When summer approaches, many people rush into strict diets or exhausting workouts hoping for quick results. But sometimes, the most effective solutions are the simplest — like a Japanese method that promises to trim the waistline in just five minutes a day.
The Towel Method: Simple Yet Powerful
Developed by Dr. Toshiki Fukutsudzi, a Japanese reflexology expert, the towel method combines elements of yoga and core alignment. By lying on a rolled towel in a precise posture, the exercise helps tone the abdominal area, improve alignment, and even ease lower back tension. Advocates claim that practiced daily, it could help shed up to five kilos in a month — without spending hours at the gym.
Why This Exercise Works
The towel method isn’t about sweating through endless crunches. Instead, it focuses on posture and muscle engagement, which indirectly influence fat loss and body composition. Key benefits include:
Spinal realignment, leading to better posture.Pelvic adjustment, reducing common imbalances.Stretching of intercostal ligaments, improving mobility and breathing.Activation of deep abdominal muscles, helping flatten the stomach.Relief from lower back pain, thanks to improved posture.Better digestion, through gentle stimulation of the abdominal region.
It’s worth noting, however, that while this exercise can complement weight loss, sustainable results still depend on a balanced diet and a calorie deficit, as emphasized by the World Health Organization.
How to Do the Towel Exercise
The technique is straightforward and requires nothing but a bath towel:
Prepare the towel: Roll it into a firm cylinder and place it under the small of your back.Leg positioning: Stretch your legs out, feet shoulder-width apart, with toes slightly turned inward so big toes touch.Arm placement: Raise your arms overhead, bringing your pinky fingers together.Hold the pose: Stay in this position for five minutes, focusing on calm, steady breathing.
At first, the position may feel unusual, but after a few sessions, it becomes a moment of deep relaxation. I tried it in the evenings and noticed my back felt looser, almost like after a yoga class.
A Gentle Addition to a Healthy Lifestyle
The beauty of the towel method lies in its simplicity: no equipment, no sweat, no impact on the joints. While it won’t replace cardio or strength training, it can be a valuable addition to a daily routine, especially for those seeking a flatter stomach and better posture with minimal effort.
Sometimes, the smallest daily habits — even just five quiet minutes lying on a towel — can bring the most surprising results.