get fit by the stars
Dynamic Arians are bursting with vitality. They live off their adrenalin and are always impatient to meet the next challenge. No one can inspire and motivate others like an Arian, but this tendency to leap impulsively into life can also court disaster. With your fast-moving, erratic lifestyle, you are more likely to have accidents than illness. Unless all this dynamism is properly channelled, your stamina will eventually suffer as well. Arians like to live on fast and often fattening convenience foods and snacks because the become impatient with a regular dietary regime. Despite your high metabolism, weight gain can be a problem, so plan meals with more care. Other downfalls? Coffee, tea and good wine - and when you overindulge...you truly suffer! Willpower is therefore a hard, but necessary, lesson to learn. Since Aries rules the head, typical ailments can be migraine, fever, acne, fainting, insomnia, cuts and scars to the head or problems with eyes, ears or teeth. As you are also prone to irritability, you should try to avoid getting physically and emotionally overheated. Regular exercise or competitive sport are excellent ways of letting off steam and working off excess aggression.
Taureans prefer life to be unhurried, steady and sure. But, while your sturdy constitution doesn't readily give in to illness, your main downfall is love of lavish comforts, good food and wine. Overindulgence can, therefore, be a major problem - and counting calories a nightmare! You are unable to resist delicious delicacies...with diets inevitably coming to a sticky, sweet end. Often you just give up and dive back into the biscuit tin. But, as dietary discipline is essential to your wellbeing, cut down on food portions. Eat little, more often, and never between meals. By preferring the comfort of an armchair to energetic exercise, maintaining a regular fitness routine can also prove difficult. But Taureans love the countryside, and you're at your healthiest and happiest in gardens, parks or bushland. A long, steady walk in the open air is therefore the ideal exercise to revitalise a slow, sluggish system. Since Taurus rules the throat, neck and voice, there's often something quite distinctive about the way Taureans talk - usually forcefully and loudly. But you may not realise that your powerful vocal chords could be put to more soothing, melodic use because many Taureans also have beautiful singing voices. Typical ailments are throat inflammations, laryngitis, soreness and infections.
Routine is the natural enemy of the restless and vibrant Gemini. You live off chaotic, frazzled nerves so, although life may be bizarre, it's never dull! Food is of little or no significance - it takes far too much time and fuss to prepare. Sleep is also inconsequential. This total absence of routine means a healthy lifestyle and diet are often sacrificed. Since Gemini also rules the nervous system, you can become restless, edgy and irritable for no apparent reason, with moods that change from moment to moment. You are eternally on the go and can keep going until you drop. It's not until your overwrought, exhausted body screams "enough is enough!" that you come to a grinding halt. Although your recuperative powers are remarkable, why risk your health by continually draining your body's strength? Quiet, controlled activity can be just as productive as your more usual erratic behaviour. Most Geminis should make more time to rest and relax. Since this sign also rules the lungs, typical ailments are bronchitis, chest infections, asthma and pneumonia. Shoulders, arms, hands and fingers also fall into Gemini's domain, so they may be susceptible to injuries.
Cancer is one of the most vulnerable and sensitive signs of the zodiac. Your greatest needs are to love, protect and nurture, but survival itself depends on receiving the same in return. Ruled by unsettled emotions, Cancerians tend to worry unduly - to bottle things up and suffer in silence. Learn to release pent-up anxieties by sharing problems and talking them through. When feeling low, Cancerians "comfort eat", but how often have you lost weight only to pile kilos back on? Your usual excuse is that you're too busy looking after everyone else. Take care that selflessness doesn't become self-destructive. Find a balance - sometimes you just have to put your own needs first. Since Cancer rules the stomach and alimentary canal, your sensitive digestive system can suffer in times of stress. Long-term tension may lead to ulcers, stomach disorders and painful cramps. Water retention is another common problem. Herbal teas such as chamomile, mint or bilberry should help in clearing sluggish systems. Cancer is ruled by the water element, so just being near the sea, a river or lake could also soothe strained nerves. If that's not possible, jump into a hot bath!
