Hey, baby, what's your workout? New book matches zodiac signs to exercises

What's the best way for you to exercise? Well, that depends, say the authors of "Zodiaction," a book that bills itself as "the first-ever workout program based on your astrological sign."

Authors Ellen Barrett and Barrie Dolnick reason that millions of people seek guidance from the horoscopes in their personal lives, so why not when getting physical? The book breaks down the best workouts — and the ones to avoid — for each sign. It's clearly female-centric, too, but for what it's worth, here's a quick spin through the Zodiac wheel:

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Your mind wanders. You are a multitasker who needs an MP3 player or a friend to keep your brain busy while on the treadmill or out for a run or walk of any distance. So avoid monotonous workouts.

Essential gear: iPod, stretchy clothes

Trouble spot: lung capacity

Diet vice: candy

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You are sensitive, so pay attention to your mood when exercising. When you're calm and happy, go for a bike ride or walk the dog. When crabby, go for a run or solo yoga session. Swimming is natural to you.

Essential gear: soft, nonrestrictive sweat suit

Trouble spot: abs

Diet vice: volume, too much of anything

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You are a born leader so classes are not for you. Your self-esteem might keep you from getting help with your fitness strategy. Pilates is an ideal workout. You are in your element when you can be admired.

Essential gear : anything the makes you look "hot"

Trouble spot: upper back

Diet vice: fancy desserts

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You're an organizer and your preferences are clear. Avoid setting unrealistic goals because you get down on yourself when you fail. Also avoid smelly gyms. Stick to full-body conditioning that concentrates on your abs and relaxation.

Essential gear: lean sweats with comfy shoes

Trouble spot: belly

Diet vice: hot dog from a street vendor

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You grasp concepts and ideas quickly and work through problems. But because you live in your head, you get stressed. Avoid rugby and boxing gyms. Stretch and do balance work and low impact cardio to quiet your mind and strengthen your focus and serenity.

Essential gear: anything that makes you look pretty

Trouble spot: lower-back tightness

Diet vice: fries, eggs and bacon

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

You are shy, private and secretive and do not like being told what to do. Avoid exercise that lacks intensity. Your ideal workout is anything that requires extreme effort, like ballet, triathlons or distance running.

Essential gear: clothes with body-skimming weightless stretch

Trouble spot: upper arms

Diet vice: anything, in the extreme

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You are adventurous and fitness is another frontier for you. Exercise needs a point to keep you in the game. Train for a long-distance bicycle trip or with some other event in mind. You are the worst candidate for a day-in-day-out routine.

Essential gear: Lycra bottoms, comfy tops, cross-trainers

Trouble spot: thighs

Diet vice: seconds

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You are about stature and physical reality and your entire body is sensitive to stress and strain. Avoid workout plateaus. You need goals. If you are going to take on a workout buddy, make sure he or she is as serious as you are.

Essential gear: orthotics

Trouble spot: knees

Diet vice: diner grub

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You can be unmovable, even when it's obvious you need to take that next step. You are complex and often the last to conform. Avoid the latest exercise fad or a drill sergeant. Instead, focus on full-body stretching and cardio to feel grounded.

Essential gear: shock-absorbing shoes and breathable socks

Trouble spot: ankles

Diet vice: impulse buys at gourmet delis

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

When you set your mind to do something you can do almost anything as long as your efforts promise a measure of pleasure or reward. Avoid aggressive crowds and crashing music. Swimming is ideal for you.

Essential gear: functional swimsuit

Trouble spot: feet

Diet vice: potato chips

Aries (March 21-April 19)

You're a good sport about your injuries, but don't always apologize when you cause them in others. Avoid "wussy" sports, people who complain about their injuries, slowpokes and bossy teammates. Cycling, running and hiking are right for you.

Essential gear: cross-trainers, a riding helmet

Trouble spot: arms

Diet vice: tequila shots

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You're stubborn and that means you can be stubbornly lazy. Avoid unpleasant surroundings like smelly gyms and uber-competitive workouts like spinning. Look for gentle, yet thorough workouts you can do at home.

Essential gear: "totally cute" athletic footwear

Trouble spot: thighs and butt

Diet vice: the bread basket