Image © John Corrigan
Endomorph (Kapha or Water Type)
Water types have a dominance of the water element in their nature and, as the body is mostly made up of water, we see this being expressed in a large body type. Having a denser element in their constitutional makeup shows attachment issues arise, as water gathers in earth. Whereas air types have no problem letting go and moving on, water types like to hold on to things. This may be to food, people, situations, or exercises that are no longer appropriate. They have a slower constitution and hold onto more fat than the other types. Emotionally, they are more sentimental and like to reminisce. This inability to let go can lead to a feeling of being stuck, whether in exercise regimes or life in general.
Physically, they are usually short and stocky or tall and sturdy. They have the biggest frames and features of any of the three types and have thick, oily skin and hair, and usually big blue or brown eyes. Their pulse is likened to a swan – slow and graceful.
Their limbs are usually the shortest and thickest so they are not as adept at yogic postures, or the more adaptive physical exercises, as a pure air type would. This does not mean they cannot practice yoga and the same yogic postures to achieve physical balance. In fact, a more dynamic yoga practice may be just what they need to remain healthy as this offers the full range of body motion and adaptability they need to stay in balance. They may, however, have to modify the yogic postures to suit their frames. Sometimes, props are used to this end.
Yoga may be a more suitable exercise for them than cycling, for example, as this is a seated exercise and does not challenge water types to remain fully adaptable throughout. Not that any exercise should be discredited. However, when cycling (even long distances), the full range of body motion is not activated and water types may never find the balance they need. They have the strength and endurance for exercise that other types find challenging. Their tendency to feel stuck is what must be balanced with their innate strength.
In their exercises, it is more beneficial for them to develop a feeling of lightness and to keep the body moving, as well as staying longer and working harder at more strenuous exercises.
Water types have a dominance of the water element in their nature and, as the body is mostly made up of water, we see this being expressed in a large body type. Having a denser element in their constitutional makeup shows attachment issues arise, as water gathers in earth. Whereas air types have no problem letting go and moving on, water types like to hold on to things. This may be to food, people, situations, or exercises that are no longer appropriate. They have a slower constitution and hold onto more fat than the other types. Emotionally, they are more sentimental and like to reminisce. This inability to let go can lead to a feeling of being stuck, whether in exercise regimes or life in general.
Physically, they are usually short and stocky or tall and sturdy. They have the biggest frames and features of any of the three types and have thick, oily skin and hair, and usually big blue or brown eyes. Their pulse is likened to a swan – slow and graceful.
Their limbs are usually the shortest and thickest so they are not as adept at yogic postures, or the more adaptive physical exercises, as a pure air type would. This does not mean they cannot practice yoga and the same yogic postures to achieve physical balance. In fact, a more dynamic yoga practice may be just what they need to remain healthy as this offers the full range of body motion and adaptability they need to stay in balance. They may, however, have to modify the yogic postures to suit their frames. Sometimes, props are used to this end.
Yoga may be a more suitable exercise for them than cycling, for example, as this is a seated exercise and does not challenge water types to remain fully adaptable throughout. Not that any exercise should be discredited. However, when cycling (even long distances), the full range of body motion is not activated and water types may never find the balance they need. They have the strength and endurance for exercise that other types find challenging. Their tendency to feel stuck is what must be balanced with their innate strength.
In their exercises, it is more beneficial for them to develop a feeling of lightness and to keep the body moving, as well as staying longer and working harder at more strenuous exercises.