Looking to lose a few extra pounds and shape up your figure?
*Please note, it’s always ideal to consult a health professional who can guide you through the proper diet and activity program best suited to your body.*
But now that you’ve been duly warned, let’s talk about this innovative Japanese technique: the Sakuma Method.
What is the Sakuma Method?
The principle of the Sakuma method is quite simple: It involves doing 5 minutes of intense activity to burn fat in often neglected areas. The goal is to boost your basal metabolism, so your body naturally burns calories when at rest.
According to its creator, Japanese fitness coach Kenichi Sakuma, “Weight loss has less to do with the body shape and more to do with how we use it.”
According to Sakuma, the muscles we overlook the most are the ones we need to focus on; These muscles are located in the chest and abdomen, and also the glutes and lower back.
To focus on these muscles and see quick results, he recommends following four simple exercises each day. Here’s how to do them:
- Lie face down on the floor, place your hands behind your neck, and bring your ankles close together. Hold this position for about ten seconds while lifting and lowering your buttocks. Once finished, repeat while maintaining the same posture, but with your legs crossed.
- Sit on the edge of a chair with your back straight. Then lift one side of your hips while you contract your glutes.
- Lie face down on the floor, cross your arms in front of your face, and lift your legs. Hold this position for six seconds while keeping your glutes contracted and repeat about 10 times.
- Kneel down and extend one leg backward. Lift the arm opposite the front leg and tilt your body toward the front leg. Hold the position for a few seconds and repeat with the opposite side.
