ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Baduanjin

Okay kiddo, so have you ever heard of baduanjin? It's a type of exercise that comes from China and it's been around for a very long time.

It's made up of eight different exercises that are designed to help your body and mind stay healthy. Each exercise focuses on a different part of your body and they all work together to make you feel good.

Now, let's break down each exercise like you're five years old:

1. Two Hands Hold Up the Heavens - This exercise is all about stretching your arms up high and reaching for the sky, just like you're picking something up.

2. Drawing the Bow - Imagine you're an archer, pulling back on a bowstring. This exercise helps your arms, back and shoulders get stronger.

3. Separating Heaven and Earth - Pretend you're a tall tree swaying in the wind. This exercise helps stretch your back and legs.

4. Wise Owl Gazes Backwards - Turn your head from side to side like an owl looking around. This helps stretch your neck and should make you feel more alert.

5. Swaying the Head and Shaking the Tail - Just like a dog shaking off water, this exercise helps loosen up your whole body.

6. Moving the Body Left and Right - Bend your body from side to side like a tree bending in a breeze. This exercise helps stretch your waist and back.

7. Touching the Toes - Reach down and touch your toes like you're picking something up. This helps your legs and stretches your lower back.

8. Bouncing on Your Heels - Finally, bounce up and down on your heels like you're trying to get higher and higher. This exercise helps your circulation and can make you feel more energized.

So that's baduanjin, eight exercises that work together to help you feel healthy and strong. Give it a try and see how you feel!
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