How to Design an Exercise Program for a Vata Ayurveda Mind-Body Type

Vatas are the thinnest of the three mind-body types in Ayurveda, the health care system that originated in India 5,000 years ago. Vatas generally are naturally slender from their nervous energy and tendency to always be on the move. Vatas often have trouble gaining weight, a sign of their fast metabolism and irregular eating habits.Contrary to popular opinion being rail thin does not guard one from illness. Regular exercise is important for nearly everyone unless you are suffering from an illness. Ayurveda sees Vata as representing ether and air. Although Vatas may burn off extra calories from being in constant motion, this may create more stress and contribute to burnout. Designing an exercise for a Vata will emphasize gentle physical activity and include spending time in nature to calm a Vata’s non-stop mind.

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor if you have not done any regular exercise for a long time to rule out any medical issues. If you have any chronic diseases or other serious health conditions, this is a must.

• 2

  Define your exercise goals. Do you want to reduce stress or really get into shape and jog and build up a sweat? Or, do you really dislike exercise but you want to do something good for your body? If you are a Vata-Pitta, you are likely to have the hardcore jock qualities of a Pitta and are already getting plenty of exercise.

• 3

  Begin with gentle exercise. As Vatas tend to be small-boned and may even be underweight, weight loss will not be a goal. Instead, consider gentle forms of activity such as walking, slow biking (no steep hills to climb) or yoga. Enrolling in a modern dance class or going to the beach to swim in a leisurely, noncompetitive way will be more relaxing and calming than a kick-boxing class.

• 4

  Start with 20 minutes of exercise at least three times a week. Add 10 minutes a week until you reach an hour. Walking your dog after work or taking a 10-minute walk after lunch and dinner will cover this. Vatas can walk for far longer but the idea is to establish a regular, mellow exercise habit that is not too ambitious and difficult to maintain.

• 5

  Do not overexercise. Unless you are a Vata-Pitta and have the medium build and moderate muscle mass of a Pitta, keep it easy. Vatas tend to skip meals and not eat very much on some days and on others, a bit more heartily. The result is they are slim: they do not require 60 minutes of running (or even walking) seven days a week.

• 6

  Vary your routine. Changeable by nature, Vatas like variety. Bike for 30 minutes one day and two or three days later, try a restorative yoga class for beginners. On the weekend, plan a short hike with friends or a tennis game with someone at your level. Or, drag all your best friends to 80s night at a local club and dance the night away (staying well-hydrated and eating nuts and other snacks throughout). The idea is to not get bored with a set routine.

• 7

  Eat more as you bump up your physical activity. Skinny Vatas lose weight very easily and once they commit to a regular exercise routine, they will need to eat more food to maintain their slim figures. Do not eat junk food, however!

• 8

  Spend time in nature every week. Many people spend most of their times indoors. Walking outdoors every day, however briefly, will allow Vatas to be exposed to sunlight. Important for often sleep-deprived Vatas (infamous insomniacs) to keep their body clocks in working order. The trick is to get sunlight first thing in the morning and in the late afternoon. This may help restore circadian rhythms, along with avoiding caffeine and very strenous exercise two hours before bedtime.