Written By Aquib Nawab, BBA
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Sandeep Madaan, MD (Ayurveda)
Introduction
Discover the transformative power of Ayurveda's holistic fitness approach. Embrace personalised fitness journeys that lead to unparalleled well-being and vitality.
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1. Benefits of Proper Exercise
Regular exercise serves as a catalyst for detoxification, improving digestion, circulation, elimination, and lymphatic flow, release of tension, mental clarity, emotional well-being, and better sleep quality.
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2. Exercise Culture and Obsession
Our culture often celebrates extreme exercise, driven by phrases like "No Pain, No Gain" and "Push It," which promote a mindset of pushing limits. Ayurveda challenges this approach, advocating for a balanced perspective on fitness.
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3. The Ayurvedic Perspective on Fitness
Tailored exercise: Ayurveda respects individuality, adjusting routines based on constitution, age, climate, and qualities like light, sharpness, and more.
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4. Personalized Approach to Fitness
Ayurveda recognizes diverse paths to optimal health, each personalised to an individual's unique needs. This approach, though complex initially, becomes intuitive with education and understanding.
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5. Exercise at 50 Percent Capacity
In line with Ayurveda, exercise at around 50% capacity, achieving a mild sweat on the forehead, underarms, and along the spine, or noticing dryness in the mouth.
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6. Breathing Through Nostrils
Breathing through the nostrils during exercise regulates effort and adapts the body to handle increased intensity over time. Nostril breathing offers its own benefits beyond exercise.
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7. Right Time of Day to Exercise
Ayurveda suggests exercising during kapha times (6–10 a.m. & p.m.) to counteract exercise's inherent lightness and mobility with grounded energy. Consider vata and pitta times based on your dosha imbalance.
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8. Tailoring Exercise to Doshas
Craft a fitness routine to address specific dosha needs, maintaining balance. Vata and pitta doshas, when imbalanced, can be harmonised through the right exercise choices.
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9. Honouring Your Agni
Respect digestion and agni by waiting after meals before vigorous exercise. The time needed depends on meal size and your digestive fire's strength. The nature of post-meal exercise also matters; gentler activities may be more appropriate.
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10. Trusting Your Intuition
Post-meal, listen to your body's cues to gauge readiness for exercise. Commence your fitness routine when digestion feels adequate and won't interfere.
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