In this article we’ll talk about what the best exercise is for Kapha. The problem is… Most Kaphas do not like exercise. 😝
What is Kapha?
Kapha is a combination of the water and earth elements in Ayurveda. A Kapha dominant person has strong muscles, smooth skin and large eyes with big eyelashes. Kaphas often have curly hair – and a lot of it! They are hard workers and have excellent stamina. A Kapha mind is calm, grounded and stable. Kapha dominant people are tolerant and forgiving and full of love. Get a free dosha quiz to find out which dosha combination you are at the bottom of this article!
We’re in the season where Kapha is building in the body (in the Northern hemisphere). We need this phase in winter to protect ourselves from the cold, build muscle and prepare the body for a more active summer.
But there is now also a higher risk of Kapha getting out of balance. Kapha has a real sweet tooth. Pair that with digestion being slow by eating too many oily and sugary foods during the festive season, too many cold and dark nights spent inside watching Netflix (🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️) and the number on the scales might have crept up a little, you might be feeling lethargic and all you want is a bowl of creamy pasta 🍝.
Read more on imbalanced Kapha in this post.
What exercise is best for Kapha?
In Ayurveda we say “like increases like”, meaning that people will be drawn to the opposite to what’s good for them.
Exercise for your dosha
For instance, Pittas will be drawn to competitive sports that bring out their competitiveness even more (to the point of aggressiveness and being obnoxious).
Vatas will be drawn to trying lots of different sports and have bursts of active periods followed by non-activity, which will increase their restlessness even more (Vata needs routine to stay in balance).
And as mentioned before, Kaphas generally do not like to exercise 😅, though they are the type that needs it the most to stay in balance and to counteract their sluggishness and slow metabolism.
The best exercise for Kapha
Dynamic and invigorating forms of exercise such as running, cycling, or power yoga are particularly beneficial for balancing Kapha. These types of activities help to stimulate their metabolism, increase circulation, and boost energy levels. Kapha types may also benefit from more intense workouts like HIIT or resistance/weight training that challenge their stamina and push them out of their comfort zone.
Once you get a Kapha to exercise they are very likely to continue because they are tenacious. They can build up excellent stamina and muscle mass, which is of course super motivating.
So for all those who are Kapha dominant or are experiencing excess Kapha energy at the moment: know that the first step to exercise will be the hardest!
Tips to make exercise more enjoyable for Kapha dosha
Here are some tips to help make exercise more enjoyable for those with a predominant Kapha constitution:
- Vary your routine: To keep things interesting and avoid boredom, switch up your exercise routine regularly. Try different activities such as hiking, dance, or kickboxing.
- Exercise with friends or a group: Kapha types tend to be social and enjoy being part of a community, so working out with others can be a great way to stay motivated and have fun.
- Set achievable goals: Kapha types can be prone to procrastination, so setting SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) goals can help to keep them motivated.
- Don’t forget to celebrate your successes along the way!
- Find a fun activity: Choose an activity that you enjoy, such as playing a team sport, doing a workout class, or going for a run in nature. Kapha types tend to respond well to activities that are both physically and mentally engaging.
- Make it a habit: Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can make it feel less like a chore and more like a habit. Kapha types tend to be disciplined and routine-oriented, so setting a regular exercise schedule can help them stick to it.
- Listen to music: Music can be a great motivator and can help you forget that you’re exercising. Kapha types respond well to upbeat, energetic music.
- Get outside: Kapha types tend to have a strong connection to nature, so incorporating outdoor activities, such as hiking or gardening, into your exercise routine can be a great way to enjoy your workout.
- Reward yourself: Kapha types enjoy treats, so after a workout, treat yourself to something you enjoy, such as a healthy snack or a relaxing activity. Going to a dry sauna is an excellent idea for Kapha.
It’s important to find an exercise routine that works for you and your lifestyle. Remember to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. Consult with your physician before starting any new exercise routine.
