Exercise for your blood type

Sometimes, no matter what diet plan you are on, or how much exercise you are doing, you just don’t end up seeing the results that you want. A study by Dr James D’Adamo, revealed that perhaps there are optimum types of exercise according to your blood type.

There are four different blood types – A, B, AB and O, each containing different types of antigens which react with your immune system. It is part of your genetic programming that is individual to you, so of course following a fitness programme that is the same as everyone else, may not work for you because genetically you are made up differently.

So let’s explore this further and discover what exercise we are tailored towards, according to Joseph Christiano’s book Blood Types, Body Types.

Type O

You tend to be strong and athletic, with powerful arms and legs. Blood Type O most closely resembles the cavemen and women who are used to hunting and defending themselves. With this in mind, you are most suited to high intensity workouts like HIIT, interval training and plyometric. You use exercise as an emotional outlet to relieve stress and boost your mood.

Type A

Your DNA resembles that of ancient farmers, who were active but spent their days doing slower, less intense activities. You are best suited to calming activities such as Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi that protect your joints and avoid intense exercise which would increase your release of the stress hormone, cortisol.

Type B

Your ancestors were nomads, moving frequently in packs but not quite as fast paced as a caveman. You would enjoy group exercises, focusing on a cardio workouts, such as spinning or tennis.

Type AB

Your DNA is a mix of both Type A and Type B so you would be suited to a mix of workouts, avoiding the high intensity sessions that give you muscle stiffness, steer your fitness towards gentle exercises such as walking, hiking or golf, whilst reducing your stress levels with Yoga and Tai Chi.

There are positives and negatives of using this idea to form your personal fitness plan. On one hand, it may help you to really find what works for your body, but on the other it could discourage people from trying something a little different. Whatever your bloody type, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is the most important thing. If you ever need any advice on developing a fitness plan tailored to you, our Personal Trainers are always on hand to help.