Around 20 million Germans jog occasionally or regularly, and one in ten managers runs marathons. There are many good reasons for running as a popular sport: it reduces obesity, prevents cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, strengthens the immune system, promotes cognitive abilities, regulates tension and simply makes you feel energised.
Surprisingly, there is even a correlation between training diligence and salary, as the Allensbach Institute for Public Opinion Research found out. According to this, the average income of enthusiastic runners is significantly higher than that of the population as a whole - so does running make you successful?
How can running be assessed from an Ayurvedic perspective and for whom is which form suitable?
The fact is:
- Running increases the air element of Vata.
The faster and more irregularly (e.g. in open terrain) you run, the more the increase in Vata comes to the fore. The surface also plays a role: the harder the ground, the stronger the vibration and the more intense the Vata aggravation.
- Running increases the fire element of Pitta.
Exercise generates heat. The more intense the exertion, e.g. uphill, at high speed or against resistance, the more heat is generated. A competitive mental attitude towards running also increases Pitta.
- Running lowers the earth element of Kapha.
This helps to reduce unwanted pounds, boost the metabolism and overcome tiredness and sluggishness. The longer, more intensive and more varied the exercise, the more excess Kapha is reduced.
By nature, Vata and Pitta constitutions feel a high need for movement, while Kapha constitutions tend to favour cosiness. In Ayurveda, both rules apply: on the one hand, the needs of the individual are strengthened and, at the same time, deficiencies or excesses are balanced by applying opposite measures.
Conclusion:
Running is healthy if you organise the load to suit your constitution:
- Vata constitutions can regularly run shorter distances of 3-5 kilometres on the softest possible surfaces with optimally cushioned shoes.
- Pitta constitutions should cover medium distances of 5-8 kilometres in the morning and avoid running on hot days.
- Kapha constitutions can lace up their running shoes early in the morning and experience the sunrise as actively as possible.
Start slowly and then gradually increase the duration and intensity.
Walking is a good way for untrained and obese people to get started.
Run at least 3 hours after a meal and make sure you are breathing evenly and smoothly. A heart rate monitor will show you your current heart rate - this should not be below 100 or above 140 beats per minute.
If you suffer from health problems, have your individual running training programme put together by an experienced therapist.
Fish swims, bird flies, man runs - let's go!
With best wishes for your health,
Ralph Steuernagel
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