Friday marked yet another day of confusion and uncertainty as actor-turned-politician Vijay’s efforts to form the government hit yet another roadblock, with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) yet to reach the magic number needed for a majority. As the day came to a close
Bigg Boss Telugu 3's Ashu Reddy posts engagement pictures amid alleged ₹9.35 crore cheating controversyActor and former Bigg Boss contestant Ashu Reddy surprised many when she posted pictures of her engagement ceremony. Take a look. May 9, 2026
Coal India MT Recruitment 2026: Registration for 660 posts begins on May 12 at coalindia.in, details hereCoal India will recruit for Management Trainee posts. The registration process for 660 posts will begin on May 12, 2026. Published on: May 08
An Indian influencer’s candid Instagram video about the high cost of travelling in the United States has triggered a debate online, with many of whom said they could relate to the financial anxiety of spending in dollars while earning in Indian rupees
Bhatia moves closer to Top-10 at Truist as McIlroy chases ImBhatia moves closer to Top-10 at Truist as McIlroy chases Im Updated on: May 09, 2026 9:38 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Charlotte , Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia edged closer to a top-10 placement
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has once again stepped in to prop up Pakistan’s fragile economy, approving about $1.2 billion under two ongoing bailout programmes, highlighting the country’s continued dependence on external IMF loans. The approval includes about $1 billion under the
Watermelon deaths mystery deepens after rat poison bottle is foundA forensic report confirmed zinc phosphide poisoning in the Dokadia family deaths. Published on: May 09, 2026 10:38 AM IST By Vinay Dalvi Share via Copy link A day after a forensic report said that a lethal dose of zinc phosphide
Jaspinder Narula recalls heartbreaking moment when Mona found out about Boney Kapoor’s affair with SrideviJaspinder Narula recalled that Mona Shourie Kapoor was devastated when she found out about Boney Kapoor's affair with Sridevi, and broke down outside a studio. May 9, 2026
Set the bar low with ‘effortless exercise’ to ease yourself into a fitness routine
It can look almost too easy: athletes gliding along on a bike, runners shuffling at a pace slower than most people's warm-up, or someone strolling so gently it barely seems like exercise at all. Yet this kind of effortless movement is at the heart of what's becoming known as zone zero exercise.
The idea runs counter to the “push yourself” culture of gyms and fitness apps. Instead of breathless effort, zone zero exercise is all about moving slowly enough that you could chat very comfortably the whole time. For some people, it might mean a gentle stroll. For others, it could be easy yoga, a few stretches while the kettle boils, or even pottering about the garden. The point is that your heart rate stays low; lower even than what many fitness trackers label as zone 1.
In the language of endurance training, zone 1 usually means about 50-60% of your maximum heart rate. Zone zero dips beneath that. In fact, not all scientists agree on what to call it, or whether it should be counted as a separate training zone at all. But in recent years, the term has gained traction outside research circles, where it has become shorthand for very light activity, with surprising benefits.
One of those benefits is accessibility. Exercise advice often leans towards intensity: the sprint intervals, the high-intensity classes, the motivational “no pain, no gain”. For anyone older, unwell, or returning to movement after injury, this can feel impossible. Zone zero exercise offers an alternative starting point.
Studies have found that even very light activity can improve several health markers including circulation, help regulate blood sugar, and support mental wellbeing. A daily walk at a gentle pace, for example, can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
There's also the question of recovery. High-level athletes discovered long ago that they couldn't train hard every day. Their bodies needed space to repair. That's where easy sessions came in. They aren't wasted time, but essential recovery tools.
The same applies to people juggling work, family and stress. A zone zero session can reduce tension without draining energy. Instead of collapsing on the sofa after work, a quiet half-hour walk can actually restore it.
Mental health researchers have pointed to another benefit: consistency. Many people give up on exercise plans because they set the bar too high. A routine based on zone zero activities is easier to sustain. That's why the gains – better sleep, a brighter mood, and lower risk of chronic illness – keep adding up over months and years.
There are limits, of course. If your goal is to run a marathon or significantly increase fitness levels, gentle movement alone won't get you there. The body needs higher-intensity challenges to grow stronger. But the “all or nothing” mindset, either training hard or not at all, risks missing the point. Zone zero can be the base on which other activity is built, or it can simply stand on its own as a health-boosting habit.
