Let’s get some slimming secrets based on your star sign from astrologer Hedy Damari.
I admit it. I’m your typical lazy Piscean who loathes exercise.
Sure, I love the endorphin rush and sense of accomplishment once I’ve actually completed my fat burning but until the teleportation machine is invented, dragging my sorry butt to the gym will always seem like a chore. Unless you’re one of the blessed few who effortlessly sticks to a fitness regime it’s likely that you dislike gruelling exercise routines too. But workouts don’t have to be boot camp – all you need to do is discover the right kind of exercise for your personality. Use your star sign to steer you in the right direction.
ARIES
Ruled by Mars and a dynamic fire sign to boot, energetic Aries possess stamina, will power and an enormous amount of energy. No guts, no glory is the doctrine you live by and you’re one of the fortunate few who actually like the idea of heading to boot camp for some tough love. You have a highly competitive nature and like challenging activities, therefore, the best forms of exercise involve combat – boxing, kick boxing or one of the many forms of martial arts – jujitsu, judo, karate or kung fu.
Dietary Tips
DON’T: Eat on the run.
DO: Eat three square meals a day – sit, chew and enjoy.
AVOID: Spicy food, red meat, salt.
TAURUS
Most Bulls would rather sit through and insurance seminar than exercise and need a regime that will inspire you to sweat. Ruled by Venus and an earth sign Taureans have a strong connection with beauty and appreciation for nature, so the thought of being cooped up inside a gym is not going to motivate you. Vigorous hiking, daily walks along the beach and training outdoors will provide a nature fix and distract you while you’re getting in shape. As one of the most sensual signs you also enjoy a good boogie so check out a few dance classes.
Dietary Tips
DO: Remember to eat!
DON’T: Eat until you’re stuffed – everything in moderation.
AVOID: Overindulging in your favourite foods – chocolate and red wine.
GEMINI
Ruled by quick-thinking Mercury, multi-faceted Geminis are notorious for having a low boredom threshold and need a variety of activities to maintain your interest. Mixing it up is the key, however, it’s very important to stick to at least one form of exercise each week such as morning walks, swimming or visiting the gym and supplement it with a little diversity – yoga, Pilates and tennis are all ideal. Circuit classes at your local gym are also a big draw card as they involve varied activities from cycling to weights and change every few minutes.
Dietary Tips
DO: Eat more complex carbohydrates and fish.
DON’T: Eat late at night.
AVOID: Stimulants like caffeine – you’re alert enough as it is!
CANCER
Ruled by the Moon, you’re one of the most emotional signs of the zodiac and need exercise as a means of blowing off steam. The natural high produced by exercise keeps you centred and as you give so much of yourself it also provides the ‘me’ time you need. Activities which are going to make you feel empowered such as self defence or kick boxing are ideal. As a water sign, laps at your local pool or the beach and aqua aerobics are perfect. You also have a great amount of discipline good old fashioned aerobics can be the go.
Dietary Tips
DO: Eat more dairy and seafood.
DON’T: Eat when feeling emotional.
AVOID: Starchy highly seasoned or sugary foods.
LEO
Ruled by the energising sun Leos are creative and dramatic. You need exercise which will entertain, as well as allow you to express yourself. Therefore, all forms of dancing from belly to the latest Bollywood craze offer fun, therapeutic workouts, while hip hop or salsa give you a more dynamic workout. If boogie-ing your way to buns of steel isn’t your thing at least make sure that you exercise to music – take your mp3 on your daily constitutional or if exercising at home make sure the music is upbeat and cranked.
Dietary Tips
DO: Sit down and make time for each meal.
DON’T: Eat when stressed out or in a hurry.
AVOID: Excess dairy and spicy foods.
VIRGO
Virgos know that a healthy body equals a sound mind and therefore you watch what you eat and try to maintain some semblance of an exercise regime. Ruled by Mercury you need activities which will stimulate your mind as well keep you looking buff, which is why ancient eastern practices are ideal. Tai chi and yoga, from the meditative and gentle forms to the more dynamic Bikram and Iyengar focus on connecting the body, mind and spirit – perfect for soothing nerves and helping you stay calm and centred.
