© Getty Images

What is radio taiso? -

Radio taiso, or radio calisthenics, are warm-up exercises performed to music with guidance from radio broadcasts. In Japan, the exercises are broadcast on NHK Radio 1 and television early in the morning.

© Getty Images

The history of radio taiso -

Radio calisthenics were originally broadcast from US radio stations as early as 1923 in Boston. 

© Getty Images

Introduction in Japan -

Radio taiso was introduced to Japan in 1928 to commemorate the enthronement of Emperor Hirohito. 

© Getty Images

Japanese soldiers -

Radio taiso exercises were used to improve the overall health of Japanese soldiers both at home and abroad during the 1930s and 1940s.

© Getty Images

Banned in 1945 -

After Japan's defeat in 1945, radio taiso broadcasts were banned by occupying forces for being too militaristic. It was reintroduced to the radio in 1951.

© Getty Images

Radio calisthenics in the UK -

In 1939, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) introduced 10-minute calisthenic radio programs, Monday to Saturday.

© Getty Images

Introduction in China -

Mao Zedong introduced radio calisthenics to China in 1951. It has been mandatory in some regions since 2010.

© Getty Images

Okinawa, Japan -

Okinawa, Japan, is a blue zone, home to more centenarians (people over 100) than anywhere else in the world. 

© Getty Images

What is a blue zone? -

A blue zone is a region where people live beyond the age of 80 due to a variety of factors, including local whole-food diets, low disease incidence, and rich social interactions.

© Getty Images

Radio taiso movements -

Radio taiso movements are low-intensity and only take a few minutes to complete, making them perfect for any age or ability.

© Getty Images

Who practices radio taiso? -

It's not just the elderly who practice radio taiso. Construction, factory, and office workers all partake in the exercises. Even the 10,000 employees of Tokyo's metropolitan government are encouraged to take part each weekday.

© Getty Images

Radio taiso exercises -

Radio taiso is made up of seven exercises. One of the most famous movements involves simply raising your arms above your head and then bringing them down in a circular motion.

© Getty Images

What are the benefits of radio taiso? -

Radio taiso allows the brain and muscles to relax. It can also improve heart and lung function, promote blood circulation, and improve posture.

© Getty Images

Muscle growth -

Repetition is a key feature of radio taiso, which may not appeal to everyone, but repetition is important for muscles to grow stronger and become more capable.

© Getty Images

Improved mobility -

Mobility exercises are beneficial to older adults as they help them maintain functional independence.

© Shutterstock

Reduced injury -

Mobility exercises reduce fall risk and aid in daily activities like bending, reaching, and walking.

© Getty Images

Managing health conditions -

Radio taiso's mobility exercises can also help to enhance performance and reduce injury in athletes, manage chronic pain like arthritis, and counteract the effects of prolonged sitting.

© Getty Images

Community -

Not only does radio taiso have physical benefits, but it also fosters a sense of community as it's usually done in a group setting.

© Getty Images

Consistent practice -

In order to maintain your mobility and flexibility over time, you'll need to practice radio taiso consistently. 

© Getty Images

Easily accessible -

Radio taiso can be done anywhere and everywhere; you don't need a gym membership to enjoy this practice.

© Getty Images

Limitations of radio taiso -

Radio taiso is low intensity and doesn't vary much in difficulty, so it may not suit you if you have specific strength or endurance goals.

© Getty Images

When to practice radio taiso? -

Radio taiso is traditionally practiced first thing in the morning, but you can partake in the exercise at any time. 

© Getty Images

Can I practice radio taiso at home? -

Radio taiso can certainly be practiced at home! It can be done sitting or standing, and there are plenty of tutorial videos online for you to peruse. 

© Getty Images

An afternoon pick-me-up -

If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, radio taiso can be a great way to take a break and reset. 

© Getty Images

Other practices -

Yoga and tai chi are also common practices among older individuals in Japan.

© Getty Images

Vitamin D? -

While radio taiso promotes longevity, many experts believe vitamin D could be the elixir to a longer life. Vitamin D helps the gut absorb calcium, which keeps bones healthy and strong.

© Shutterstock

Give it a try! -

Thanks to its simple movements and short duration, radio taiso is easy to slot into your daily routine. Just a few minutes of exercise a day can lead to improved health, so why not give it a try?

Sources: (The Sun) (CNBC) (Well + Good)

See also: 30 ways that yoga can improve your health

© Shutterstock