RICHARD SIMMONS

Enneagram Type 7 (The Enthusiast) with a 8 Wing


TwinsofSedona, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Why we think Richard Simmons is a Type 7

  • Spreading good vibes. He's all about loud, unabashed fun and spreading joy in the biggest way possible (which is also indicative of his 8 Wing).

  • Enthusiasm. He typically exudes a high level of energy, often seen jumping, dancing, and engaging in other animated movements. His lively and spirited personality has endeared him to millions of people and helped them find joy in exercise.

  • Focus on positivity. Despite a lot of pain underneath, which became more obvious later in his life, Simmons consistently tried to maintain a positive outlook and encouraged others to do the same.

  • Court jester. Simmons has spoken about his identification as a clown as a way of entertaining people and running away from his own pain. 

  • "Sweatin' to the Oldies." Richard Simmons created a series of workout videos called "Sweatin' to the Oldies," which featured energetic dance routines set to popular music from the '50s and '60s. This innovative approach to fitness made exercise more accessible and enjoyable for people who may not have been attracted to traditional workout programs, and Simmons’ Type 7 enthusiasm made it a fun experience for those people.

  • “Cruisin' for a Losin'.” In the early 2000s, Simmons hosted a weight loss cruise called "Cruisin' for a Losin'," which combined vacationing with fitness and healthy eating. The event reflected his adventurous spirit and desire to provide unique, enjoyable experiences for his followers.

  • Use of costumes and humor. Richard Simmons often employed humor and costumes to make his fitness classes more engaging and enjoyable.

  • Escapism through indulgence. In a 2016 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Simmons mentioned that food was his way of coping with emotions, saying, "I would just eat and eat and eat to cover up the feelings."

Richard Simmons quotes that show he is a Type 7

  • "Life is too short to be anything but happy."

  • “My persona has always been what a man was never supposed to be. Outrageous, gregarious, crazy, silly, funny.”

  • "I show them the funny part, the silly part, the laughing part, the crazy part, and then the really deep, deep part where I'm talking from my heart to these people."

  • “I'm a real paradox. Because I'm a very serious person, and I take my work very seriously. But I wrap it up in a court jester and a clown and make people laugh and make them feel good about themselves.”

  • “I start phone calls at 4am to cheer people up. The housebound, people in the hospital, people who after decades still can't get over what happened 10 or 15 years ago.”