Exercise has been an essential component of the AYURVEDIC ROUTINE for thousands of years. Exercise relieves body heaviness and stiffness by burning AMA (digestive impurities), resulting in increased flexibility, lightness, smoothness, and ease.
Other advantages include increased firmness, endurance, and ability to work. It calms all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and restores balance when appropriate for body type and season. It improves digestion and, if done correctly, dissolves impurities in tissues. Exercise improves immune function and food storage capacity. It alleviates fatigue, prevents premature ageing, and slows weight gain.
Vyayama, or exercise, has long been an important part of the Ayurvedic lifestyle. Ancient ayurvedic scholars valued it for its mental, physical, and spiritual benefits. Let's look at the exercises one should do according to their own prakriti.
Vata Prakriti
Here are Vata Dosha Exercise and general tips:
- Vata Prakriti is characterized by qualities such as warmth, grounding, steadiness, and slowness.
- Arrhythmic activities like dancing, rowing, yoga, swimming, and walking are beneficial for Vata individuals.
- Mild, regular exercise is essential for Vata, with a focus on connecting with the earth element for relaxation.
- Activities like lying down on the ground, practicing yoga barefoot, and exercising outdoors help release tension stored by Vata types.
- Smooth, flowing activities such as gentle hiking, swimming, dancing, or restorative yoga are recommended for Vata.
- Avoiding fast-moving sports and exercising in windy conditions is advised for Vata individuals.
- Strengthening and balancing exercises are beneficial for gradually building core energy levels in Vata.
- Running marathons is generally not recommended for Vata types due to their tendency to store tension and need for gradual strength building.
Best time for exercise: early morning or between 2 and 6 p.m.; avoid exercise at night because it can be too stimulating.
Favour: Slow-paced, gentle, non-weight-bearing, consistent, and low-intensity exercises.
Avoid: Fast-paced, high-intensity, extreme weather, and late-night workouts.
Pitta Prakriti
Here are Pitta Dosha Exercise and general tips:
- Pitta individuals should exercise at about 70% of their capacity due to their fiery nature, needing more caution during workouts.
- Exercise serves as an outlet for Pitta's drive, focus, and achievement, allowing them to release internal pressure and embrace challenges.
- It's important for Pitta individuals to know their limits and engage in healthy competition, cultivating a balanced approach to competitiveness.
- Asanas that target the naval and solar plexus region help balance Pitta, exerting pressure on organs like the liver, spleen, and intestines to improve digestive fire (agni) like Trikonasana .
- Calming and non-heating asanas are recommended for Pitta, considering their tendency towards overheating like Bitilasana.
- While Pitta individuals possess athletic bodies and strong competitive spirits, they need adequate rest after exercise.
- Engaging in friendly sports like basketball or tennis can satisfy Pitta's competitive nature, as long as they avoid becoming overly intense.
- It's advisable for Pitta individuals to avoid exercising in hot weather or direct sunlight, opting for cooler times of the day.
Best times for exercise: Early morning or evening; avoid intense exercise at night because it can be too stimulating.
Favour: Medium pace, moderate intensity, cool environments, and shaded areas.
Avoid: Avoid exercising in direct sunlight, midday (especially in summer), extreme heat, rigid regimens, and competitive exercise.
Kapha Prakriti
Here are Kapha Dosha Exercise and general tips:
- General exercise guidelines for kapha include favoring active exercises to control weight, improve circulation, and stimulate the mind.
- Exercises targeting the chest area, where kapha tends to accumulate, should involve strength, stamina, and heating qualities.
- Recommended activities for kapha include vigorous hiking, cycling, aerobics, cardio dance, and kickboxing.
- Both active and passive exercises like short walks, deep massage, and yoga postures are beneficial for kapha.
- Yoga asanas such as Kapalbhati, Uddiyan bandh, and Sarvangasana are recommended for kapha individuals.
- Kapha should avoid exercising in cold weather and opt for energetic and movable exercises.
- Incorporating mild music or mantras during yoga and gym sessions can enhance enthusiasm.
- Pranayama practices like Kapalbhati and Bhastrika help invigorate the mind, body, and digestive capacity of kapha individuals.
Best time to exercise: between 6-10 in the morning (best) or 6-9 in the evening; avoid late-night exercise if it causes sleep problems.
Favour: Medium to high-intensity exercise, high reps, fast pace, and variety of exercises.
Avoid: Slow pace, long breaks, low intensity, monotonous regimen, and excessive water consumption.
Exercise should be balanced to avoid harm and depletion. Aim for 30 minutes daily, considering factors like age, strength, dosha type, and season. Too much or inappropriate exercise can lead to imbalance, while insufficient exercise can cause stagnation and lethargy. Find a realistic routine that you enjoy for long-term success.
Exercise should be balanced to avoid harm and depletion. Aim for 30 minutes daily, considering factors like age, strength, dosha type, and season. Too much or inappropriate exercise can lead to imbalance, while insufficient exercise can cause stagnation and lethargy. Find a realistic routine that you enjoy for long-term success.