The fact that researchers are still debating its definition is interesting in itself. In sports science, some prefer to talk about “below zone 1” or “active recovery” instead of zone zero. But the popular name seems to have stuck, perhaps because it captures the spirit of effortlessness. The idea of a “zero zone” strips away pressure. You don't need fancy equipment or the latest wearable. If you can move without strain, you're doing it.
That simplicity may explain its appeal. Public health messages about exercise can sometimes feel overwhelming: how many minutes per week, what heart rate, how many steps. Zone zero cuts through that noise. The message is: do something, even if it's gentle. It still counts.
And in a world where many people sit for long stretches at screens, it might be more powerful than it sounds. Evidence shows that long sedentary periods raise health risks even in people who exercise vigorously at other times. Building more light, frequent movement into the day may matter just as much as the occasional intense workout.
Zone zero exercise, then, isn't about chasing personal bests. It's about redefining what exercise can look like. It's not a test of willpower but a way to keep moving, to stay connected to your body, and to build habits that last. Whether you're an elite cyclist winding down after a race or someone looking for a manageable way back into movement, the same principle applies: sometimes, the gentlest pace is the one that gets you furthest.
Tom Brownlee is Associate Professor, Sport and Exercise Science, University of Birmingham.
This article was first published on The Conversation.
Source: Scroll
Related Posts: The everyday runners that go beyond the track AI smart glasses will help visually impaired runners take on the London Marathon Sonakshi Sinha's 10 easy makeup tricks for a flawless look Olympics’ ban on trans athletes contravenes human rights laws From Tossing Equipment To Tossing Athletes PM Modi hails India’s cricketers and para-athletes for making 2025 a Why Athletes Chew Gum While Playing On Field - Know What Experts Say Paralympics open with Russian athletes booed in ceremony Bindra's tenure as IOC athletes commission vice chair ends Competing under national flag again should spur Russian para athletes on
India’s AI education strategy is ambitious and unusually comprehensive, reflecting a seriousness of intent that is rare in large public systems. Yet, for all its scale it currently addresses only one side of the problem. In just the past few weeks
2 hours ago
Congress accuses BJP and DMK of obstructing TVK's secular government formation in Tamil Nadu. The party claims the DMK is willing to support AIADMK and prevent other secular parties from aiding TVK, amid reported INDIA bloc divisions and DMK seeking separate seating in Parliament
2 hours ago
As West Bengal prepares for Suvendu Adhikari’s swearing-in as Chief Minister, uncertainty remains over whether Mamata Banerjee will attend the ceremony despite being invited by the BJP. As West Bengal prepares for a historic political transition with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu
2 hours ago
Delhi CEO gives ₹10,000, 3-day break to employees to take parents on vacation to celebrate Mother’s DayThe Delhi CEO who announced paid leave for employees on Mother’s Day previously went viral for giving his team a 9-day Diwali break. Published on: May 09
2 hours ago
As World Cocktail Day on May 13 approaches, it’s the perfect moment to revisit how we celebrate our favourite drinks. With mindful drinking continuing to shape modern lifestyles, cocktails are getting a cleaner, lighter upgrade. The focus is shifting from heavy syrups and sugar-loaded mixers to
2 hours ago
West Bengal's long-standing political clashes with the central government over welfare schemes are set to change. With the BJP now in power in both the state and at the Centre, a new era of administrative integration is expected. Major schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM-Kisan
2 hours ago
Vijay’s sister Keerthana has expressed happiness amid speculations that the TVK chief is likely to take oath as the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu soon. On Friday night, the actor-turned-politician’s sister was spotted by the media outside his Chennai residence when she expressed gratitude
2 hours ago
Luis Suarez might not be done with Uruguay just yet. More than 18 months after stepping away from international football, the legendary striker has revealed he would be open to returning for one final World Cup run if called upon by Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa
2 hours ago
Trump suffers devastating $400 million loss. Here's howThe parent company of President Donald Trump's Truth Social, the social media platform, showed a net loss of over $400 million in the first quarter. Published on: May 09, 2026 10:27 AM IST By Shuvrajit Das Biswas Share via Copy link The parent
2 hours ago
As Mother’s Day dawns once again, it's time to recall, cherish and honour the person who brings humanity to life. Millions across the world pause on this day and take a moment to pay tribute to the quiet resilience, the boundless sacrifice, and unconditional love of their progenitor
2 hours ago
