The best exercise routines for the vata dosha

Understanding your Ayurvedic body-mind type, or dosha can really help you to determine what type and intensity of exercise will be of most benefit for you and will actually leave you feeling good.

In Ayurveda, there are three different body types or constitutions known as doshas: Kapha, Pitta and Vata which can be defined by particular patterns of behaviour and physical characteristics. If you don't know what your dosha is, take our quiz to find out.

The best exercise for Vata

Vata types often have thin and delicate body frames and can struggle with energy levels. Both prolonged exercise and short bursts of intensive exercise have the potential to exhaust them.

So, vata types benefit more from strengthening and balancing exercises on a regular basis that will gradually build-up core energy levels.

Exercises such as yoga, pilates or brisk walking are ideal. The vata dosha is also prone to anxiety and can be significantly affected by stress, so vata types should also consider the benefits of practices such as mindfulness and meditation to help keep them focussed and calm.

Exercising or practising in the outdoors can really help all three doshas connect with nature and help combat stress, anxiety and depression.

So, it's also important for all dosha types to consider mental exercise too. Meditative practice and breathing exercises help to calm the mind and improve oxygen supply to the brain. And it's very important to take time out of our busy lifestyles to focus on our mental health.

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