The Five Tibetan Exercises

Years ago, in 1939, a small book titled Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth was published. Written by Peter Keldor, it told the story of an aging colonel who went to Tibet and returned 10 years later, looking many years younger. The colonel attributed his youthful appearance to doing these five exercises every day. They're affectionately known as the Tibetans.

The Tibetans get your heart pumping, although not long enough for full cardio benefits. They strengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility. Even better, they give you a great lift, like you had a cup of coffee without the coffee.

The five Tibetans have been passed around quietly for years, and those of us who do them routinely would never stop. Why? Because they deliver. After you've done the five Tibetan exercises for about three months, you'll notice you no longer have a double chin. It has vanished. Women eventually discover that their midriffs are sort of slinkier, and men often have lost several belt sizes … even without losing weight.

The reported benefits of the Tibetans are as follows:

• Double chin gone

• Midriff slimmer

• Upper arms firmer

• More energy

• Increased muscle tone

• Early morning wake-up lift

The following is what researchers say the five Tibetans do for the body:

• Stimulate the reticular activating system of the brain.

• Balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain, which means you think more clearly. (You should definitely do the Tibetans before an exam or an important presentation!)

• Balance the body's hormonal system.

• Strengthen bones, as the exercises are weight-bearing.

• Improve the body's immune system.

• Build muscle strength.

• Reduce body-fat percentage.

• Boost metabolism.

• Align and strengthen the spine, plus make it more supple.

• Lighten menopausal symptoms.

• Lessen premenstrual symptoms.

• Help relieve the discomfort of arthritis and other aches and pains.

While Joe was on an extended business trip to London, he began doing the Tibetans two times a day, morning and late afternoon. He was careful to eat an amount of food the size of his fist three times a day. Plus he walked a lot. By the time he returned home to Australia, Joe had lost 4 inches around his waist. His wife didn't recognize him when he appeared at the front door. Joe was 56 years old.

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