Have fun - Exercise with the season
Author: Linda Sinden Date Posted:26 November 2019
Have you noticed that your exercise desire and tolerance can change as the season changes? Ayurveda provides a deeper understanding as to why this is so.
As you may know Ayurveda explains there are three operating principles of nature called doshas - vata, pitta and kapha dosha. How do each of these doshas influence the seasons and our exercise tendencies?
- Vata guides all movement in the body and is strongest in nature during Autumn and Winter. The natural tendency for exercise at this time is guided by Vata dosha.
- Kapha guides cohesion of matter which creates our physical structure and is strongest in nature during Spring time. The natural tendency for exercise at this time is guided by Kapha dosha.
- Pitta guides transformation or digestion and metabolism of thoughts, feelings and what we eat and drink and is strongest during the Summer months. The natural tendency for exercise at this time is guided by Pitta dosha.
Exercising with the doshas and seasons
So let’s look at what this means for exercise during these different seasons.
Spring - Exercise Tendencies
As the coolness of winter gives way to the rising warmth of Spring the desire to get outside to walk or to be more active and to increase the intensity of our workouts can arise. At this time of the year exercise helps to stimulate and energize the body and mind helping to balance the Kapha tendency for stagnation. Just like the bear comes out of hibernation so to Spring is a good time to bring those walking shoes out of the closet and to make the most of the increasing warmth to move and move more!
Summer - Exercise Tendencies
When the days get longer and the intensity of the sun stronger then exercise is best done during the cooler times of the day - first thing in the morning or later in the day. It is best to avoid exercising during 10am to 2pm. This time of the year draws upon speed, strength and stamina and provides opportunity to express determination and a competitive spirit. Team sports are a good way to have fun and unwind, and help to balance a competitive spirit. It is a good time to foster teamwork and take care not to overheat.
Autumn to Winter - Exercise Tendencies
As the changeable weather of Autumn herald the start of the cooler seasons it is best to choose activities that enhance balance, flexibility and strength. This is the time of year to avoid intense bursts of exercise. It is better to pace yourself with regular daily walking or other easy and enjoyable forms of exercise. Exercise inside when it is cold and windy. Choose exercises that help you feel grounded, promoting mental equanimity, poise, agility, limberness, along with mind body coordination.
Exercise - Helpful Herbals
No matter the season or what doshas are dominant in your mind body type there are three herbals that are excellent for supporting exercise stamina, strength, exercise recovery and enjoyment. They are:
Premium Amla Berry
Take 2 tablets of Premium amla berry prior breakfast and evening meals to help nourish your muscles, enhances physical energy, stamina and endurance and promotes mental focus and clarity.
One client who is an elite sportswomen commented to me that she noticed a real difference in her stamina and performance when taking this herbal.
Guggulu Organic
This herbal is very helpful for recovery from exercise and also when you are wanting an energy boost. It is traditionally used
- If you suffer arthritic pain, rheumatic pain, back pain, headache, body stiffness or pain from fractures then Guggul can be helpful.
- If you feel stiff after exercise, gardening or work it is also useful.
- If you have a tendency for weight gain, high cholesterol or triglycerides, cardiovascular issues, digestive weakness, low libido, get sick easily, have skin issues or a slow thyroid.
- If you are 55+ and feeling that your digestion has slowed down and you notice more aches and pains than usual, or you want an energy boost.
- If you feel low and need a boost or tonic.
NOTE: Do not take Guggul if you are pregnant or wanting to get pregnant. As Guggul has a heating quality it is not generally taken on a regular basis when Pitta is high by nature or by imbalance.
Energy Plus
This preparation is a combination of two very popular Ayurvedic herbs— Ashwagandha (Indian winter cherry) and Shatavari (Indian Asparagus).
- Ashwagandha supports muscular stamina and nourishment for the brain, assisting mental concentration and stamina.
- Shatavari is known for it's rejuvenative and strengthening properties. This formulation helps to make food more wholesome and supports the potency of other preparations that are taken along with it.
Wishing you the bliss of enjoyable physical activity this week and always.
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Linda Sinden has been a practising Maharishi Ayurveda Consultant since 1990 and is a regular contributor to our weekly Insights. She has a practice in Auckland, New Zealand and also provides phone or Skype sessions for those who need assistance, but don’t have a consultant in their vicinity. Email: lindasinden@orbislife.co.nz Skype: Linda.Sinden |
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