How to Work Out Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Krista Bennett DeMaio received a workout and wellness plan tailored to her Gemini sign. Here’s how it went.

iStock/Delpixart

I’ve always known I was a classic Gemini: curious, communicative, easily bored, and constantly multitasking. So when I met with Gena Bradshaw, a holistic health coach, fitness trainer, and founder of Holistic Human Performance, who creates personalized wellness plans based on your zodiac sign (among many other services), I had a feeling she’d clock my chaos immediately. Spoiler: she did.

“Geminis are ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and movement,” Bradshaw told me during our session. “You’re an air sign, so you’re naturally high energy. But that also means you can burn out fast if you’re not intentional about regulating your nervous system.”

As someone who’s always jumping between writing assignments, making school lunches, running Pretty Local, and trying to squeeze in workouts, I felt seen. Bradshaw’s take? To thrive, I need multidirectional movement, nervous system support, and breathwork (something that doesn’t always come naturally to me, even as an air sign).

Movement That Moves With You

One thing Geminis are not built for: rigid workout plans. Bradshaw explained that single-plane movement (think: running in a straight line, squats, even yoga flows) is fine, but not enough for Geminis. “You need multidirectional movement to keep your body challenged and your mind engaged,” she said.

That could mean adding in lateral lunges, kettlebell swings, or mixing up your equipment—resistance bands one day, a trap bar the next. It also gives you permission to skip a barbell if your body’s just not into it that day. “The key is variety and movement in all planes, because if you don’t use it, you lose it,” she said. “And Geminis need that stimulation.” Honestly, I’ve been craving less structure and more spontaneity in my workouts.

Nervous System Regulation > Hustle Culture

Here’s where things got even more real. Bradshadaw gently pointed out that my inconsistent routines and occasional overwhelm (okay, frequent overwhelm) were classic signs of burnout. “Entrepreneurship is a spiritual game,” she said. “And nervous system regulation is everything.”

Her recommendation: start small. Like just three minutes of breathwork. “Just one healthy habit in the morning to anchor your day. Start with that, and you’ll build momentum.”

I’ll admit I’ve dabbled in breathwork before—Gabby Bernstein meditations, a few deep-breathing exercises I picked up at a wellness retreat—but consistency is where I fall short. Some mornings I’m up before my kids and journaling over coffee, and breathing. Other days, I’m rushing to make lunches while checking Slack.

Still, Bradshaw made a solid point: “You don’t need to do everything all at once. Just pick one thing and commit to it. That mental clarity will help you make intuitive decisions, whether that’s in your workouts, your work, or your life.”

Eating for Two

The twin sign is ruled by Mercury—the planet of communication and the nervous system—so eating in a way that supports mental clarity and energy balance is key. Think: foods rich in healthy fats (like avocado or salmon) to fuel brain function, and complex carbs (like oats, sweet potatoes, or quinoa) to maintain steady energy.

Because Gemini energy is fast-moving and sometimes a little scattered (hi, fellow air signs), light, frequent meals may work better than big, heavy ones. And since stress can sneak in, magnesium-rich foods—leafy greens, dark chocolate, or pumpkin seeds—can help soothe an overactive mind.

Choosing Myself

Toward the end of our session, Bradshaw led me through a short guided meditation: hands on my body, eyes closed, asking my subconscious what I need most right now. The words that came up? Choose yourself.

Even in my own business, I often prioritize making others happy over doing what’s best for me, whether it’s enforcing rates, setting boundaries, or taking time to reset. I’ve been the writer, the editor, the mom, the founder, but rarely the client, if you know what I mean. I’m great at creating space for others, but not always for myself.

Maybe the most Gemini thing I can do is learn to nurture both the creative and the calm, the hustle and the healing, starting with those three minutes of breathwork each day.

An Aligned Life Feels Better

I’ve always felt deeply aligned with my sun sign. My ruling planet, Mercury, is the planet of communication, which tracks for a journalist. My rising sign is Pisces, which adds a layer of sensitivity and emotion I often try to downplay. But after this session, I realized those traits aren’t just personality quirks, they’re instructions. Guides.

So here’s what I’m doing now: three minutes of breathwork every morning. A little more lateral movement in my workouts. And a lot more intentionality about choosing myself, my time, my energy, my worth.

Bradshaw reminded me of something I already knew deep down: When you move from alignment, the right people, ideas, and opportunities start to find you. That’s not magic; it’s magnetism. And for a Gemini like me, it’s exactly the kind of balance I’ve been looking for.

For a mind-body-soul plan based on your astrology signs (and lifestyle), sign up for coaching with Bradshadaw here.