When it comes to the busy demands of our daily lives, it is extremely important to prioritize physical health and exercise. Fitness not only brings physical benefits, but also psychological and spiritual ones, as well. In order to discuss what is the best way for each zodiac sign to get moving, we connected with celebrity fitness trainer, Dustin Anderson @FitnessDust.
Aries is a zodiac sign that is highly energized and aggressive. They have a lot of energy to burn off, as they are ruled by Mars. This makes Capoeira perfect for them! “Capoeira is a form of martial arts that combines elements of fight, acrobatics, music, and dance in a very elegant and magnetic way,” Dustin told us. “When performed by two people, it is often called a “Capoeira game” that is played, not a fight. Capoeira is a great way to burn off that extra energy in a way that energizes the entire body while improving balance and coordination.”
Taurus is a zodiac sign that loves to be in nature and to be moving their body. This is why cycling can be helpful to them. It allows for social distancing when out and about, or one can get a stationary bicycle for their home. “Cycling, also called bicycling or biking, is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, exercise, or sport -- the principal means of transportation in many parts of the world,” Dustin explained. “Cycling is widely regarded as a very effective and efficient mode of transportation optimal for short to moderate distances, with the bonus of strengthening and developing the endurance of the lower body and core.”
Gemini is a zodiac sign that is highly active, as it is ruled by the fast-paced planet, Mercury. HIIT will help them to keep their minds—and bodies—moving. Dustin’s insight further shed light upon this for us: “HIIT, or High-Intensity Interval Training, is a training technique in which you give all-out, one hundred percent effort through quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short, sometimes active, recovery periods. This type of training gets and keeps your heart rate up and burns more fat in less time. Benefits include increasing metabolism, shorter sessions, and can easily be done with only bodyweight exercises, so no expensive equipment is needed! Just remember to exert yourself to the max in very short bursts -- 20 seconds of all-out effort followed by 10 seconds of rest, for example, repeated eight times for four minutes total.”
Cancer is generally a peaceful zodiac sign who appreciates being home and relaxed. Tai chi will center their sensual nature. “Tai chi is a gentle way to release stress and anxiety, while improving flexibility and balance,” Dustin explained. “This ancient Chinese practice originally was developed for self-defense, but tai chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that's often described as meditation in motion, composed of controlled and generally gentle, fluid movements, while focusing on controlled breathing. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion. It brings focus and energy to both the mind and the body.”
Leo is a fiery and ferocious zodiac sign and they crave activity! Circuit training will help them keep moving, but also increase their confidence. “Think of this as a round of exercises, generally with little to no rest between,” Dustin extrapolated. “For example, in a single bodyweight circuit workout, one circuit could consist of 5 burpees, 10 push-ups, 15 planks, and 20 jump squats. You move from one exercise right to the next with minimal rest in between each exercise to keep your heart rate up. Between circuits, a rest period is important so you can hit the next set just as hard as the previous one!”
Virgos love routine, stability, and repetition. This is why steady-state cardio is an excellent match for them. “Steady-state cardio refers to exercise where you aim to keep a set pace at a moderate intensity, like a long run/jog or bike ride,” Dustin elaborated. “This type of endurance training is especially beneficial if you’re training for a race or event. Long steady jogs on the sidewalk or, if you're lucky and like an added challenge, on the beach, where the sand fires up your leg muscles and core even more by adding proprioceptive elements to your workout. As they say, “Slow and steady wins the race.”
As a zodiac sign that is ruled by Venus, planet of grace, harmony, and beauty, Libras are naturally perfect for pilates. “You’ll improve your posture, bodily alignment, and get one heck of a core workout with Pilates,” Dustin chuckled. “A 2016 study found that eight weeks of Pilates classes improved abdominal endurance, flexibility, and balance. Pilates tends to target the core, although the exercises work other areas of your body as well, and boils down to being a full-body workout that will help you do everything better. A typical Pilates workout is 45 minutes to an hour long, and while there’s some debate over whether “toning” is even a thing, Pilates-inspired workouts are a great way to build overall core strength and flexibility.”
Scorpio is a zodiac sign that is intense, passionate, and aggressive. This is because they are ruled by both Mars and Pluto. “Kickboxing is the perfect in-between for people who think boxing sounds awesome but who don’t want to actually hit someone else in the face,” Dustin nodded. “Kickboxing will improve your coordination, balance and agility, while getting in a TON of cardio. It’s important to learn some foundations, so taking a class or finding good learning resources before you start is key to having an effective kickboxing session.”
Sagittarius need excitement and a youthful energy in their lives at all times -- so dance is a perfect match for them! “Zumba is a fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves,” Dustin stated. “Zumba routines incorporate interval training — alternating fast and slow rhythms — to help improve cardiovascular fitness, and targeting all parts of the body. Bokwa is a newer kind of dance workout, complete with heart-pumping routines and easy-to-learn steps. Bokwa is hip hop-centric, incorporating South African-style dance moves. Like with Zumba, instructors must be specially certified to teach Bokwa classes. Other styles of dance that are great workouts include ballet for balance, and salsa for cardio and coordination.”
Capricorns like to stick with tried-and-true methods in all areas of life, which is why weight training is a great match for them. They’re also an Earth Sign, so have a major focus on their bodies. For Capricorns that don’t have a full weight set at home (which is obviously rare), they can still buy a smaller set for their personal use. “Many individuals who exercise or are new to the fitness world feel strength training is only associated with more experienced athletes -- a myth that couldn't be further from the truth,” Dustin told us. “There are too many physical, health, and mental benefits to leave strength training out of your workout schedule. Not only does strength training increase your physical work capacity, it also improves your ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL's) by working your entire body over various workouts. Lifting weights also improves bone density, and increases the strength of connective tissue, muscles, and tendons, leading to improved motor performance and decreased injury risk. And as a bonus, you’ll gain confidence as you see results in your own body through consistency in the gym.”
Aquarius is the zodiac sign associated with experimentation and loves to incorporate new ideas into their vision for the world. This is why Brazillian Jiu Jitsu will bring out their independence and creative side. “Originally derived from Judo, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu prides itself on teaching weaker or smaller opponents to overcome stronger ones through perfected technique and highly-targeted moves,” Dustin informed. “What’s more, the practice is a favorite among Hollywood actors such as Ashton Kutcher and Naomi Watts looking to prepare for roles in action films. If you’re looking to improve you balance and agility, Jiu Jitsu is definitely worth trying out!”
Pisces is a zodiac sign that is soft, sensual, and mystical. Yoga is a perfect match for their spiritual and creative hearts. “Yoga is a very popular gentle way to improve your posture, balance, coordination, and self-awareness,” Dustin finished. “Yoga is a systematic practice of physical exercise, breath control, relaxation, positive thinking, and meditation, aimed at developing harmony in the body, mind, and environment. Improving your overall mood, flexibility, and endurance are only a few of the benefits to taking up yoga!”
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Dustin Anderson is a fitness enthusiast who trains clients out of Los Angeles and Hollywood, California. With a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification for over 5 years, he trains clients of all ages at local gyms, private gyms, and home gyms. Also a professional dance instructor, Dustin sees the value not only in mainstream fitness regiments, but alternative methods for staying healthy that don’t involve his passion -- bodybuilding and weight training -- for those individuals who may have special or unique needs. Active in community classes and volunteer work, he focuses on helping his clients stay in top shape through a combination of exercise and nutrition, while learning to balance their busy lives to incorporate an overall healthy lifestyle.