Weight Loss & Astrology

Struggling with your weight, or perhaps just looking to shed a few extra pounds in the new year? Working with your body's natural planetary rhythms can help you find a routine that best fits your personality. Try the following suggestions, customized by astrological sign.

Aries
Aries are the natural athletes of the zodiac. Competitive sports offer an excellent outlet for you to tap into your inner warrior. You excel at boxing and martial arts as they allow you to work up a sweat -- while making you feel like a bad-ass at the same time! You're well served by putting a greater emphasis on your exercise regiment than your diet. Work out like an athlete and you should be able to eat like one as well.

Taurus
It's vital that you reward yourself for exercising and sticking to your diet. For every five pounds you drop, buy yourself a new outfit. As a comfort-loving Taurus, you don't tend to enjoy the process of losing weight -- but you definitely enjoy the results. Fitting into a size two Marc Jacobs dress will be incentive enough. If you're more of the earthy Taurus than the material girl, then make sure to take your workouts into nature. Go for a hike or hop on a mountain bike to enjoy the great outdoors –- it won't even feel like a workout because it's so rejuvenating.

Gemini
As a Gemini, you need lots of variety -– so mix up your workouts. Play tennis on Sunday, try Pilates on Monday and pump iron on Tuesday. Reading up on getting fit will provide extra motivation. Use success stories in fitness magazines as inspiration for you to get up and get moving. When it comes to dieting, you do best with programs that offer you flexibility.

Cancer
You do well with workout videos you can use at home. It doesn't matter if you like Tae Bo, Winsor Pilates or the hardcore P90X series –- you are one of the few signs in the zodiac that can actually stick to a home-based workout program. When it comes to dieting, it's vital that you get your family involved. If your loved ones are not participating or supporting your healthy eating habits, it will be difficult for you to lose those extra pounds.

Leo
Leos need to express themselves and have fun with their exercise routine. Dance classes are an outstanding way for you get your body moving –- salsa, hip-hop, and even pole dancing all offer calorie-burning benefits. When it comes to dieting, you do well to work hard on your healthy eating habits during the week so you can let go a bit on weekends.

Virgo
Virgos are highly disciplined and thrive with a tight regimen. Write down your goals, your exercise plan and everything you eat. Hiring a personal trainer is also highly beneficial for Virgos wanting to make sure they're doing everything the proper way. Diets that clearly outline what you can and can't eat are perfect for Virgos, as you can stick to rules like no other.

Libra
The best way to stay true to your weight-loss goals is to enlist the help of a friend. After all, a workout partner will make the experience so much more fun. You'll both be able to push and support one another at the same time. When it comes to eating, it's important that you find a balanced diet –- nothing too extreme. Libras notoriously have a hard time with decisions, so a diet that doesn't offer too many options –- like a home delivery service -- will work well for you.

Scorpio
Scorpios need to push themselves to their limits. They only see progress by taking it to the extreme. Training for a marathon or triathlon will do wonders for your weight-loss ambitions. Scorpios are also big fans of the detox diet –- just make sure that when you are 'detoxifying,' you're not simply just starving yourself.

Sagittarius
You need to bring fun to your athleticism, and you like to take classes like spin or kickboxing. Mix up your exercise routine by running in the park one day with friends; by mid week, shift gears and pop into a cardio or toning class. Then round out the weekend with some leisurely horseback riding. Archery is also always a favorite of Sagittarius. When it comes to diet, try to avoid too much sugar and caffeine, as you naturally have a lot of energy –- you don't need to put it into overdrive.

Capricorn
Capricorns like to feel competent and strong at any task they choose to master. It's important to you that you gain the respect of your peers. Weight training and running are excellent activities for Capricorns, as they allow you to get into the zone. These are two proven, practical methods for losing weight that, when combined, offer the kind of ambitious results you seek. When it comes to diet, moderation and portion control are the key for you. Diets that are straightforward and goal-oriented work well for you.

Aquarius
Aquarius likes being an early adopter of fitness gadgets and technology. Having gear like a heart-rate monitor with a calorie counter, or the latest and greatest running shoes, will make working out more fun for you. You may also enjoy downloading workouts for your iPod where you get to work out with a trainer -- all through the magic of technology. When it comes to eating, you are best when you follow your own instincts, as you know when you're overdoing it. You have more willpower than the average person, so count yourself lucky!

Pisces
You like more mellow forms of exercise. Yoga, tai-chi and swimming are all perfect for meditative Pisces. Just because you're not grimacing or grunting doesn't mean you're not getting benefits from your workout. All forms of Yoga will work nicely for you -– from restorative types to hardcore Vinyasa. When it comes to dieting, be gentle with yourself and avoid processed foods.