"We will have fresh seafood of Hirado. But before that, we are going to do some exercise." My friend told me that she has been doing this exercise one or twice a week in order to get rid of stress. As I usually do not take any exercise besides a walk, I was very curious what kind of exercise it would be. The name itself sounded already peculiar to begin with.

It focuses mostly on stretching works with a great deal of recreational elements such as dancing with music. Because it uses three tools including ball, bell, and belter, the first letters of those words were taken to name it 3B exercise. It was born in Fukuoka Prefecture.

It was held at a tatami-floored room in a public hall. There were 7 people in all including female teachers of local high school and other young women. I heard they usually have only about 3 people in the class. Then it started in a peaceful atmosphere. The instructor was also friendly and cheerful, and she was smilingly said "You do not have to push too much. Hold at the point you feel comfortable."

First of all, we slowly stretched ourselves just like if to thoroughly straighten each part of the muscles. We twisted and turned our bodies from side to side and back and forth. We sat down and extended both arms just like to grasp something in front. We repeated simple and slow movements over and over. It was a peaceful time that had absolutely no connection with such things as the will to win and competition. She emphasized that there was no need to compare ourselves with others, and it would be important to manage movements within our own limits.

I have such a stiff body. By bending forward, I cannot touch the floor even with my fingertips, and though trying to open my legs as much as possible, I cannot even make an obtuse angle. Even if I simply try to sit down with my legs stretched out, I would not be able to straighten my knees. Yet, being driven by my unrelenting personality, I pushed myself further and more forward, and by the end, I had my back beginning to hurt. How foolish to hurt myself by doing exercise that is supposed to get rid of stress. It reveals that, even on the holidays, I keep carrying my values of "It is important to win through competition."

As the stiffness of our bodies get relieved after repeating a program arranged with music a few times, we moved on to another exercise involving more dancing. That was when we used one of the 3B tools, belter. I enjoyed a variety of new movements such as spinning it round and using it for stretch. Yet, this actually was quite complicated. We extended our arms to the right while stretching the legs to the left. Just like that, the dance was designed for each part of the body to do completely different movement. I could not even follow the instructor any more. So, by imagining that I was actually dancing, I just somehow kept moving my body. It is not bad to resign myself once in a while.

My friend who was dancing jauntily behind me later told me that, looking at how I was dancing so awkwardly, she was anxious if my body would fall apart before long. It was an evening I certainly realized that my body and brain were unconnected with each other.

After the exercise, even while I was enjoying the fresh seafood from the Hirado, I somehow felt heavy in my back. So I was afraid if I would wake up next morning with a backache or muscle pain, but to my surprise, I felt just fine on the following day. I was deeply astonished once again at the great influence of stretching exercise. (Well, the fresh and delicious seafood might have cleaned all the blood in my body???)

A shiatsu doctor has been telling me that stretching is essential in getting rid of a backache. Though I have a mind to practice it routinely, I can hardly keep up the work. It is probably a good idea to attend this kind of class in order to generate compelling force.

As I returned to Tokyo, I researched into the 3B exercise and found that there is an organization called Japan 3B Exercise Association. It also has a Kanto head office located in Tokyo, and it has been holding classes at public halls and schools at various regions. Moreover, as I took a look at the HP, there was a phrase that touched me exactly on a sore spot; "By trying to follow an instructor's movement, many people tend to become tense and to overstrain themselves. You actually have to relax and try it just as if you are having conversation with your body. You should never force yourself. It is important to take your time and maintain your pace. Additionally, it is also essential to be sensitive to your own body." I need to make efforts to catch a message from my body. For those who are leading an unhealthy life, I suggest taking care of yourself more consciously.

Translated by Maiko Noda