Are you über competitive and drawn to high-energy sports? Are you up and at ’em at the crack of dawn, ready for bootcamp or a morning run? Or would you rather press the snooze button and maybe try and squeeze in a gym session later in the day?
How you answered the above could determine your dosha – the mind-body type we’re born with. Think of it as the astrological sign of the Ayurveda world, a holistic healing system that originated in India 3000 years ago. We each have traits from all three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), but one usually stands out.
I took the dosha test at The Chopra Center at La Costa Resort and Spa, and it turns out I’m a Vata (up and at ’em at the crack of dawn!). To find out your dosha, click here to take the Chopra quiz (takes 5 minutes).
Okay, so now that you know your Ayurveda personality, you can find your fitness fit. Balancing your dosha with the right exercise combo can help correct physical and emotional imbalances… or so say the experts. So in the name of fun and fitness, here are the activities that’ll both balance and compliment your dosha, and some stick-with-it tips that’ll make your workouts more fun
Vata – Light & lively
Balance fast-moving activities, like running, with calmer calorie-burners, like hatha yoga and Tai Chi
Buddy up: You’re a social animal and do well to have a workout buddy
Mix it up: Variety is the spice of Vata life; keep your mind and body guessing and you’re less likely to get bored.
Get out of your comfort zone: Try Kundalini Meditation at Metta Yoga to quiet your monkey mind
Pitta – Intense & competitive
Balance solo sports, like tennis and track, with team sports that make you share the spotlight
Shelve competition: Let go of winning and do a sport just for the fun of it
Hydrate: You’re prone to overheat, so drink up!
Get wet: Water sports (think surfing and swimming) compliment your fiery personality
Get out of your comfort zone: Try body rolling at Joya Motion Studio at Montelucia to iron tense muscles
Kapha – Calm & steady
Balance endurance sports, like marathon running, with high-octane workouts, like plyometrics and competitive sports
Get outside: Sunshine and fresh air can bust you out of a fitness rut
Start your day with exercise: Kaphas are creatures of habit so a regular a.m. workout works! Pencil it in and you’re you more likely to commit
Get out of your comfort zone: Try rock climbing at Phoenix Rock Gym
I’m definitely the type that likes to have fun when I’m working out and the Phoenix Rock Gym is one of my faves! Also you can get a great deal there if you have a PogoPass from http://www.pogopass.com/en/venues/phoenix-rock-gym.