Ok, so I know there’s probably, like, half of the sets of eyeballs reading this like, “ennea, what now?” (Read in a Ted Lasso voice, please.) But! Indulge me.
I’ve been obsessed with enneagram for a while, and if you don’t know anything about it, you really just need to know that it’s a personality test/set of identities. There are nine personality types and people usually fall into one with tendencies of a second. They are categorized by how members of each type interpret the world and handle their emotions.
For me, Enneagrams are just kind of fun! It’s entertaining to me to see all the memes (there are tons) on Instagram or the over dramaticized TikTok videos acting out each type reacting in different situations. I’m basically just saying — don’t take it too seriously! I also do not have a hard and fast recommendation for the best test to take or website to use (there is SO much out there and I have no loyalty). For some sort of reference, I’m going to use Truity and The Enneagram Institute, just for full disclosure.
In this blog post, I’m going to talk about each type and the workout(s) — all available through ClassPass — I paired for each type. BTW: It’s completely free to try ClassPass for two weeks (4 classes). Click here to try it out! (ClassPass Partner Link)
Alright, let’s get into it. This is going to be fun! 🙂
Type 1 – The Reformer
This type is also known as “The Perfectionist,” (I know “perfectionist” sounds truly like a stuck-up snooty villian in a high school movie) ones are driven by paying close attention to details and following the rules. They are hard on themselves if they aren’t doing something the right way.. and a workout where you really have to focus on the details is pilates.
My go-to pilates rec is Boost, which has multiple locations around the city. I love my Heights studio and can usually book on ClassPass for 7 or so credits (11 at the most, usually). Pilates on a reformer for the reformers!! too perfect.
Type 2 – The Helper
Twos are categorized as thinking of others’ needs ahead of their own and being extremely empathetic. I think twos would actually be best leading a class or being a gym buddy to someone to help spot them or motivate them on the treadmill, so I had to think hard about what group fitness twos would be best at.
If you’ve ever taken a Sweat class, you know how fast paced it can be. You hop between treadmill and weights and definitely can’t go through a class without interacting with someone. That’s why I think I’d at least love for a class made up of twos — they will think of the other people in the room when they set back down their weights or leave their treadmill for the next person.
Sweat now has a location in Upper Kirby and the Heights — classes range from 4 to 10 credits on ClassPass.
Type 3 – The Achiever
Type 3 enneagram folk are your most motivated and hardworking pals. The ones that somehow stayed up all night working on their presentation and show up to pitch looking flawless (how even!?)
For them, they need to track that workout success, so I say CycleBar, a spin studio with multiple locations in Houston that had both a screen on the bikes (so you can see the miles you’re racking up and the gears you’ve got into) and a performance email that comes in with points scored and calories burned. Yes ma’am.
There are a few options on ClassPass, but I love the Sawyer Heights studio, where you can book for 5-7 credits on average. Want a true butt kicking? Book performance with Caitlin.
Type 4 – The Individualist
Fours pose a particular challenge for my workout pairing mission — not because there’s not a fit, but because there are a few workouts fours would enjoy. I could see them loving a moody, dark spin class or a slow-moving yoga practice.
For fours, I think Define Body and Mind is the perfect studio. A four could thrive in a barre class that works small muscles while promoting poise and grace, but they also have that dark spin studio or calming yoga room as options too depending on the type of day for a four. Classes range from 7-8 credits on ClassPass.
Type 5 – The Investigator
Fives are driven by data and information. They thrive being alone and likely would choose a book over a person. It’s particularly challenging to pair a workout with a five, but my best guess would be that a five would appreciate the challenge and solitude of a versa climber.
Fyre Fitness has both versas and megaformers. Fives might like both, but the 30-minute versa classes allow a five to get in and get out, climb to the beat while seeing their steps accrued and benchmarks met – all while keeping their head down and heartbeat up. Classes are 7-8 credits on ClassPass.
Type 6 – The Loyalist
Sixes are known as the worriers who seek safety and security. They are your friends who rehearse what they are going to say to their boss two days in advance and pale at the thought of traveling without an itinerary. We love them and must protect them at all costs. (PS. They make for the best friends and will have your back when you need them most.)
Being a six comes with some anxiety for sure and that is why boxing is THE perfect workout for a six to just let loose and have at it. Plus, it doubles as a way to learn some hand-to-hand combat skills, and I think sixes would love having that. Spar Houston should do the trick with 8-credit classes on ClassPass.
Type 7 – The Enthusiast
You know the song — girls sevens just want to have fun! Known as adventurers that want to avoid getting bored, sevens choose to evade emotional pain by keeping busy and having a great time. Most workouts with good music should do the trick, but one stands out to me as being perfect.
Sevens would love a Dance House Fitness class where the music is loud and their hips are moving. I can’t think of an enneagram type more perfect for this kind of sweat sesh. Classes on ClassPass are between 4 and 6 credits to book.
Type 8 – The Challenger
It’s important for eights to feel strong and in control of their environment. There are a lot of workouts where an eight would thrive, but the one that stands out to me (maybe because, full disclosure, I’m an eight and love it) is rowing.
Crew Fitness is an ideal combo of strength and cardio with low-impact and plenty of flexibility for all skill levels. Eights can thrive with a heavy set of weights and be the first one off the rower and into the next exercise or hang back to focus on their form. Lucky you eights because Crew classes are usually only 4 credits on ClassPass which means you can go as often as your hardworking butt allows.
Type 9 – The Peacemaker
Nines are literally described as “going with the flow” so can I pick anything but yoga for this? I think not. Nines are also afraid to push people away by prioritizing their own needs, which is dangerous. Nines need a zen moment to focus on themselves for once.
The Studio Be is a perfect place for nines to find their center. Choose from any of their class options for 4-7 credits on ClassPass.