improve at one time — the heart-opening backbend, the reminder to breathe, the lift of the heels, the relaxing of the shoulders, the soft focus of your gaze. Remember, though it’s exhilarating to be at the peak, try not to get caught up in criticism and just let yourself enjoy your experience. Keep this quote from Plato in mind: “The bow kept taut will quickly break; kept loosely strung, it will serve you when you need it.”
Practice this class: Front Body Expansion by Eleonora Zampatti
type 2: The giver
Child’s Pose
Child’s Pose is steeped in surrender, something Type Twos are no stranger to. Selfless, helpful, and generous by nature, Twos are the type of people to give you the shirt off their back, tell you when there’s broccoli in your teeth, and not flake when you invite them somewhere. Heads bowed and arms outstretched — this is your natural, comfortable state. Because of your constant giving, it’s common for you to feel burnt out from caring for others and you might feel like your own needs aren’t being met. But it’s possible to have balance. You’ve got a lot of love to give, so channel that generosity into giving yourself what you need. After all, you can serve others better if you are balanced and grounded yourself.
Practice this class: Unravel - Jonah Kest
type 3: The achiever
King Dancer Pose
As the subject of many double-tapped Instagram photos, King Dancer Pose is a visually stunning asana that is widely admired and highly sought after (much like the charismatic Type Three). It takes a lot of practice to reach this level of strength, balance, and flexibility, something the workaholic Three is 100% down to commit to. As a hardworking, competitive goal-getter, you are no stranger to a challenge and are willing to do what it takes to push the limits and achieve what others may deem impossible. However, it’s important to examine the reason behind your actions. In an effort to reach the top, it’s possible to push too far — leading to damage in the process. Treat yourself with care. Status and image aren’t everything, and it’s not the end of the world if you take a detour or reroute to a completely different destination.
Practice this class: How to Do Dancer Pose by Briohny Smyth
type 4: The individualist
Scorpion
Type Fours are very much like their Scorpion Pose counterpart — unique, dramatic, and expressive. As an uncommon and widely admired shape, Scorpion is the perfect pose to represent the complex and creative Four. Fours take pride in their ability to stand out from the crowd and maintain a distinctive identity and image. But where others see this confident shell, they often gloss over their sensitive and introspective nature. Take a look at Scorpion Pose again, and you’ll see an open and vulnerable heart shielded by active legs that are ready to strike when feeling defensive. As self-aware as you are, it’s easy to focus on your perceived flaws. But the next time you feel the sting of criticism or you spiral into rumination, focus on your strengths and try to see yourself the way others see you: beautiful, unique, and one of a kind.
Practice this class: Posture Clinic: Scorpion Pose by Melini Jesudason
type 5: The Investigator
Forward fold
As the Sherlock Holmes of the Enneagram family, Type Fives are curious, inquisitive, and perceptive, much like the thoughtful and reflective Forward Fold. Fives tend to withdraw into their own mind or an imaginary world where they can explore the intricacies and questions of life in a safe space. You don’t take things at surface value, and love to dive deeper to find out why things are the way they are. That’s the beauty of being a Five, and others benefit from your insights and revelations. However, if you’re not careful, your desire to draw in and away could take a toll on your relationships and even your own health. Come up for air every once in a while to refresh your headspace. You can still maintain your curious nature about the universe and devote some of that brilliant energy to care for your own internal world.
Practice this class: Ashtanga Half Primary by Laruga Glaser
type 6: The loyalist
Downward Dog
Hardworking, trustworthy, and responsible, Type Sixes are best personified by their yoga counterpart, the always-reliable and often-repeated Downward Dog. Sixes crave stability and tend to seek out what’s familiar. But much like the loyal dog, there’s an interesting dichotomy that’s always present — the presence of both fierce trust and distrust. You have to work to prove your loyalty to a Six, but once you’ve got it, you’ve got a friend for life. As a Six, you tend to be suspicious of what’s unfamiliar and might struggle with anxiety and self-doubt. But you don’t need to live in this state of worry. Channel some of that trust you give to your friends into believing in yourself, believing in others, and believing in the process. Let go of the leash and give yourself space to enjoy the moment. After all, dogs need time to play as well.
Practice this class: Downward Dog Builder by Calvin Corzine
type 7: The enthusiast
Handstand
Like the high-flying handstand, Type Sevens are adventurous, playful pleasure-seekers in search of the next fun thing. They live for new and exciting pursuits and are constantly on the go. You’re likely to find a Seven booking a spur-of-the-moment flight to a far-off destination, texting you with a last-minute invitation to a concert, or maybe not texting you at all — they’re too busy out there chasing distractions, tackling their goals, or connecting with friends at one of their many events. If you’re a Seven, remember: like the handstand, what goes up must come down. Ever held a handstand for too long? That post-handstand headache is telling you to cool it. It’s good to be grounded every once in a while. Your zest for life is contagious, but don’t overextend yourself so you can conserve your energy for your goals that truly matter.
Practice this class: Flow: Return Home by Kayla Nielsen
type 8: The challenger
Warrior 2
As natural-born leaders, Type Eights use their energy to take charge and spark change to make the world a better place. You’ve never met a challenge you couldn’t face head-on, a trait that’s perfectly embodied in the strong and powerful Warrior 2 pose. With a long list of goals to achieve, you’ve got the drive and energy to go out and get whatever you desire — and the ability to inspire others to do the same. While that take-charge trait is your biggest asset, it can also stem from the fact that you don’t want to give up control. In an effort to avoid being hurt, it’s easy to put up a hard shell and a strong stance to keep others at a distance. But this can prevent you from connecting with others and experiencing their love, a feeling that inherently gives someone else the power over you. Soften the edges of your life and surrender control every once in a while, and you’ll notice the difference it can make.
Practice this class: Vinyasa Kickstart by DJ Townsel
type 9: The peacemaker
Humble Warrior
Your lifelong mantra: “Go with the flow.” Type Nines are peacemakers at heart, easygoing, likable, and averse to any sort of conflict. The passive yet strong Humble Warrior is the perfect shape to describe you — forward-facing, optimistic, and grounded, with a bowed head to show deference to others. And there lies the double-edged sword. While you might find peace in the short term, your disdain for discord and desire for harmony can cause you to become too passive and rooted in complacency over the long term. You might avoid problems that need to be dealt with in an effort to avoid change and conflict. But on the other side of change, there can be growth, success, and great reward. You are more resilient than you give yourself credit for. The Humble Warrior needs to eventually unfold and rise up. And once you unleash from your bind, there you’ll find ultimate freedom.
Practice this class: Forearm Stand by Honza Lafond