If you're looking for quick exercises that help you lose weight without making you work too much, try these Japanese exercises for weight loss
Now that you’ve decided to kickstart your weight loss journey, it is important to incorporate exercises that are easy to do and perfect for beginners. One area that concerns everyone who is overweight or obese is belly fat. If you’ve been dreading stubborn belly fat and looking for ways to get rid of it, you can try some Japanese exercises. These exercises are believed to work wonders for weight loss. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to getting rid of the stubborn midsection.
1. Towel Exercise
A 5-minute quick exercise, this one is a very popular and easy exercise that you can incorporate into your weight loss regime. Created by a reflexology and massage expert from Japan, this exercise is believed to strengthen the back and get rid of excess weight around the belly. The science behind it is that this exercise helps correct the alignment of the spine and pelvis – the main reason behind abdominal fat.
How to perform: Take a towel about 4 inches wide and roll it in the form of a cylinder. Now, sit on a mat and put your towel rolled down. You can lie down with your back on the mat and towel under your navel. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart with your toes touching each other and the palm of your hands facing downwards. Stay in the position for 5 minutes and doing this every day might help you lose weight.
2. Roll-ups
Believed to be a great exercise for weight loss that helps build strength and get rid of belly fat, roll-ups are easy to do. However, they will make you feel the burn around the abdomen.
How to perform: Lie down on a mat with your arms extended overhead and your legs straight. Inhale deep and roll up as you engage your core muscles. Now, try touching your toes. Exhale and lower yourself back to the initial position. Do at least 10 repetitions of 3 sets.
3. Taiso
Nearly 100 years old, Taiso is a traditional Japanese calisthenics that is designed to engage the entire body through a series of rhythmic and dynamic movements. It combines stretching, aerobic exercises, and strength training.
How to perform: Begin with jogging at one place and jog for 5 minutes to warm up the body. Do a few stretches, including arm circles, leg swings, and toe touches. The stretches are followed by a 10-minute brisk walk or jogging.
4. Ball Twist
An excellent exercise for weight loss, Ball Twist is the Japanese version of a Russian Twist. It is an effective exercise that helps you lose belly fat and tone your body. Plus, it is a great exercise for your back and arm muscles.
How to perform: Begin by sitting on the floor with your feet flat and knees bent. Hold the medicine ball or any weight in your hands. Keep your back straight and lean back slightly. Now, twist your torso to the left, bringing the ball towards your left hip. Return to the center and twist to the left. Do at least 20 repetitions in 3 sets.
5. Reverse Crunches
Reverse crunches are a great weight-loss exercise that has been part of almost every workout routine and shouldn’t come as a surprise. It is believed to help you lose fat accumulated around the stomach.
How to perform: Lie down on a mat. Bend your knees and bring them near your stomach. Now, bring the knees close to the chest while taking a deep breath. You should feel a stretch in your abdominal muscles. Now, go back to the initial position and repeat. Do at least 20-25 repetitions in 3 sets.
While these exercises may work for you, make sure you consult a professional fitness trainer or a doctor to keep your overall health in check.
Adapted from: Healthshots
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