Dietary Tips
DO: Incorporate more variety into your diet.
DON’T: See food as purely a means of fuel – make it a tasty experience.
AVOID: Caffeine – switch to herb teas instead.
LIBRA
Ruled by party-loving Venus, Librans are among the most sociable signs, and although you’re perfectly capable of hauling yourself to the gym you always prefer working out in the company of others. The social aspect of rendezvousing with buddies and chewing the fat during your daily walks along the beach, game of doubles tennis or local laps is always something to you look forward to and helps make exercise a more enjoyable experience. You also like a group dynamic, so classes such as body balance, step or body pump at the gym are ideal.
Dietary Tips
DO: Drink in moderation.
DON’T: Drink on an empty stomach!
AVOID: Dairy and rich, heavy foods.
SCORPIO
Ruled by powerful Pluto Scorps have enormous will power, strength and intensity. Pain is gain in your book and you don’t mind a punishing workout involving good old fashioned jogging, working out with weights, lunges, push ups and sit ups as long as it gets you the desired results. As a water sign jogging along the soft sand followed by a swim or body surf are also appealing forms of exercise. For the ladies, the sexy new pole dancing craze will also enhance your vixen persona and give you a fantastic workout at the same time.
Dietary Tips
DO: Eat several small meals instead of three large ones.
DON’T: Skip breakfast!
AVOID: Caffeine and carbohydrates.
SAGITTARIUS
Ruled by jolly Jupiter Saggies have enormous get-up-an-go. To you workouts aren’t just about staying in shape, a daily dose prevents you from bouncing off the walls. In fact you become quite miserable if deprived of your daily fix. Having such an adventurous personality, sports such as sailing, indoor rock climbing or white water rafting are your bag. You’re also extremely competitive, but encouraging so when you’re not running against your rival on the track you’re inspiring other friends who aren’t as fit to shake it and join you in your routine.
Dietary Tips
DO: Stock up on healthy snacks when out or at work.
DON’T: Eat large meals.
AVOID: Eating bread on a daily basis.
CAPRICORN
Ruled by Saturn, the planet of discipline you Caps have the patience and persistence to steadily work towards your goals by stringently sticking to a step-by-step plan. You like to do things by yourself so apart from maintaining your physique exercise is a way for you relax, reflect and grab some much-needed alone time. As an earthy Goat hiking, mountain bike riding and other outdoor activities are great activities. You should also appeal to your ambitious nature by entering marathons and raising the bar each year.
Dietary Tips
DO: Eat more green veggies and rocket to aid digestion.
DON’T: Skip meals.
AVOID: Falling into a rut – make sure there’s variety in your diet.
AQUARIUS
Ruled by Uranus, the unpredictable planet, Aquarians need variety and something a little out of the ordinary. You love anything novel and have a penchant for fads whether it’s Tai Bo or Capoiera – you name it, you’ve tried it! As an air sign you’re also very sociable and although you like to stand out from a crowd you don’t mind exercising in one. Marathons, dance and gym classes – anything with a group atmosphere generally appeal to you. You also like your gadgets so working out in the most high tech state-of-the-art gym is also your scene.
Dietary Tips
DO: Cut out snacks.
DON’T: Eat at odd hours.
AVOID: Caffeine, fried and starchy foods.
PISCES
Ruled by Neptune, Mer-people have great imaginations and creative minds but aren’t the most motivated people. You’re easily discouraged if the results aren’t instant so moderation is the key. Hitting the gym five times a week will only give you the guilts if you go twice the following week. Try exercising three times a week with a variety that will keep you coming back for more. Yoga appeals to your spiritual nature, as well as surfing, body surfing and swimming. Proximity is also a factor – choose activities close to home.
Dietary Tips
DO: Cut out salt, drink plenty of water and eat omega rich foods.
DON’T: Eat yeasty or oily foods.
AVOID: Excessive alcohol and grazing.
Does your exercise regime suit your star sign? Tell us in the comments below!
