Can your birth sign really influence how you should work out?

Chances are, that even if you don’t follow astrology, you still know what your star sign is. Horoscopes still feature in many magazines and newspapers, and reports suggest that 20 per cent of Brits and 30 per cent of Americans consider star signs to be useful in understanding one’s personality.

However, the science doesn’t support the concept of astrology. Even a study that brought together 30 of the top ranked (by their peers) American and European astrologers to test whether astrology could be used to accurately identify personality traits, resulted in only a one in three success rate (that’s no better than if you or I had taken a random guess).

But where star signs could be useful is in how they influence believers’ own interpretations of their personality traits. There are a number of studies claiming that if someone believes in astrology, it could influence how they view their own personality, effectively leading to a form of self-stereotyping. Psychotherapy has proven that thoughts can change behaviour, so believing you are a particular zodiac sign could actually shape the person the outside world sees. It’s possible that if you think you’re a certain star sign, you might start to adapt behavioural characteristics that align with it.

And this is how astrology could potentially prove a useful tool in helping you to identify the type of workout that will be your best fit. Followers who relate to their birth sign can use this to help find a workout that appeals to their personality or character traits. The more comfortable you feel with a fitness regime, the more likely you are to continue it. So, if your actions sit within the celestial definition, shaping up with the stars might actually work!

Common traits for your birth sign

You’ll often see the 12 zodiac signs divided into four groups: fire, earth, air and water.

Fire signs are Aries (March 21 – April 19), Leo (July 23 – August 22) and Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) and are associated with being energetic and passionate. Aries often grasps the nettle, being driven to take action. Leo is said to revel in the role of leader and Sagittarius are thought to be more adventurous than the norm.

The earth signs are Taurus (April 20 – May 20), Virgo (August 23 – September 22) and Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) all of which lean towards stability and safety, recognised as being patient and practical. Taurus loves being in the comfort zone, while Virgo is known as a friend of the people, always willing to help out. Capricorns are thought to be focused and hard working.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20), Libra (September 23 – October 22) and Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) are the air signs, thought to be smart, creative and good communicators. Additionally, Gemini is said to be inquisitive, Libra loves balance and harmony while Aquarius is innovative and often focused on the future.

Finally, the water signs, Cancer (June 21 – July 22), Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) and Pisces (February 19 – March 20) are sensitive, in touch with their emotions and empathetic. Cancer is caring and nurturing and Scorpio is passionate and imaginative. Pisces can sometimes be seen as a bit of a dreamer.

How to choose the right workout for your personality

The key to sticking to exercise long enough to see results could be as straightforward as finding something you actually enjoy doing, according to research by UCL. More importantly, it has been suggested that personality type could be used to predict which forms of exercise you’ll probably like.

The study used a modified version of the Big Five personality test (based on five key personality traits: openness, agreeableness, neuroticism, extraversion and conscientiousness) and discovered a correlation between exercise genre and personality traits. For example, extroverts enjoy high intensity, social workouts, while introverts prefer solo, more mindful activities. Neurotics feel more comfortable with interval training rather than endurance sessions and will often monitor their efforts, while conscientious types will focus on routine and the potential health benefits. Those with a friendly, open disposition, unsurprisingly favour varied and fun workouts.

You may assume that the sound science behind the five-factor model, with roots dating back to Sigmund Freud, would be poles apart from a concept based on star-gazing. However, there’s a surprising overlap with fire signs slotting neatly into extraversion, earth signs leaning towards conscientiousness, air signs aligning with openness and water signs reflecting agreeableness. And both astrology and psychology share a common purpose in helping us to understand who we are.

To identify your own personality using the Big Five model, try this simple test.

The best exercise for each star sign

Matching exercise choices with the personality characteristics dictated, or merely influenced, by your star sign, results in the following recommendations to ensure you don’t just end up with sweat on your brow, but also with a smile on your face.

Aries

You might enjoy the buzz, toughness and instant gratification provided by HIIT, spin and combat fitness such as boxfit or martial arts, maybe even training for competition.

Taurus

Strength training, power walking and swimming provide consistency, the workouts give no surprises and therefore don’t cause any anxiety. Patience will enable you to go the course until the results manifest.

Gemini

With the typical a flirtatious streak, you’re the ideal candidate for pole dancing, although any group class or team sport could work due to the social aspect. Rock climbing would allow you to focus on your whole body and figure out the next move of hand or foot.

Cancer

Anything partner-based is ideal, such as circuit training, tennis and padel. Inwardly focused pursuits such as tai chi provide calm and you’re likely to feel at home in water-based activities like rowing and aqua fitness.

Leo

Dance classes, from Zumba to barre and Bollywood to contemporary will allow you to express yourself and afford you moments to be the centre of attention. HYROX, due to its competitive nature, could give you the opportunity to shine.

Virgo

Functional fitness training requires you to master the correct technique with balls, bells and bands, plus reformer Pilates will test and develop your ability to scan and correct your posture, both static and dynamic within a welcoming group environment.

Libra

A sociable nature and ample communication skills would make you a good candidate for ballroom dancing, and harmony required by balancing strength and flexibility, stillness and movement make yoga a great selection.

Scorpio

A great outlet for both passion and empathy is latin dance, so think salsa, cha cha and tango. You can really tap into your deeper emotions in binaural beats, a form of meditation based on listening to music of two different frequencies in each ear.

Sagittarius

High-energy activities to push your limits include circuits and spin classes, but also consider outdoor sports such as hiking, trail running or mountain biking to satisfy the adventurer in you.

Capricorn

Weight-training, maybe even powerlifting, will satisfy a goal-oriented nature, especially when you have the patience it takes to see results. Marathon-running requires effort and discipline, so this is a match that could see you flourish, too.

Aquarius

Try something a little different – aerial yoga, reformer Pilates and parkour will stretch your skills and your senses.

Pisces

Mindful activities such as qigong, stretch classes and meditation allow for quality moments of inwardly directed focus that will feed your life force. The natural flow of swimming might also float your boat.

Overall, astrology is centred around the belief that your birth chart, a map of the celestial bodies at the exact moment you were born, provides a snapshot of the universe’s energy at that very moment and can provide insights into your personality. It’s possible for your zodiac to influence your personality through the power of suggestion, and anything that could be used to identify which workouts you’re more likely to enjoy is of benefit.

So while trying to find the right fitness activity for your personality could be the recipe for shape-up success, I’m pretty sure that when you were born makes no difference. Not 100 per cent sure though… it must be the Gemini in me.

For more fitness inspiration and guidance:

What is the best exercise for weight loss?
How to work out at home
What should I eat if I exercise in the morning?
1o ways to be the healthiest version of yourself