More than 5,000 years ago, the master Ayurvedic physician Charaka wrote, “From physical exercise, one gets lightness, a capacity for work, firmness, tolerance of difficulties, elimination of impurities, and stimulation of digestion.”
To keep your body in peak condition for as long as possible, you need to exercise it regularly, but this doesn’t mean pounding your muscles into shape. In the Ayurvedic view, exercise is meant to leave you feeling invigorated, happy, and ready for the day’s activities—not exhausted or in need of painkillers. Different bodies need different types of exercise, so for exercise for your dosha, look for activities that balance your metabolic type and avoid those that aggravate it. Keep reading for some exercise tips, according to your specific metabolic type. If you don’t already know your metabolic type or dosha, you can take our dosha quiz.