The Pentagon has begun releasing new files on UFOs, saying members of the public can draw their own conclusions on “unidentified anomalous phenomena.” Besides the Pentagon, the effort is led by the White House, the Director of National Intelligence, the Energy Department, NASA and the FBI
2 hours ago
Birds of prey in South Africa are in trouble – study analyses data from 16 years of road countsBirds of prey in South Africa are in trouble – study analyses data from 16 years of road counts Published on: May 09, 2026 10:44 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Cape Town
2 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.MacBook Air M5 gets a big price cut: This Amazon Summer Sale deal makes it even easier to recommendMacBook Air M5, M4 and MacBook Neo are all discounted right now
2 hours ago
Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who emerged as one of the biggest winners of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections after securing both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, has declared total assets worth Rs 85.87 lakh in his election affidavit. Adkikari is set to take oath as West Bengal Chief Minister
2 hours ago
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) witnessed a sharp contraction in its scale and reach in 2025–26, according to a report on the final operational year of the scheme introduced by the Congress-led UPA era
2 hours ago
Free India elected to protect and uphold the right to religious conscience. These incorporated the freedoms to choose, practice and propagate one’s religious faith. This, after searching and sometimes bitter debates in India’s constituent assembly in the shadow of cataclysmic religious riots
2 hours ago
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education has announced the West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2026. The overall pass percentage reached 86.83 per cent, and the competition among the toppers was extremely close. The pass rate too has increased from last year when 86
2 hours ago
Police in Lucknow arrested four members of an interstate gang accused of creating and selling fake IPL tickets outside Ekana Cricket Stadium using ChatGPT and graphic design software. According to police, the gang sourced images of original IPL tickets from social media and used CorelDRAW and
2 hours ago
Banking stocks to buy: The Reserve Bank of India’s proposed Expected Credit Loss (ECL) framework could mark one of the biggest structural shifts for the country’s banking sector in recent years, with experts believing the move may separate stronger lenders from weaker ones over time
2 hours ago
An Indian politician once seen as a protege of a long-serving chief minister of West Bengal state is set to replace her. Suvendu Adhikari of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was a close aide of outgoing chief minister Mamata Banerjee until their bitter falling out a few years ago
2 hours ago
Aaron Rai takes lead at Myrtle Beach ClassicAaron Rai takes lead at Myrtle Beach Classic Published on: May 09, 2026 9:48 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Myrtle Beach , Aaron Rai found four birdies on his second nine in his card of 4-under 67 to take a one-shot lead over Presidents Cup captain Brandt
2 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Before buying a printer, understand these important differences between inkjet and laser printersInkjet and laser printers both have their own strengths
2 hours ago
US senators are set to consider long-awaited legislation that would create a next week, potentially ending a deadlock over the bill that pitted crypto companies against US banks.The bill, dubbed the , would, if signed into law, clarify ' jurisdiction over the burgeoning sector
2 hours ago
The streets of Chennai, which were bracing for a historic “coronation" on Saturday, have instead been blanketed by a heavy, uncertain silence. For the thousands of supporters of actor-turned-politician Vijay, reports that there will be no swearing-in ceremony on April 9 have come as a jarring
2 hours ago
![New Delhi [India], May 9 (ANI): Lieutenant Governor of Delhi V K Saxena on Saturday reviewed a presentation by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on a](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/lg-vk-saxena-reviews-dda-plan-to-restore-77-water-bodies-in-delhi.webp?height=520)
New Delhi [India], May 9 (ANI): Lieutenant Governor of Delhi V K Saxena on Saturday reviewed a presentation by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on a time-bound action plan for the revival and restoration of Delhi’s water bodies, as part of efforts to tackle their rapid deterioration ahead of
2 hours ago
Rajasthan SI recruitment exam to be held afresh after cancellation by RPSCRajasthan SI recruitment exam to be held afresh after cancellation by RPSC Published on: May 08, 2026 5:16 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Jaipur, The Rajasthan Public Service Commission has cancelled the Sub-Inspector/Platoon
2 hours ago
The tranche of never-before-seen documents released by the Pentagon on UFOs includes descriptions of reported sightings - by civilians on Earth and by astronauts on the Moon. The documents, spanning decades, were declassified and posted online on Friday at the direction of President Donald Trump
2 hours ago