Leos are the most dramatic, vibrant and energetic of the zodiac signs, with bodies that thrive on constant motion. Ruled by the radiant sun, you have a warm, outgoing nature and never do anything by halves! Leos are born leaders who require admiration and love or, at the very least, appreciation. But too much relentless ambition can be your downfall. Many Leos refuse to ease up, even when ill. Although this sign doesn't generally fall victim to long, lingering sickness, you do have weak spots - the heart and back, both of which need to have constant care. Regular, daily exercise, like a brisk walk, will tone the whole body and keep the back muscles supple. Meditation, deep breathing and regular holidays will also help recharge those exhausted batteries. The ability of Leos to heartily enjoy life extends to rich food and wine, which are irresistible. Vintage champagnes and port are particular favourites. Unfortunately, you are what you eat! To avoid an expanding waistline, make sure your diet includes plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and pure water. Look after yourself from the inside out!
Virgo is discriminating, practical and realistic, and approaches life carefully and guardedly. You're conscientious about health, hygiene and nutrition, and you tend to lavish fastidious care on mind and body...sometimes to the point of obsession. But, with your reputation as a born worrier, Virgo is considered the hypochondriac of the zodiac. When feeling unwell, you often imagine yourself worse off than you are. Ironically, prolonged periods of anxiety and trying to constantly maintain high standards can eventually bring on ill health. When your meticulously planned sense of order is threatened, pressures build up and nerves can be worn to a frazzle. Because this sign rules the abdomen and digestive system, stress and worry can cause indigestion, heartburn, colic and stomach upsets. Nervous tension can bring migraine, bowel problems and eczema. So, if you start to feel run down, tired and irritable, don't ignore your body's early warning signals. Learn to become calm through meditation or deep breathing. Regular massage and aromatherapy would also help. Treat yourself to a well-deserved pampering and let life happen spontaneously.
Librans are charming, sophisticated and flamboyant. Few can match your exuberant, energetic love of life. When dealing with others, the diplomatic Libran shows good judgment but you are incurably indecisive and extremely sensitive to criticism in personal matters. Rather than confront emotional issues, most Librans suffer in silence and settle for peace at any price. In doing so, there's the danger of losing self-esteem, with frustration and anger setting in as you suppress deep feelings and desires. Inner tension can therefore play havoc with your health. Stress symptoms manifest themselves as eczema, irritability, nervous tension or back or kidney troubles. You may often seek refuge in food, and then attempt to lose weight as hastily as it was gained! But crash diets can be demoralising, especially for those impulsive Librans whose enthusiasm wanes when results aren't achieved instantly. Even if you do initially lose weight, you'll inevitably end up putting it back on - and then some. Stop dreaming about one day waking up with a supermodel's figure - every person's shape if different. There's only one you, so keep that very special "you" healthy, happy and hearty!
Enigmatic, exotic, seductive Scorpios live life with fearless determination and without inhibition. Being ambitious and commanding, there's nothing frivolous about this dramatic, powerful sign. Your instinctive response to life is emotional; no other sign is as intense. Scorpio adores gourmet food and good wine, and is rarely moderate in habit. Weight can climb quickly, but is shed with equal haste. Scorpio rules the bladder and the organs that eliminate toxins from the body, so make sure that you flush out impurities with plenty of pure water, fresh fruit and vegetables. Scorpios are also very secretive, and prefer to keep thoughts and feelings to themselves. Your greatest need is for privacy, and have a fear of being imposed upon...especially when feeling under par. Illness is considered a very personal and private matter. And like all those born under a water sign, health can be dramatically affected by your emotional state, particularly your love life. Scorpio rules the reproductive organs, so sexual desires are strong. If such urges are repressed, psychological and physical ailments could arise. Raging headaches, PMT and strong menstrual pain are common problems for many Scorpio women.
