Article written by Ashley Smith
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For thousands of years, seers have been making predictions about people based on astrology, which is a classification system of personality types based on when people are born. It is called “astrology” because the times of birth are divided by celestial phenomena. This has been practiced all over the world and using different events and symbolism to determine what personality traits a person will likely have and what his or her destiny may be. The resulting prediction is called a horoscope.
What does this have to do with working out? Well, different personality types have different strengths and weaknesses. Determining your workout based on your horoscope helps you examine those strengths and weaknesses. Do you have trouble getting motivated to work out? Do you work out and barely break a sweat?
Here are a few things you need to know in order to find the best workout based on your horoscope.
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What’s Your Sign?
The answer to this famous pop culture question isn’t as simple as you think! While we Westerners are familiar with the twelve signs of the astronomical Zodiac (the constellations in the Sun’s path in the sky), astrology has been practiced around the world by numerous cultures that had their own traditions. The Chinese zodiac is more mathematical, determining your sign according to what year you were born, and what element governed that year. The Celtic Tree zodiac compares personality types to the various trees found in Western European forests, applying the traits of the trees to describe the people. The Lunar Zodiac examines what phase of the Moon was active at your time of birth and applies traits based on that. Whether you adhere strictly to one of these zodiacs or apply them all for their different strengths and weaknesses, the first thing you need to know is which of the many signs you are.
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What is Your Sign’s Type?
Once you know your sign, the next thing to understand when matching your workout to your horoscope is the type of sign you are. Each sign on any horoscope describes a group of personality traits common to people born under it. The personality attributes of each sign may not strictly apply, but they provide a great framework. Is your sign known for passion and activity? A yoga workout might be in order so you can unwind. Does your sign tend to be passive and laid back? A more strenuous workout might be help to prepare your body for rest at night.
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Elementary Horoscope
The Chinese and Western zodiacs both classify astrological signs by what element is associated with them. For example, our familiar Western zodiac is divided into three groups based on their order in the Sun’s path, but they are also divided by the four Western elements:
- Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
- Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
- Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
- Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
The Chinese elements are fire, water, lightning, metal and wood, but both sets of elements also have traits that apply to personality. For the Western zodiac, what sign you were born under determines your element, but the Chinese elements move in a cycle of five years while the zodiac signs move in a cycle of 12, so your element will not be the same as many other people born under your Chinese zodiac sign.
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Working Out Your Workout
From the Western elements and signs, some workout suggestions would be:
- Fire signs and active signs have a lot in common and might find themselves enjoying a more strenuous workout just by virtue of their energetic personalities.
- Earth signs are known for their patience and endurance, hinting at marathons, hiking, or biking.
- Air signs are thinkers and dreamers, and might find introspective workouts involving meditation or mindfulness most enjoyable.
- Water signs might like the connection of group activities, such as yoga or cardio class.
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The best way to figure out your workout is to get to know your sign from many different angles. Knowing your sign in multiple zodiacs can give you some guidance in planning the details. Knowing what time you were born, what phase the Moon was in, and where the planets were (called a “natal chart”) can help you narrow down the details of your perfect workout.
For thousands of years, people have relied on astrology and horoscopes to make important decisions. Today, we may not rule entire kingdoms using astrology, but it can definitely help you narrow down a workout that will keep you coming back! Knowing your astrological information can help you tailor your workout to your tastes while keeping you in great shape!
If workouts and wellness are your jam, we’ve got more for yah! Read the SwellWomen perspective on how to have fun while getting into shape and exercises to get you ready for surf camp.
If your style is a bit more out of the box, why not head to Hana, Hawaii for an adventure retreat?
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