Bodyflex: weight loss and strengthening the body

Author unknown.
2013-10-27

Bodiflex is a system of specially selected exercises aimed at stretching the muscles, combined with a particular breathing technique. As many trainers claim, you breathe and lose weight.

The founder of the system, American Grig Childers, believes that all problems with excess weight begin due to oxygen deprivation. By holding your breath, a temporary artificial delay in lung ventilation is created.

There are followers of this system in Russia as well. The most well-known Bodiflex coach is Marina Korpan. She not only conducts Bodiflex classes but also developed her own system, which has practically no limitations. The only exception is pregnancy, as breath-holding can potentially hinder fetal development. However, this assumption is not confirmed.

Principle of Action and Effectiveness

The Bodiflex system is based on a combination of deep diaphragmatic breathing with special physical exercises. According to Marina Korpan, you can assume any pose while practicing breathing exercises and lose weight. The idea is that after exhaling, oxygen is directed to the area of tension or stretch in the muscle, causing the fat around that muscle to begin to dissipate. You’ll notice results from these workouts in just a couple of days. In addition, while performing breathing exercises, you need to pull your stomach in under your ribs (the "abdominal vacuum" exercise), which significantly reduces the volume of your stomach, and after a few sessions, you’ll find you can no longer eat as much as before. As you may find out, this is one of the "laziest" forms of exercise.

You can perform stretching exercises with minimal effort and still lose weight. On average, as trainers and many followers of the system claim, weight loss can be around 5 kg per week. Initially, you may not lose weight, but your measurements will significantly drop. This happens because fat mass is replaced with muscle mass, which, as we know, is much denser. When you pull your stomach under your ribs (after breathing), it provides a massage to all internal organs, positively affecting your overall health. During weight loss, many women experience sagging skin, which does not apply to Bodiflex. The muscles are tightened, which in turn lifts the skin.

Let's start with the breathing technique. In the Bodiflex system, proper breathing is crucial. First, you must take a calm exhalation through your mouth (completely, so that no air is left in your lungs), then make a sharp, deep inhalation through your nose, filling your lungs to capacity, and exhale completely through your mouth (until you hear a whistling sound). After exhaling, hold your breath for 8-10 seconds (during this time you perform an exercise), then inhale through your nose. If you are just starting Bodiflex, you can hold your breath for a shorter duration. You might begin with three seconds and then add one second each day. Do not force yourself to hold your breath longer than is comfortable, as this will not help. Proper breathing is half the battle.

Basic Bodiflex Exercises

“Diamond.” After performing the breathing exercise, bring your palms together in front of you. At this point, your shoulders should be relaxed, and your forearms should be parallel to the floor. You should feel tension in your chest and arm muscles.

“Boat.” Start by sitting on the floor with your legs spread apart. Slightly lean back, your arms resting behind you on the floor. After performing the breathing exercise, reach forward while keeping your back straight.

“Cat.” Start on all fours. Your back should be parallel to the floor. After performing the breathing exercise, arch your back upwards, as if you are being pulled up by a hook. After counting, return to the starting position.

And remember, the combination of proper breathing and simple physical exercises will make your figure slimmer and your body healthier.