Sagittarians are active, adventurous and restless, and usually approach life on a grand scale. Never conventional, you're an eternal optimist who enjoys trying new ideas and taking risks. What you most dread is feeling restricted, whether mentally, emotionally or physically. When ill, symptoms are ignored for as long as possible, and regular health checks are few and far between. This insatiable need for excitement and exploration can burn enormous reserves of energy, so total exhaustion is often the end result. A love of hearty food and drink has also led to many a Sagittarian downfall. Ethnic tastes, pasta, crusty bread and barbecues are particular favourites. When under stress, moods fluctuate. Your tendency to swing from enthusiastic optimism to deep depression can trigger a cycle of starvation and binge-eating. Do your metabolism a favour - settle on a sensible, balanced eating plan and moderate your exuberance with meditation, rest and relaxation. Hips, thighs and wrists are the parts of the body ruled by Sagittarius, so these are the areas particularly prone to bumps, bruises and broken bones. Also watch the liver, arteries and lungs.
Capricorn is the most ambitious, disciplined and hardworking of all the signs of the zodiac. Proceeding through life cautiously and methodically, you rarely stray from the straight and narrow. There's a genuine fear of appearing weak or dependent, and illness is considered an inconvenience. However, as Capricorns can get bogged down in long periods of work, bouts of depression are likely to the the though goals you set yourself. But routines don't always have to be so strictly regimented. Do your body and favour and ease off a little - give yourself permission to enjoy life! Being equally disciplined in diet, Capricorns can get stuck in a boring food rut, often overdosing on meat and potatoes. Try experimenting with new tastes and ideas. Changing eating habits need not be traumatic; think of it as a challenge! Despite being one of the healthiest signs of the zodiac, excessive burdens can drag you down. You often suffer from poor circulation and feel the cold more than most. With this sign also ruling the teeth, bones and joints, the rigidity in your character and the lack of regular exercise can induce typical Capricorn ailments such as rheumatic pain and arthritis. Sensitive skin also suffers in strong sunlight.
The quirky, eccentric Aquarian is anything but conventional, with diet and health habits being equally undisciplined and unpredictable. Aquarians are the most independent of the zodiac signs, needing freedom but fearing commitment. Despite being full of ideas for changing the world, you often neglect your own needs and health. Fatigue is a common problem, as well as insomnia, loss of concentration, irritability and stress. Like most air signs, Aquarians prefer a light diet but, because they often suffer from poor circulation in cold weather, they could try hearty meals spiced with herbs and peppers to keep out the chills. Aquarians can also fall victim to "on-off" dieting. One minute you're counting calories, the next minute you're losing control. As a result, your metabolism suffers, you feel guilty, you "comfort eat", and then put on even more weight. Bizarre eating habits can usually be linked to fatigue and boredom, so it's a good idea to boost your energy levels with regular activities such as invigorating walks, swims or aerobics. Remember to exercise in proper footwear, because Aquarians are particularly vulnerable to calf and ankle injuries.
Vulnerable, gentle and sensitive Pisces is a sign of many moods. You guard those you love with untiring devotion, but often at the expense of your own health. So stop trying to be all things to all people. You must learn to say "no" occasionally and then set aside more time for yourself. Pisceans are creative and imaginative, dreamy and indecisive. They have a tendency to withdraw from reality and then drift between the boundaries of fact and fiction. For most Pisceans, emotions and health are inextricably linked. Your bottled-up emotions, insecurities and fears can often instigate anxiety attacks, depression and comfort-eating. Drink and drugs are also often used as an escape. Try to substitute relaxation techniques such as meditation, natural remedies and herbal teas for those tranquillisers and copious quantities of caffeine. As Pisces also rules the feet, common ailments are athlete's foot, corns, bunions and fallen arches. You may have some difficulty in finding shoes that fit comfortably, so you could find it therapeutic to walk barefoot. You could also try reflexology or massage to help soothe those aches and pains.
