There’s something to be said for finding a class—or even just a workout style—that fits your personality like your favourite lived-in tee. That’s why we turned to astrological coach Lisa Greenfield to tell us what’s written in the stars about our sweat styles.
Find out if you’re best suited for a meditative yoga class or a balls-to-the-walls boxing sesh. Then embrace your fitness fate and watch the benefits roll in.
Aquarius
Birthday: January 20-February 18
Say hello to the social influencers. People with this sign are the humanitarians, and they love to be with a big group of people while they get their heart rate up, says Greenfield. Bonus points if the proceeds of your fave workout class are donated to a good cause. “If they can get their exercise and advance the cause for mankind at the same time, then they’ll be in total bliss,” she says. Gather your girls to participate in a political march, organise a hike with a local Sierra Club chapter, or corral a team for a charity-driven cycling event.
Pisces
Birthday: February 19-March 20
No matter what workout you decide to do, there’s one thing a Pisces needs: a strong leader. “Whether it’s a yoga teacher you love or a personal trainer that pushes you, Pisces need a key figure to keep them committed and engaged,” says Greenfield. That’s because you do better when you feel connected to a person and a program. Not to mention you’ll feel even more engaged if you can get your hands on statistical data that proves the health benefits you’re raking in, adds Greenfield. Try a class like Orange Theory, which offers heart-rate data as you sweat, or work out at home with trainer Anna Victoria’s Fit Body Guides.
Aries
Birthday: March 21-April 19
“Aries will try almost anything, but workouts with a strong martial arts element or military style will really get them going,” says Greenfield. Why? “A regimented program lets them really just fall into the workout and push themselves hard,” she explains. So rather than focusing on that looming deadline, get your butt to a boxing studio or even a bootcamp to really make the most of your dedicated fitness time. Classes like these are led by trainers who guide you through the movements, which Greenfield says is important for Aries. “They won’t want a guide but they need one—they have the worst track record for injuries and accidents because they like to push themselves to the brink.” (Start with this burpee workout that special forces soldiers use to get insanely fit.)
Taurus
Birthday: April 20-May 20
Slow and steady wins the race for a Taurus girl, so don’t throw yourself into a workout that requires you to move at full-speed from warmup to cool down. Instead, find something that asks for lots of teamwork so you can bring along your bestie—or make a new one while you’re there. Grassroots programs like the November Project, which offer free community running workouts, will give you everything you’re looking for in a sweat session.
Gemini
Birthday: May 21-June 20
Geminis are super intellectual and require workouts that engage both mind and body—so yoga and Pilates could be a great fit. Find a trainer that’s always willing to explain the why behind the exercises he or she gives you, says Greenfield. “Air signs, like Geminis, can eat data like they do food, and it’s important for them to know how a routine works all the different systems to give them a total-body benefit.”
Cancer
Birthday: June 21-July 22
It may seem like a catch-22, but Greenfield says Cancer signs want it all: the comfort of working out at own home and the ability to plug in and exercise with a group. “You’ll be in heaven if you can be in a safe container—a.k.a your home—but still connect with others to keep you motivated,” she says. Luckily, technology has finally caught up and companies like DailyBurn 365 and Peloton cycling have exactly what you need: live-streaming workouts. Since you tend to push your way to the front of a group, don’t be surprised if you consistently see yourself topping the leader board. Get it, girl.
Leo
Birthday: July 23-August 22
Hey there, show stopper: If there’s one things Leo signs love, it’s an audience. And there’s nothing wrong with that. “Leos get a bad rap for having an ego, but they’re meant to be the star of the show; they thrive on that,” says Greenfield. So own it and sign up for a workout that puts you front and centre. A dance-based session, like 305 Fitness, encourages you to put your own spin on the instructor-provided movements, whereas places like Broadway Bodies teach you a choreographed routine before giving you the opp to show everyone what you’re made of.
Virgo
Birthday: August 23-September 22
There’s really only one question that all Virgo signs want answered when starting a workout: What’s the payoff? “You want to know what the health benefits are, what the total picture will be,” says Greenfield. “Knowing that if you do this, then you’ll get that will help you get really invested in a workout.” To reap the mind-body bennies, workouts that incorporate a meditative component can be a good fit, says Greenfield. Just be sure to use an app that helps you track each sweat sesh. If you can’t quantify the progress, it’ll likely feel like you’ve wasted your time.
Libra
Birthday: September 23-October 22
You’re not one to start a fight, so boxing—or any workout that channels aggression—isn’t really the right fit for you, oh graceful Libra. Instead, Greenfield says you’re more drawn toward something that’s aesthetically appealing, so aerial silks or AcroYoga might be something you should try. “Libras tend to define themselves by their partnerships, and they get the most out of something that has the ability to reflect that back to them,” says Greenfield. Since you rely on your partner’s strength just as much as your own in this particular practice, it’s likely to give you a thrill like no other. And just think of the gorgeous, Insta-worthy poses you could master.
Scorpio
Birthday: October 23-November 21
While a Libra may not enjoy punching things, a Scorpio definitely does. “Scorpio is one of the most powerful signs, so anything that teaches you how to use your power and really engage with it is a good workout option,” says Greenfield. So boxing would obviously be a solid choice. But don’t buy that five-day-a-week membership just yet: Greenfield also says that Scorpio signs need the opportunity to self-direct and choose different ways to fit in their fitness. “They might want to do boxing one day, cycling the next, and yoga the next,” she says. “Give yourself license to trust your gut and tune in to how you’re feeling that day.”
Sagittarius
Birthday: November 22-December 21
Similar to your Aquarius friends, if you fall under the Sagittarius sign then it’s likely you want to exercise for a cause. Greenfield says charity events are perfect for you too, so rather than simply signing up for a half-marathon, gain entry by raising money for a cause that’s important to you. That’ll also give you the opportunity to bring others into your cause, which works well because you love to be more of a leader and show people how it’s done.
Capricorn
Birthday: December 22-January 19
Disciplined. Dependable. Dedicated. Those three words define Capricorns to a T, and makes one thing pretty clear: You are a perfectionist to the max. So if you can’t do an exercise with proper form, you’re not shy about modifying as needed until you can master the move. And it’s unlikely people will find you checking out a trendy AF workout—at least not until it’s proven to really work—as you don’t like to waste your time on fads. Instead, you’re better suited in a program that requires you to be committed for the long haul, so training for endurance events like a marathon or 100-kilometre bike ride is right up your alley. Go on and get that medal. You’ve earned it.
This article originally appeared on Womenshealthmag.com.
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