Welcome to the Peaceful Power Podcast today we are diving into what Ayurveda says about movement.
Finding your true why
Before we even dive into what Ayurveda says the number one thing to look at when moving your body is asking yourself why? Why do you want to move? After you have the first layer ask yourself that again 2 more times. Usually the why we have is a deep seated why. For example- my father is hunched over and rounded in his spine, I need to move my body, stay mobile, and strong to help prevent it as much as I can. Or I see how much someone I love is suffering from lack of movement and I want to live a different way.
Ayurvedic Take on Movement
In Ayurveda we have 3 doshas- vata, pitta & kapha. We have all 3 in us in varying amounts. I like to move based on what my doshas are saying. We can further break down the doshas into 20 gunas (qualities in our body) but that’s a discussion for another day.
You would want to perform the movement based on what’s going on in your body that day. For example- You feel scattered, anxious, and ungrounded. That means your vata dosha might be a little off and we can build our movement practice based on that.
Vata Dosha Characteristics
- Connected to the air & space
- Dry skin
- Always cold
- Capable of fast
- Unpredictable movements & thoughts
- Tends to have a smaller body frame
- Scattered thoughts
- Bitter taste
- Easily fatigues
- Tends to be constipated
- Feels anxious
- Feels restless
- Worries too much
- Loves music
Pitta Dosha Characteristics
- Aligned with fire
- Tends to run warm
- Competitive personality
- Determined
- Tends to have a medium body frame
- Sour taste
- Doesn’t tolerate hot weather well
- Good combination skin
- Critical or demanding
- Perfectionist
- Often frustrated or angry
- Impatient
- Premature hair graying or thinning
Kapha Dosha Characteristics
- Combination of earth & water
- Moves more slowly
- Graceful
- Loyal
- Stable
- Takes motivation to make them get up to work out
- Slow to start a task, but once they’re in it they are a go-getter
- Tends to have a larger body frame
- Sweet & salty taste
- Oily skin
- Slow digestion
- Tends to oversleep
- Often feels complacent or dull
Vata dosha workouts
Characteristics of a vata workout:
- Something slower paced to help relieve anxiety and scattered thoughts
- They will want something fast and upbeat, but they need to find the balance offset and slow in their routines
- Needs routine in their workouts
- Regular meditation is key for vatas
- 4 p.m. or early morning is an ideal time for vata workouts
Types of workouts:
- Yoga: hatha, yin, restorative, slow flow classes
(In addition, choose grounding poses and limit time in back-bending postures.) - Long walks help calm the mind
- Lifting weights: high reps, low weight
- Isometric workout routines
In general, do moves that are pelvis stabilizing and use abdominal strength.
Pitta dosha workouts
Characteristics of a pitta workout:
• Limited competitiveness when exercising if you feel out of balance
• Medium pace workout
• Uncomplicated movements
• Creative workout
• Regular meditation
• Typically over the noon hour is a good time for pittas to workout
Types of workouts:
• Yoga: Vinyasa, yin, hatha, Jivamukti (Avoid hip-closing postures.)
• Walks
• Medium weight, 10-12 reps
• Sports to fuel the competitive side
Kapha dosha workouts
Characteristics of a Kapha workout:
• Faster-paced workouts are ideal
• Multi-body part movements
• Group environment
• Creative workout
• Use vigorous pace
• Limit savasana
• An evening workout is what kaphas tend to enjoy the best
Types of workouts:
• Yoga: Ashtanga, vinyasa, power yoga
• Brisk walks
• Heavy to medium weights, 8-12 reps
• Group fitness classes
• Dancing
Topics Discussed
- Finding your true why
- What Ayurveda says about movement
- How to find pockets of time in your day to move
- Dosha Characteristics
- Working out for your dosha
Weekly Challenge:
Where to connect with Andrea
- Instagram- instagram.com/andreaclaassen21
- Website- andreaclaassen.com
- Instagram- www.instagram.com/fitalmanac
- Facebook- www.facebook.com/andreaclaassen21
- Ayurveda 28 Days Toolkit- https://andreaclaassen.com/28daytoolkit
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