Exercise for Your Constitution

Last week we focused specifically on tips for exercise in the Summer.

This week, let’s look at are more individualized approach to exercise and find out what are good tips for your constitution**. The following information has been adapted from books written by two of my Ayurveda teachers:  Body, Mind, and Sport by John Douillard and  Healthy, Happy, Sexy by Katie Silcox

**If you aren’t sure what your Ayurvedic constitution is, Banyan Botanicals has one of my favorite quizzes. Click the button below to find out your dosha.

Exercise for Vatas

Those with Vata dominance in their constitution have a tendency towards irregular energy and want to be mindful that they don’t overwork themselves.. They are often cold, always on the go and love creative exercise programs.  

Exercise Tips for Vatas:

• Avoid activities that leave you dripping with sweat and instead work towards a "mild glow".

• Exercise slowly, with a calm and focused mind.

• Try to only breath through the nose.

• After exercise, take time to rest.

• Suggested yoga styles for vatas include Restorative, Gentle, Slow Flow & Stretch. **Watch out for overly depleting classes or ones with long holds.

Suggested Exercise Activities for Vatas:

To balance the qualities that can lead to depletion, Vata balancing activities are calm and foster rejuvenation vs exhaustion. Some examples:

• Aerobics (low-impact or dance)

• Bicycle touring

• Dance

• Golf

• Hiking

• Swimming

• Tai Chi

• Walking

• Weight Training

• Yoga

Exercise for Pittas

Pittas have a tendency to “compete” and push themselves. They run hot and take themselves seriously. Pittas should be mindful of overheating and burning themselves out.

Exercise Tips for Pittas:

• Watch for too much sweat, which can lead to overheating.

• Exercise in a way that feels fun and relaxed (avoid competition).

• Emphasize mental calm over perfection of the activity.

• After exercise, take time to cool and rest.

• Suggested yoga styles: Non-heated Vinyasa, Restorative, Yin, Feminine Form Yoga. Watch out for styles that lead to competition (Bikram, Power, etc).

Suggested Exercise Activities for Pittas:

To balance the qualities that can lead to overheating, Pittas balancing activities are non-competitive and provide enjoyment. Some examples:

• Cycling

• Golf

• Ice Skating

• Martial Arts

• Mountain Biking

• Skiing (cross-country and downhill)

• Surfing

• Team Sports

• Water Skiing

• Yoga

Exercise for Kaphas

Kaphas have the most endurance of any constitution and . They can feel sluggish and unmotivated, however, and can benefit from support of a workout buddy or personal trainer.

Exercise Tips for Kaphas:

• Work up a sweat!

• Exercise in a way that feels dynamic and moving. Maybe even a little competitive.

• Emphasize alertness and willpower.

• Try to only breath through the nose. Focus breaths on chest cavity (including the back of the body).

• Suggested yoga styles: Slow Flow, Power, Bikram, Vinyasa, Yin.

Suggested Exercise Activities for Kaphas:

To balance the qualities that lead to feelings of heaviness, Kaphas balancing activities are stimulating and vigorous. Some examples:

• Aerobics

• Basketball

• Cross-Country Running

• Cycling

• Martial Arts

• Racquetball

• Rock Climbing

• Rowing

• Swimming

• Tennis

Which constitution and workout style resonates most with you?

With much love and until next time,
Keep on movin’ (in a balancing way for your constitution, of course..)
Megan