Losing weight and strengthening muscles with minimal effort in just five minutes? That’s the goal of “Zero Training.” But does this Japanese fitness trend live up to its promises?
High-intensity interval training (HIIT), jogging, or traditional weightlifting at the gym—many methods claim to boost fat burning, aid in weight loss, and tone the body. However, a Japanese fitness trainer has developed a method that aims to achieve similar results with minimal training effort—the so-called Zero Training.
Tomomi Ishimura, based in New York, is the founder of the yoga studio “Body Tone.” She has also authored a book titled The Zero Training Method. This fitness approach is especially recommended for beginners looking to get in shape but is suitable for all fitness levels. The best part? You can do Zero Training comfortably at home in just five minutes.
What Exactly Is Zero Training?
Zero Training is designed to help with weight loss, relieve muscle pain, and tone muscles with minimal effort. According to Tomomi Ishimura, poor posture and unhealthy habits are major contributors to fat accumulation and body slackening over time.
“When different parts of the body contract, they lose alignment with the zero position. This affects circulation and metabolism, which can lead to weight gain, a worsening physique, and other problems,” she explains in an Instagram video. This “zero” in Zero Training refers to restoring the body’s ideal posture.
The five-minute Zero Training routine aims to counteract these issues with gentle breathing exercises, stretches, and muscle-activating movements. The main goal is to correct posture and return it to the zero position, allowing muscles to become firmer again.
How to Do Zero Training
The exercises are best performed while lying on the floor. To do this, lie comfortably on your back—preferably on a yoga mat with one or two pillows or cushions. In this Instagram video, Tomomi Ishimura demonstrates what the zero position looks like:
She also showcases one of the exercises:
More exercises can be found on Tomomi Ishimura’s Instagram account.
Losing Weight with Minimal Effort – Does Zero Training Really Work?
Tomomi Ishimura claims that Zero Training can help reduce waist circumference by up to seven centimeters. However, whether restoring this zero position is truly effective for fat loss and weight reduction is debatable. Every body is unique, and not all fitness methods produce the same results for everyone. Moreover, lifestyle factors, including diet, play a crucial role in overall fitness.
That being said, better posture undeniably benefits overall health. Gentle stretching and muscle exercises can alleviate back pain and other musculoskeletal issues, while breathing exercises and mindful movements help restore the balance between body and mind. This can improve body awareness—regardless of weight.
