What Is Ayurveda—And Why It Matters to How You Move
- Rachel Canale
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 20
Whether you're an Ayurveda newbie or just curious what it has to do with your squats…
How tuning in—not just turning up—can make your workouts way more effective.
If your workouts feel disconnected from the rest of your life—or like they don’t reflect your current energy, season, or mood—you’re not alone. Many of us have been taught to “push through,” ignoring our body's real needs. That’s where Ayurveda comes in.
So, what Is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India that teaches us how to live in harmony with the natural rhythms of our bodies, the day, and the seasons. It isn’t about rigid rules. It’s about noticing how you feel and adjusting what you do so that your habits support—not deplete—you.
In Ayurveda, your body and mind aren’t separate. What you eat, how you move, how much rest you get, and even how you process emotions all work together. And when it comes to movement, that means your workout isn’t “separate” from your energy levels, digestion, or mood—it’s a powerful part of them.
Why Does this Matter for Movement?
Because Ayurveda sees you as a whole person, it encourages you to move in a way that balances your current state—not just burns calories.
Feeling heavy, stuck, or sluggish? You may need energizing movement that creates lightness and clarity.
Feeling stressed, wired, or overwhelmed? Grounding, calming practices might serve you more than intensity.
Experiencing burnout or exhaustion? Gentle movement or rest may actually move you forward faster.
This doesn’t mean doing less. It means doing what works for you right now.
A More Sustainable Approach to Fitness
In the Ayurvedic view, when you force your body into a routine that doesn’t match your inner state or external environment, you create imbalance. That’s why people burn out, get injured, or stop enjoying movement altogether.
When you align your workouts with:
The time of day
The current season
Your energy and life stage
…your movement practice becomes something you look forward to—something that builds you up instead of wearing you down.
Real-Life Examples
In summer, when heat and intensity are high, a softer flow or Pilates session in the early morning might feel better than a midday run.
In winter, when the world slows down and heaviness sets in, you might benefit from brisk walks, strength training, or energizing core work.
If you're moving through a time of transition, (like perimenopause) you may need a more intuitive rhythm—one that honors what your body is asking for day by day.
How to Get Started
Bringing Ayurveda into your movement doesn’t have to be complicated.Start with simple questions:
How do I feel today?
What kind of movement would leave me feeling more balanced—not drained?
What is the season or weather inviting me to do differently?
You don’t need to overhaul everything. You just need to start listening.Ayurveda gives you a framework to trust your body, adjust with the seasons, and move in a way that feels good—not just for your muscles, but for your whole self.
Final Thought: Your Body Knows
Ayurveda teaches that health isn’t about forcing or fixing—it’s about reconnecting. When you tune into your body and move with intention, you unlock more than flexibility or core strength. You find ease, clarity, and a rhythm that supports your life—not just your workouts.
If you’re ready to move in a way that’s more connected and intuitive, that’s what I do. My sessions combine Pilates, strength, and yoga principles with Ayurvedic guidance to help you build strength, clarity, and rhythm in your real life.
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