"The Power of 'Effortless Exercise' to Transform Health Habits: The Synergistic Effects on Mental Health, Metabolism, and Sustainability"

"Zone Zero" has gained attention following an article in the Well section of the NYT (published on September 20, 2025). This concept involves maintaining a heart rate even lower than Zone 1 (below approximately 50% of maximum heart rate) through "ultra-low intensity" activities, such as walking, light stretching, and household chores, which are similar to everyday movements. The concept has also been featured by the English Guardian, MedicalXpress, and Marie Claire, highlighting benefits such as improved blood sugar levels, circulation, recovery, stress reduction, and ease of continuation. However, there is a caution that it is difficult to develop muscle strength or high endurance with this alone. On social media, there are positive comments about it being "easy to continue" and "reducing guilt," while in the athletic community, there is a prevailing opinion that "low intensity without volume has limited effects" and that "it should be combined with strength training and moderate to high intensity exercises." In conclusion, Zone Zero is effective for "building a foundation" and "habit formation," and is suitable for health maintenance, recovery, and restart phases. However, for those aiming to improve physical fitness, it is advisable to appropriately combine strength and moderate to high-intensity stimuli within the week.