Workout Dosha

image via hey Monica b

I read this great article on Well and Good NYC about finding your "dosha" and then in turn finding the perfect "workout for your dosha." "Ayurvedic physicians and healers use your dosha to help identify, customize, and prescribe lifestyle changes and remedies that will balance your energies, prevent disease, and preserve health."

There are three doshas, or constitutions. "While all of us have elements of all three doshas, in most people, one dominates, influencing physical and emotional health, behavior, and more."

First take this quiz by Deepka Chopra to figure out what your dominate "dosha" is, and then below are suggested workouts for your particular "dosha" personality.

Dosha Workouts From Well and Good NYC

1. VATA (wind)

What you’ll want to do: Run, cardio

What you should do: Barre, Pilates, restorative yoga, strength training

“Vata people are go, go, go,” says Bloom. So, stop. “They don’t eat a lot and don’t have great endurance, so what’s good for them is a routine that’s not too intense and is grounding.” The concentrated, precise movements of a focused barre class, as opposed to running laps, for instance. Yoga is great for Vatas’ characteristically tight muscles and creaky joints.

2. PITTA (fire)

What you’ll want to do: Competitive sports, triathlons

What you should do: Bike riding, running, swimming, yoga

Pitta people are fiery and competitive, and Bloom says if you’ve ever passed out from exercise, you’re probably one of them. (Most of us are way too lazy to take it that far). “Pittas should do something that’s cooling and that they can enjoy alongside their more competitive sports,” she says. “Riding a bike with the wind in their face or swimming without clocking your time are great options.” Important: Don’t. go. to. hot. yoga. (Spontaneous combustion may occur.)

3. KAPHA (earth)

What you’ll want to do: Heavy weight lifting, restorative yoga

What you should do: Lots of cardio, hot yoga or Bikram

“Weight lifting will make grounded, earthy Kaphas feel heavier instead of lighter,” Bloom says. “What they need to do is move their little booties!” While you might dread it, you should approach workouts with the intention of breaking a sweat, via cardio-heavy activities like running or a High Intensity Interval Training boot camp. And Kaphas need fire, so Bikram yoga, or a post-workout sauna, are great ideas. Also, a fitness buddy (or concierge) is a good idea  for motivation, which can be tough for Kaphas.

So what is your personal Dosha?