A five-minute exercise that can offer you several benefits:
improve your feelings of dominance and power reduce stress levels reduce anxiety reduce back pain reduce neck pain help you lose weight strengthen your core enhance breathing
This five-minute exercise has gained much media attention in Japan. Toshiki Fukutsudzi developed this popular low-cost technique over a period of 10 years, that in itself should give you positive re-enforcement. Toshiki – a medical doctor, and pioneer – details the technique in his best-selling book, that has sold over 6 million copies worldwide.
Here’s how it works
Step 1
Choose an ordinary towel. Roll the towel until you form a sausage-like shape.
Step 2
Keep the towel intact by using tape or some form of a string.
Step 3
Lie down on your back. Choose a hard surface like a wooden floor. Avoid soft surfaces like your bed or couch as this will reduce the effectiveness of the exercise.
Step 4
Carefully, place the towel where your spine begins to curve – the height of your navel.
Step 5
Make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart.
Step 6
Point your toes inward toward one another.
Step 7
Move your arms above your head.
Step 8
Make sure your palms are down.
Step 9
Touch your pinkies.
Step 10
Remain in the position for 5 minutes. You may feel sore at first, but try and hold this position. It get’s easier with practice. For desired results, repeat the exercise 3 times a day for at least two weeks.
That’s it. Quick and simple. Fad or not, this is a 5 min exercise, 3 times a day, over two weeks. It’s worth giving it a go, as it not only reduces back pain but can improve every aspect of your life.
Featured photo credit: Pain Pix via flickr.com
