Enneagram Type 2 (The Helper) Fitness Personality
Enneagram Type 2 individuals—aka "The Helpers" or "The Givers"—often struggle with exercise due to their inherent focus on meeting the needs of others.
Enneagram Type 2 Exercise Struggles
Here are some common challenges and potential struggles an Enneagram Type 2 may face when it comes to exercise:
Prioritizing Others Over Self-Care: Type 2s tend to prioritize the well-being of others, sometimes at the expense of their own self-care. It can be challenging to make time for exercise or prioritize your own physical needs. You may feel guilty or selfish for taking time away from helping others.
Lack of Focus on Personal Needs: Type 2s tend to be externally focused and may neglect their own fitness goals. You may struggle with setting boundaries and saying no to others—limiting the time and energy available for exercise.
Difficulty in Establishing Personal Goals: Type 2s are often motivated by helping and supporting others. This may result in a lack of clarity or direction when setting personal fitness goals. Without a clear purpose or focus, you may struggle to find the motivation to commit to regular exercise.
Emotional Attachment To Exercise Outcomes: Type 2s may tie their self-worth to their ability to care for others. This can translate to exercising with the expectation of receiving validation or recognition from others—rather than focusing on personal well-being or health benefits. If you don't receive external validation for your efforts, it may be challenging to stay motivated.
How to Improve Your Relationship with Exercise
To overcome these challenges, here are some strategies that may help Type 2s create a more positive exercise experience:
Prioritize Self-Care: Recognize that taking care of yourself is essential for your well-being and ability to help others effectively. Make self-care, including exercise, a priority. Treat working out as an act of self-love.
Set Personal Fitness Goals: Identify specific, realistic fitness goals that align with your needs and desires. Clear objectives can help you stay motivated and committed to your exercise routine.
Seek Support and Accountability: Consider involving a workout accountability partner. The Expecting and Empowered community is a group of women going through the same obstacles when it comes to exercise.
Find Exercise Activities That Align With Your Values: Look for exercise activities that allow you to help and support others, such as participating in charity walks or joining fitness events that benefit a cause. This way, you can align your desire to help with your exercise routine.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that self-care is not selfish. Give yourself permission to prioritize your well-being. And understand that taking care of yourself allows you to be more present and effective in supporting others.
Type 2s can develop a more positive and fulfilling relationship with exercise by prioritizing self-care, meaningful fitness events, and supportive exercise environments. Remember, everyone is unique! These suggestions may not apply to every Type 2 individual. It's important to listen to your own needs, preferences, and limitations when it comes to exercise.
The Expecting and Empowered App offers a supportive community of moms for Enneagram Type 2s. We often complete exercise challenges as a community, and you can create a group in the community section to help others and stay motivated.
Type 2 mamas struggle to take time for themselves, but working out actually helps your kids. We often think we are self-sacrificing by skipping our workout, but it does the opposite. A mother's physical activity level directly correlates to their child's physical activity level. So when moms are active, their children are active too. The Expecting and Empowered App gives you all the tools to stay on top of your fitness and set a great example for your kids!
With easy-to-follow exercise videos, our strength programs are video demonstrated with no audio so you can jam to your own music OR have your kiddos join you. It also has a pause button and continues later, because we know that being a mom can be demanding. This app was truly made with YOU in mind.
Sources: Kathryn R. Hesketh. (2014). Activity Levels in Mothers and Their Preschool Children. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/133/4/e973/32774/Activity-Levels-in-Mothers-and-Their-Preschool