Enneagram Type 8 (The Challenger) Fitness Personality
Enneagram Type 8 individuals—aka "The Challenger" or "The Leader"—often struggle with exercise due to their assertive, strong-willed, and self-confident personality.
Enneagram Type 8 Exercise Struggles
Here are some common challenges and potential struggles an Enneagram Type 8 may face when it comes to exercise:
Impatience: Type 8s are results-oriented and often feel frustrated if they don't see immediate fitness progress. You may push yourself too hard and get discouraged when you don't reach your goals quickly.
Resistance to Authority: Type 8s often resist instruction from others, including fitness trainers or instructors. You may prefer to create your own exercise routines and avoid guidance and correction from professionals.
Tendency to Overdo: Type 8s have a strong drive and can be intense with exercise. You may be prone to overtraining or ignoring warning signs that lead to injury.
All-or-Nothing Mentality: Type 8s may have an all-or-nothing mentality with exercise. If you miss a workout or deviate from the routine, you might feel like a failure and give up.
Need for Control: Type 8s like to control their environment. If you feel like you can't control a particular exercise, you may lose interest or avoid it.
Vulnerability and Trust Issues: Type 8s may struggle with feeling vulnerable or opening up emotionally. This can make activities like yoga or other mind-body practices challenging.
Competing with Others: Type 8s are naturally competitive and want to be the best. You may constantly compare your fitness achievements to others. This can make it difficult to enjoy exercising.
Neglecting Rest and Recovery: Type 8s often neglect rest and recovery as they focus on strength and achievement. As you avoid taking breaks, you'll likely experience burnout or injury.
How to Improve Your Relationship with Exercise
To overcome these challenges, here are some strategies that may help Type 8s create a more positive exercise experience:
Practice Patience: Sustainable results take time and consistent effort. Think of fitness as a gradual progress, not immediate gratification.
Focus on Balance and Progression: Balance your exercise routine with strength training, cardio, flexibility, and rest to avoid burnout and injury. As a pregnant or postpartum mom, progression in exercise is also important! Your body is going through a lot, and your movement should gradually progress to more dynamic and whole body movement to support your changing body.
Give Yourself Options: Take control over your exercise routines by selecting an exercise program that gives you some autonomy over routine or exercises. The Expecting and Empowered App offers you a variety of workout options provides you with different outlets based on your mood.
Practice Mindfulness: Try mindfulness exercises or activities that encourage self-awareness, joy in the moment, and emotional openness. Connecting with your body and emotions during exercise can help balance your hyper-competitive spirit. Yoga is such a great way to develop a mindfulness practice in motherhood.
Join Exercise Groups or Communities: Joining a supportive, uplifting community that is working towards the same goals as you can make all the difference. Find your mom village—such as the Expecting and Empowered community—and know that you can find the encouragement you need to keep going.
Celebrate Your Efforts: Recognize and celebrate your dedication to your exercise routine, regardless of your specific end goals. Expecting and Empowered has built in statistics that help you to celebrate workout milestones and completions.
Challenge Yourself with Structured Programs: Choose exercise programs that help level up your fitness and provide guidance on safe and effective practices (like the Expecting + Empowered pregnancy strength training programs and Elevated + Empowered after postpartum).
Don't Skip Recovery: Treat rest like part of your training program to help you reach your full potential. Rest is essential for optimal performance and progress.
Type 8s can develop a more positive and fulfilling relationship with exercise by supporting their drive and determination with exercise programs that build strength, allow choice, and prioritize rest. Remember, everyone is unique! These suggestions may not apply to every Enneagram Type 8. It's important to listen to your own needs, preferences, and limitations when it comes to exercise.
Enneagram Type 8 moms often struggle with returning to exercise too fast and need help with exercise progression. If that sounds like you, the Expecting and Empowered App can help! Workouts are designed to progressively increase your strength during pregnancy or postpartum. This is especially important postpartum since you only have one chance to heal correctly.
Choose from a variety of workout plans that fit your needs—each designed to last 30 minutes and fit into your busy schedule. The app also offers accountability challenges to keep you on track and celebrations for workout milestones. Everything you need to thrive in motherhood is in the E+E app!