LET'S WORK!
LET’S WORK!
fitness with a purpose
By Chastain Howard
Pop quiz: how many of my awesome readers have heard of AYURVEDA? If you have great for you, but if you were like me I didn’t know what it was, until I reached my early 20s, a great friend and exercise mentor shared with me the benefits of this traditional system from India. Now, for those of you who do not know what Ayurveda is or what it means here is the short answer: “a system of alternative medicines that treat and integrate body, mind, and spirit holistically with a heavy emphasis on herbal remedies, exercise, meditation, breathing, and physical therapy.” We are going to focus on exercises utilizing the three Dosha (energies): Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and how these exercises can help bring your body into a balanced and allow your body to just be.
*Please before attempting any workout, consult with your doctor, health practitioner, or medical provider first.
All the information contained on this page is informational only and not meant to replace any medical treatments that you may be receiving or diagnose any ailments.
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Each dosha helps us to understand our body internally and externally, and when our energies are out of balance this can lead to health issues. For each dosha there is an Earth element, and what that element is to our body type. Vata is ether and air, this dosha embodies creativity, when not balanced it leaves one feeling constantly nervous, and finding it difficult to sleep.
The best exercises to do for vata energy alignment are good fast-paced workouts such as cardio, running, or my favorite dancing.
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What happens when water and earth are joined? It is the kapha dosha, and this energy type craves stability. Imbalance in this energy keeps this type in fear of change and clinging to any type of stability even if it means that it’s unhealthy for you.
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I love to jog, there is something about being on the open road that gives me such energy and allows me to think freely. A light jog can benefit your body if you are a kapha dosha type and helps balance your energy. So, tie up those laces and hit the open road for a burst of energy.
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Dosha pitta is fire and water and these combined elements exude passion. When unbalanced the energies lead you to push yourself to work or work out even when your body is in need of rest.
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Biking is a great way for pitta types to keep in shape, I recommend biking outside and early in the morning, since pitta energies are naturally hot and fiery, working out in the early morning is best to help balance this energy for this type of dosha.
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Food is energy, and when practicing Ayurvedic there is a dosha that ties the three main energies, and that is the tridoshic dosha, this energy when imbalanced can trigger emotions like anger, fear, and anxiety. I realized that I was suffering from a multitude of imbalances in my youth, and a lot of that was centered around my eating habits. I was working out, meditating, and getting sleep but I wasn’t monitoring my meals properly. Eating properly motivates the body to become more energized, the mind and spirit clearer, and leaves you in a state of well-being. There are three dosha body builds Vata is slender, Pitta is medium, and Kapha is larger.
If you are anything like me, that is to say, that you like to throw down in the kitchen, let me share a delicious recipe that anyone can make, even if you are not a master chef. This recipe will easily feed 4 people, or hey, if you don’t want to share, we won’t judge you, just be sure and save some for later.
Black Bean Hummus Bowl with Chipotle
Prepare time: 15 minutes
2 cups of unsalted black beans (canned)
1 1/4 store-bought plain hummus (😜we won’t tell)
2 tsp of organic lemon juice
1/2 tsp of ground chipotle
1 bag of naan bread or pita chips
Blend ingredients in a food processor until smooth. You can add grilled corn kernels, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and chopped onions. If you really want to spice it up try adding sliced jalapenos. Bon appetite!
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Michael B. Luong, Vlad Kutepov, Jenna Anderson, Olga Bast, Coen Van de Broek, Jeremy Stewart, Anna Pelzer, and Christopher Alvarenga
Images are used for illustration purposes only.
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I am extremely passionate about all things related to health and helping others achieve their health goals because when you are healthy on the inside you feel great on the outside. Being healthy doesn’t just mean working out and eating right, it also means resting the body, getting enough adequate sleep, taking care of your mental health, and seeking a balance for all of these things to enhance your life. I have worked in fitness as a personal trainer and mental health coach for the past 22 years, and continue to enjoy uplifting others to reach their health heights. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, hiking, snorkeling, and hanging out with my boyfriend Robert, and our two Alaskan Huskies Caesar and Antony.
