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Capricorn is a cardio all-star - The Goat likes to get into a steady heart-pumping zone and keep going. Taurus tends to loathe it - "It's uncomfortable," she whines - but needs it more than most. Then there's Gemini . . . she overestimates her lung capacity and needs to pay attention to breathing.

In the twelve Zodiaction workouts, cardio components vary in duration from ten minutes (Aquarius) to two hours (Capricorn). They vary in intensity, from light (Pisces) to hard core (Scorpio). They also require a variety of formats, from yoga (Leo) to boot camp (Sagittarius) to jumping rope (Libra). People tend to narrowly define cardio as jogging and swimming but just about anything can become cardiovascular-oriented. With the proper level of intensity, even Pilates and stretching can get you to sweat.

The Second Component of the Balance Triad is Strength Training

The next component of The Balance Triad is strength training - any exercise in which muscles contract, squeezing inward, is considered strength training. Typical results are either increased muscle strength or improved muscle tone. But dumbbells are not necessary! Gravity and body weight can provide perfect resistance too. For instance, in the Aries workout we use light-to-medium weights for a total body tone. In the Scorpio workout we use heavy weights for serious intensity. In the Cancer workout we go sans weights and do all on-your-side toning exercises. The Gemini workout doesn't include weights either, and the strength training is disguised as a dreamy ballet series.

You will not have to worry about whether or not you'll be able to do strength training and you should not have to stress over getting it done. Taking into account your zodiac sign pretty much guarantees we've figured out something you'll want to do - not just have to do.

Third Point of the Balance Triad: Flexibility Training

Last (but not least) is flexibility training, otherwise known as stretching. This component is comprised of exercises that tend to increase or maintain muscle and joint range of motion. We think it's the most underrated component, for stretching can really help with tension and toxin release, injury prevention, and overall agility. It also improves posture.

Zodiaction runs the gamut with stretching - it's not an afterthought or a cooldown staple. In fact, stretching is the first step in the Cancer workout. Flexibility training is sometimes performed standing (like in the Taurus workout) and sometimes seated (as in the Pisces workout). It can be ultra-Western (as in Sagittarius's sports conditioning-type stretches), or very Far-Eastern (like Leo's Ashtanga Yoga series). No matter the differences, the stretching technique complements the strength training and cardiovascular training components of each workout, completing The Balance Triad.

In essence, Zodiaction is the quintessential fusion fitness book, for here we not only fuse astrology with fitness, but also the mind with the body, and Eastern concepts with Western techniques. You'll see in the pages of this book that we celebrate just about everything, from Tae-Bo to Kundalini Yoga to Jack LaLanne calisthenics. We believe all of these exercise formats are ideal, for some sign, at some point. In this way, Zodiaction is inclusive and very modern. Just think, in the dawning of fitness training, a "one-size-fits-all" approach was standard. We've arrived at an exciting place, where now, customized workouts are the latest and greatest. Zodiaction is our way of providing you with your individualized workout prescription.

Signs of Other Life

While your first stop in Zodiaction will surely be your own sign, you are going to love reading all the signs that color your life.

Your Other Signs

Zodiaction is structured to guide you through your primary sign and then the other signs that influence your life. In astrology, there are separate signs that "rule" your love life, career, flirtation, and health. You'll be able to use the information within these signs to understand people around you and, to some extent, how you work in different situations. For example, if you feel stuck in your career and you see that it's ruled by the sign of Sagittarius, you could try a Sagittarian workout and see if that helps shift your energy to get unstuck. Same goes for health, love life, and flirtation. Don't be afraid to try the workouts under another sign if you think they might help you. The only rule we have in Zodiaction is to do something - anything - to keep active and aligned.

The Signs of Others

Zodiaction also provides you with a glimpse into why your best friend always wants to take tango classes (Leo) or won't get off that couch (Taurus). We all like a little insight into the people we love and we know that you'll get a peek at the people in your life when you read their signs. Even better, if you understand why your sister is so unwilling to go running with you, you will stop being disappointed. You might even find a common interest or sport you can do together that will appeal to you both. Zodiaction promotes peaceful and harmonious relationships through healthy understanding of individual motivations.

Be Smart

We're not trying to replace your doctor or your trainer. They've worked with you firsthand and know you well, so we beg you - don't dump them for us! Take Zodiaction for what it is - a fun, inspiring kick in the pants that may assist you in achieving weight loss, total fitness, and workout harmony once and for all.

You have all you need to make Zodiaction work for you. Have fun staying fit!

Copyright © 2007 by Ellen Barrett.

Tags: Exercise and Fitness, Diets and Weight Loss, Astrology

About the Author

Barrie Dolnick is the author of the very successful Simple Spells books. She is also a high-profile consultant whose company, Executive Mystic, uses alternative information techniques - tarot cards, astrology, meditation, and spell casting - to guide clients to fulfill their potential. She lives in New York City.

About the Author

Ellen Barrett, the star of four exercise DVDs, is an instructor on FIT TV and owns the mind/body/fitness center "The Studio by Ellen Barrett." She created one of weight watchers first exercise programs, a new in-home walking fitness routine that she is also helping to launch appearances on weightwatchers.com and at events all over the country. Ellen serves on the Family Circle advisory board as a fitness expert and has served as a consultant to Self magazine, AOL, and Martha Stewart Omni Media, among others. She has also appeared on the FIT TV and Discovery channels.