Body-Type Exercise

Every time you move your body, you are talking to your doshas. Because each dosha has its own emphasis, there are three kinds of benefits that all balanced exercise brings:

Vata: poise, agility, limberness, coordination, and inner exhilaration
Pitta: warming up the body, circulation of blood to all parts, increased heart capacity
Kapha: increased strength and stability, steady energy

If you never get out of your armchair to exercise, obviously you will not experience these benefits. But many active people with firm muscles and sound hearts do not experience them either. Most exercise programs today are dedicated to increasing the capacity of the cardiovascular system, which puts a heavy emphasis on Pitta dosha. I would like to list balanced activities that are broader in scope and more suited to the major body types.

Vata-Type Exercise
Amount: Light
Type: Yoga,
          Dance aerobics
          Walking, short hikes
          Light bicycling
Pitta-Type Exercise
Amount: Moderate
Type: Skiing
         Brisk walking or jogging
         Hiking and mountain climbing
         Swimming
Kapha-Type Exercise
Amount: Moderately heavy
Type: Weight training
          Running
          Aerobics
          Rowing
          Dance