#Japan #Tokyo #Yoshimoto #Kenta Ueno #Low-oxygen Training

The Perfect Blend of Comedy and Athletics

In a groundbreaking collaboration within the fitness community, a unique event titled "Aim for Sub-4! at 3Po Low-Oxygen Room with Ueno Method to Boost Running Skills!" took place on July 30th, hosted by the Recovery Fitness Salon 3Po in Kameido, Tokyo. Renowned Yoshimoto comedian and active athlete Runner, Kenta Ueno, graced this experience that promises to revolutionize how runners train during the sweltering summer season.

Purpose and Concept of the Event

With Japan grappling with unprecedented summer heat, the purpose of this initiative is to allow citizen runners to maintain their training intensity safely while enhancing their running capabilities. Under the expert guidance of Kenta Ueno, who possesses a remarkable marathon record of 2 hours and 30 minutes, the event introduced an effective training method, utilizing a low-oxygen environment recommended by medical professionals. This rare opportunity allowed participants from various age groups, ranging from teenagers to those in their fifties, to experience a systematic approach to improving athletic performance.

The term “Sub-4” refers to completing a marathon in under four hours, a milestone for many amateur runners. Achieving this goal typically requires significant practice and rigorous training, especially difficult during the intense summer heat. This event presented a fresh approach to counteracting these challenges through low-oxygen training techniques.

Event Details

• - Date and Time: July 30, 2025, 18:30 - 20:00
• - Venue: Recovery Fitness Salon 3Po Kameido Central Store, 5-6-1 Kameido, Koto City, Tokyo
• - Participants: 8 Citizen runners (ages 10-50, male and female)
• - Participation Fee: Members 500 JPY / Non-members 1,000 JPY
• - Special Guest: Kenta Ueno (Yoshimoto Comedian and Active Athlete)

The event showcased a unique aspect where Ueno ran alongside participants through the city of Kameido, creating an engaging experience for all involved.

Profile of Kenta Ueno

Kenta Ueno, born on March 1, 1983, in Tokyo, is a prominent comedian associated with Yoshimoto. He is a member of the comedy duo "Genki-s", known for performances in various media, including NHK's historical drama "Idaten" and TBS's series "Riku-Oh". His journey into athletics began during middle school, winning a marathon competition that set him on a path to a remarkable running career, participating in numerous marathons like the Tokyo High School Ekiden and the Honolulu Marathon. His expertise has allowed him to serve as a coach for local citizen runners.

Program Structure and Results

The event was organized into a focused 90-minute schedule, designed to maximize training effectiveness:

• - Facility Introduction & Warm-up (10 mins)
• - Outdoor Run with Kenta Ueno (20 mins - approx. 3km)
• - Training Experience in the Low-Oxygen Room (20 mins - high-intensity intervals)
• - Fatigue Care with Recovery Machines (20 mins)
• - Wrap Up with Souvenir Distribution & Group Photos (20 mins)

The Innovative Low-Oxygen Training

A key highlight was the low-oxygen training session conducted in a specially designed room simulating an oxygen level equivalent to 2,500 meters above sea level. Participants underwent high-intensity interval training using specially tailored equipment:

• - My Mountain: Adjustable walking machine capable of a 50-degree incline
• - Low-Oxygen Compatible Aerobike: Equipped with load adjustment features

The training consisted of three sets of 1-minute high-intensity workouts followed by a 90-second recovery period. Participants were grouped and allowed to interactively engage with both machines, starting at a 25-degree incline and 5 km/h, tailored to individual capacities.

As the training unfolded, scientists continuously monitored the blood oxygen levels of participants, showcasing a typical drop from 96-100% to the 80s under the low-oxygen environment. Kenta Ueno explained how such a setting fosters a higher VO2Max, emphasizing the efficacy and swiftness of results in a controlled, cooler environment.

Participants' Feedback and Achievements

Feedback from participants highlighted the novel experience:

• - Participant A (Male, Middle School Track Athlete): "The sensation during outdoor training significantly differed. It felt like proper training in high-altitude conditions!"
• - Participant B (Male, Amateur Runner): "I usually dislike treadmills but found this machine engaging. With my current marathon time at 4 hours and 30 minutes, aiming for Sub-4 is my goal!"
• - Participant C (Female, Amateur Runner): “Experiencing the 25-degree incline was challenging, yet I sensed the immediate physical demand—definitely eye-opening!"

The program's intensity proved unexpectedly exhilarating, with two participants withdrawing mid-session due to strenuous conditions. Kenta Ueno acknowledged this saying, "It certainly pushed boundaries, but in this heat, achieving VO2Max levels outdoors is nearly impossible. Facilities like this provide unmatched training opportunities."

A Revolutionary Approach Against Summer Heat

Amidst the 2025 record heatwave, this initiative emerged as a vital training strategy. Ueno noted that optimal outdoor training times are severely limited during the summer and that traditional methods are often inadequate for gaining significant improvements.

The effectiveness of low-oxygen training is remarkable; evidence suggests such an environment offers three times the workout value compared to regular settings. The 20 minutes undertaken during this event equated to over an hour of strenuous exercise in typical conditions. This innovative training style might serve as a groundbreaking solution, particularly for working individuals seeking efficient avenues to enhance their fitness.

Local Contributions and Future Prospects

Ueno is not only a passionate trainer but also aims to invigorate his hometown. This collaboration with local 3Po Recovery emphasizes the significance of enriching community sports culture. Participants shared delightful experiences with recovery devices aiding their fitness journey, expressing awe at the convenience of such facilities.

As a participatory reward, attendees received enticing gifts such as gluten-free financiers from "Okome no Okurimono," sports mental newspapers, and free trial tickets for the gym, including low-oxygen room access.

Expert Insight

Kenta Ueno noted, "During summer, running 5-10 km suffices; pushing too hard is detrimental. This facility offers the best training environment for peak performance."

An official from 3Po remarked, "We continuously monitor participants' blood oxygen levels, ensuring their safety while optimizing performance. It was impressive to witness the commitment to reach peak levels."

Social Relevance and Future Development

The event served as a manifestation of shifting from traditional training methods to an emphasis on quality over quantity. This new paradigm highlights the potential for time-starved professionals to achieve maximized results within limited schedules. With climate change worsening outdoor conditions, low-oxygen training facilities might emerge as sustainable solutions addressing these challenges. Looking ahead, 3Po is exploring regular athlete guidance events and continues validating the effectiveness of low-oxygen training for broader public access.

Press Invitation

• - Available Coverage:

- Tours and experiences of low-oxygen training facilities
- Coverage of similar event activities
- Interviews with facility users
- Research data concerning low-oxygen training efficacy

• - Experience for Press Members:

Members of the press will receive free access to experience low-oxygen training firsthand, allowing them to observe its effectiveness and safety firsthand.

Facility Information:

• - Name: Recovery Fitness Salon 3Po Kameido Central Store
• - Address: 5-6-1 Kameido, Koto City, Tokyo, Second Floor of Joko Building
• - Hours: Evening service from 17:30 to 22:00 (open to the public)
• - Low-Oxygen Environment: An equivalent of 2,500 meters above sea level (oxygen concentration around 12%)

Inquiries:
Press contact: 3Po Kameido Central Store, Care Division
TEL: 03-5858-9070
Official Website: https://3po-gym.com

This release advocates a revolutionary training method amid extreme summer conditions, exemplifying a pivotal collaboration between comedians and athletes. Watch as this innovative approach addresses climate change while enhancing fitness practices for all.