Sumo for every one: professional wrestlers give DVD lessons

"Sumo Health Exercises," released by the Japan Sumo Association this month, contains 12 sets of stretches, squats and splits demonstrated by professional wrestlers.

Photo: Sumo for every one: professional wrestlers give DVD lessons

These models are a world away from rail-thin yoga instructors - they include hefty wrestlers such as the 140 kilogram (308 pound) Wakakasuga and 116 kilogram (255 pound) Hokutosho.

The sumo moves include squats that the wrestlers perform before and after bouts, and a ceremonial move in which a wrestler lifts his leg sideways until it is pointing at the sky.

In fact, the difficulty of the exercises demonstrates the wrestlers' legendary agility, despite their impressive body mass. Sumo stars can weigh as much as 225 kilograms.

The DVD, which sells for US$22.90 might even help people achieve the sumo look: it includes tips on making chanko nabe, the meaty, calcium-rich stew that forms the staple of the sumo diet, the AP reports.