What Is Radio Callisthenics?

Improving physical health doesn’t always have to be a tedious process. At least, that’s what radio callisthenics teaches us!

These exercises can help enhance mobility, strength, and muscles to make you fit without a gym or expensive fitness equipment. But what do radio callisthenics entail? Read on to know! 

What Is Radio Callisthenics?

Radio callisthenics refer to rhythmical exercise routines (aerobic exercises) performed according to set music, broadcasted over the radio in countries like Japan, China, Taiwan, and USA. While some countries broadcast the program early in the morning, others may follow a different broadcast schedule, broadcasting the radio exercises at different times of the day.

Aside from music, radio callisthenics are accompanied by verbal instructions by professionals, which makes it easier for listeners to perform the workouts. And the entire session lasts for around 3 minutes. So, people won’t have to go out of their way to include these exercises in their daily routine.

What Is Rajio Taiso?

Radio callisthenics is known as Rajio Taiso (or Radio Taisō) in Japan, and this fitness routine broadcast is quite distinct from the rest of the world.

For one, the exercise programs are broadcast several times during the day, aimed at improving the fitness of the general population of the country (and not just the already fit people). It’s been broadcast by the NHK world radio (Japan) for about nine decades now, sponsored by the Japan post insurance company. In fact, it’s a rare instance of a privately sponsored program on a public radio channel. 

Besides, unlike other countries where the broadcast comprises only one exercise routine, Rajio Taiso is separated into two standard routines. The first routine targets people of all fitness levels, while the second is specifically dedicated to the younger population looking for strength training.

Rajio Taiso is a popular workout routine in Japan, which also finds reference in the country’s pop culture. The 1987 novel Norwegian Wood mentions Rajio Taiso as the boisterous exercises performed by one of the characters early in the morning. 

Today, these radio callisthenics exercises are performed in Japanese homes and group activities in public parks, especially during summer holidays. It’s not usual to see parents and local municipal organisations come together to set up ‘informal’ physical education classes for elementary students.

The Origin Of Rajio Taiso

Not many know that the origin of Rajio Taiso can be traced to a public health initiative launched by the US in the 1920s. Sponsored by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company on the radio channels of six cities, the callisthenics exercises were broadcast for 15 minutes and performed to a live piano. 

Around the same time, the Japanese life insurance business was reeling under the pressure of low life expectancy due to diseases. 

Their attempt to improve the overall health of the Japanese population led them to the US, and two representatives from the health insurance bureau of the post office visited the Metropolitan company. This ultimately resulted in the representatives bringing the idea of radio callisthenics home, aka Japan.  

By the mid-1920s, the program was launched nationwide. And 20,000 Japanese postal insurance division employees performed the routine every morning on the streets of Japan to get people familiar with them.

Today, Rajio Taiso is broadcast in different parts of the world on the NHK world radio channel, its official Youtube channel and local Japanese communities (overseas) for international listeners.  

How Does The Rajio Taiso Routine Look?

If you’re familiar with callisthenics, you’d know that these exercises don’t require a lot of equipment. And radio callisthenics or Rajio Taiso follows suit. It utilises the weight and momentum of your own body to enhance core strength, improve balance, and even help build muscle mass.    

All you really need to do is stand with your feet placed firmly on the ground at shoulder width. And this is what makes it suitable for these exercises to be performed anywhere, like in your living room, office, or public parks. 

The first routine, called ‘Dai-ichi’ comprises about 13 movements termed ‘everyone’s exercises.’ so anyone can perform them easily. It starts by requiring you to raise your arms above your head. 

For the second step, you need to cross your arms over the chest and swing them (like a pendulum) until they are fully stretched out. Simultaneously, roll your knees gently. And as the routine progresses, the tempo of the music becomes faster. The last two steps are a repetition of the first two movements mentioned above, helping your body cool.

Likewise, the other section of the routine (typically divided into ‘dai-ni’ and ‘dai-san’) is aimed towards the younger population.

The Benefits Of Radio Callisthenics

It goes without saying that callisthenics can play a huge role in improving your overall fitness and countering limited mobility in people of all ages without requiring an intensive setup. While these exercises are generally performed while standing up, you can modify them to perform in a sitting posture. 

However, the biggest advantage of radio callisthenics is that they can be picked up pretty quickly by practically anyone, even those unfamiliar with basic exercises. Moreover, physical activities like these may help minimise the chances of the onset of cognitive diseases, particularly in older people.

Public campaigns for radio callisthenics can also serve as effective community activities that promote a sense of unity among participants. And engaging in these exercises in a group can help evade any awkwardness, especially for novices.

Final Words

With the advent of technology, radio callisthenics aren’t limited to radio, as you will find video tutorials on television and online streaming platforms like Youtube.

Regardless of the medium they are broadcast on, callisthenics continue to be a building block of overall fitness improvement in all age groups. Besides, these exercises, when performed in schools and offices, can aid in building morale and the unity of the participants.

So, if you’re yet to try radio callisthenics, now is a good time!