Exercise According to the Doshas
Exercise is best done according to one’s capacity and psycho-physiological body type. A Vata type,
who has the lowest capacity for exercise, benefits mostly from such easy ways of keeping fit as walking,
dancing, bicycling, taking short hikes, balancing and stretching. Vatas generally do well with Yoga, Tai
Chi, and Chi Kung. Since Vata types experience energy in bursts, they should be particularly careful not
to overexert themselves. When their energy suddenly drops, they can feel depleted for a long time
afterward. This often results in depression.
Pitta types, being competitive by nature, are equipped with more drive and energy than Vatas. They
generally are not satisfied with the more ordinary forms of working out. To achieve physical satisfaction,
they need a more goal-oriented exercise program. However, they also do not have boundless energy and
are better off exercising in moderation. Pittas feel challenged by hiking in the mountains, skiing, jogging,
swimming, playing tennis or engaging in other sports that generate in them a sense of achievement.
In sports, you can easily recognize the unbalanced Pitta types. They are often bad losers and may get
angry if they feel they are “not good enough.” Pittas who get angry while performing should look for a
less competitive exercise program to increase their level of satisfaction. Since excessive heat is a sign of
unbalanced Pitta, swimming, which has a cooling influence, is one of the best forms of exercise for them.
A walk in the cool forest is another excellent way to pacify an unbalanced Pitta type.
Kapha types are the ideal candidates for a good or moderately heavy workout. Weight training,
running, rowing, some aerobics, long distance bicycling, dancing for a long time, and playing football,
basketball and tennis are all very suitable for a Kapha. The Kapha type’s steady energy gives him the
necessary endurance and stamina to last through long competitive games without feeling tired. Exercise
will clear out any excessive Kapha congestion, remove excessive water and fat, and improve general
circulation. This will leave him feeling refreshed and buoyant afterward.
Basic Guidelines For Healthy Exercise
- It is best not to exercise at more than 50 percent of your capacity, whatever that means to you. The
purpose of exercising is not to prove to others how capable you are, but to derive personal benefit and
satisfaction from it. If you are able to run for 30 minutes before you are tired, then make the choice to
run for only 15 minutes. Getting tired during exercise defeats its very purpose. Feeling refreshed,
revitalized and energetic afterward indicates that the workout has been successful. In due time, your
capacity for exercise will naturally increase on its own. - Stop exercising when you feel the need to breathe through the mouth. Once you are forced to breathe
through the mouth, rather than through the nose, you have gone beyond the 50 percent threshold of
your capacity for exercise at that time. This is a sign that your body has moved into the adrenaline-
breathing mode, which uses up your basic energy reserves and depletes cellular oxygen. You have
reached your limit when you feel your heart pounding violently, you begin to sweat profusely, or
your body shakes. In that case it is good to finish off with a short period of walking and breathing
normally. The basic rule is always to breathe through the nose and not through the mouth. Exercise to
the point of perspiration once a day. - You need good, strong muscles to meet the typical demands of the day, such as climbing stairs,
carrying groceries, picking up young children, cleaning your home, riding horseback, swimming in a
lake, going for a hike or bike ride, or performing other natural activities, without being at risk for
injury. The best way to increase muscle tone and strength is to quickly raise heart and muscle activity