In the summer heat, it is crucial to adapt our forms of movement to our body’s needs. According to Ayurveda, summer is the period of Pitta dosha, which signifies heat, intensity, and fire. Even if you are not a Pitta-dominant constitution, external temperatures can easily elevate Pitta within you. Therefore, summer exercise should focus on cooling, moderation, and flexibility.
Let’s explore which forms of movement are most suitable for the different dosha types during the summer months:
1. Vata Dosha (Air and Space) – Calmness and Grounding in the Heat
Vata types are inherently prone to dryness, anxiety, and scatteredness. The summer heat can increase dehydration and nervous system overstimulation. For them, grounding, calming, and moderately paced forms of movement are most beneficial.
Summer tip for Vata dosha: Avoid overly fast, dynamic, exhausting workouts and exercising in direct midday sun. Always hydrate generously and wear comfortable, loose clothing.
- Recommended forms of movement:
- Walking: Especially during cooler periods, early morning or late evening. Walk in natural environments, such as forests or by the water, where a sense of grounding prevails.
- Yoga (Hatha, Restorative, Yin): These styles help calm the nervous system, strengthen stability, and reduce excessive mobility. Focus on long-held poses and conscious breathing.
- Slow-paced swimming: Water has a cooling effect and gently moves the joints. Avoid competitive swimming.
- Tai Chi: This movement meditation helps in finding inner balance and calmness.
2. Pitta Dosha (Fire and Water) – Cooling and Calming the Fire
Pitta types are inherently prone to excessive heat production, inflammation, and irritability. The summer heat further intensifies these characteristics, making cooling, moderately intense, and non-competitive exercise most important for them.
Summer tip for Pitta dosha: Avoid competitive sports, overly intense cardio workouts, and exercising in the midday sun. Always carry water with you and pay attention to your body’s signals.
- Recommended forms of movement:
- Swimming: This is the best summer form of exercise for Pitta. Water cools, and swimming helps release excess energy without excessively heating the body.
- Water polo or water aerobics: If you enjoy more intense movement, these water sports help you stay cool.
- Evening or early morning walk/run: When the air is coolest. Avoid afternoon hours!
- Yoga (Hatha, Yin): Choose cooling, moderately paced practices. The Moon Salutation (Chandra Namaskar) is an excellent choice. Avoid overly strenuous, power-focused yoga and hot yoga.
- Rowing (in moderation): Movement on the water and the cooling environment can be beneficial.
3. Kapha Dosha (Earth and Water) – Invigoration and Motivation
Kapha types can inherently feel heavy, slow, and stagnant, prone to stagnation and lack of motivation. The summer heat can further intensify this, although Pitta’s heat can help them get moving. For them, more dynamic, invigorating, and sweat-inducing forms of movement are most beneficial, but with attention to the heat.
Summer tip for Kapha dosha: Although as a Kapha constitution you tolerate movement well, in the summer heat, avoid overly strenuous exercise during midday hours. Hydrate generously and choose a time for exercise when the heat is not yet extreme.
- Recommended forms of movement:
- Fast-paced walking or running: Early in the morning, when Kapha’s dominant energy is still low, it can help invigorate you.
- Dynamic Yoga (Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga, Power Yoga): These styles stimulate metabolism, circulation, and help eliminate stagnation. Pay attention to cooling down after the practice.
- Cycling: A good way to expend energy and move in the fresh air.
- Hiking: Brisk walking in nature helps alleviate Kapha’s heaviness.
- Dancing: An excellent way to release energy and exercise.
General Ayurvedic Movement and Exercise Tips for Summer for All Doshas:
- Timing: Exercise early in the morning (before or immediately after sunrise) or late in the evening (after sunset), when the air is coolest. Avoid the period between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise. According to Ayurveda, room temperature or lukewarm water is best, possibly flavored with a little mint, lemon, or cucumber.
- Listen to your body’s signals: Do not overexert yourself in the heat. If you feel dizziness, weakness, or nausea, stop immediately.
- Breathing: Focus on your breathing (pranayama). Sitali (hissing breath) or Sitkari (tongue-hissing breath) can help cool the body.
- Clothing: Wear loose, light-colored clothing made of natural materials, which helps the skin breathe.
The wisdom of Ayurveda helps you stay in harmony with nature during the summer months and enjoy the beneficial effects of movement without disturbing your body’s balance.
