The 25 questions we're asked most often.
- What are the differences between Kenzai Body, Kenzai Run, Kenzai Silver and Kenzai Iron?
- When do the programs start?
- How do I sign up for a program?
- Do you have an app?
- There are certain things I can't eat. Is your diet able to accommodate this? How about vegetarians and vegans?
- I'm currently breastfeeding, can I join a program?
- How do you determine the diets?
- What equipment do I need?
- I'm naturally thin and not looking to lose weight. Are these programs appropriate for me?
- I have an old injury or pre-existing condition that precludes me from doing certain exercises. Can other exercises be substituted?
- I don't want to get large bulging muscles. Will these programs make me bulky?
- I've never really done serious training before. Can a beginner handle Kenzai programs?
- How much time will I need daily? How long do the workouts take? How much time will I need to prepare food?
- Can I join with coworkers, friends, or family?
- Can I use a fake name or a pseudonym?
- Do I have to put my face and photos on the internet? Can I do a private program or just have my blog visible to others within the group?
- I'm going out of town on business or on vacation during my training time. Will I be able to keep doing the programs while on the road?
- I do other sports and physical activities. Can I keep doing these while I do Kenzai training?
- Do I need to belong to a gym?
- I'm training for a big event, (marathon, triathlon, sports competition, martial arts match, etc...) can you help me get ready for it?
- I'm pretty overweight. Can I handle these programs?
- Do people rebound or gain back the weight they lost?
- Why do I have to do Kenzai Body, Kenzai Run, Kenzai Silver and Kenzai Iron first?
- Can I start on a day of my choosing?
- What does Kenzai mean?
- What is Kenzai Membership?
- I've done Kenzai Body, can I do Kenzai Run?
- Question not answered here?
What are the differences between Kenzai Body, Kenzai Nutrition, and Kenzai Silver?
We have three entry programs: Kenzai Body, Kenzai Nutrition, and Kenzai Silver. These programs are your entry point into the Kenzai community and the constellation of advanced programs that are open to Kenzai Members.
Kenzai Body is a 90-day program focused on getting you into peak condition. The diet and exercises are designed to mobilize body fat and build strong, well-defined muscles. This program is about laying down a solid fitness foundation and improving your physique.
Kenzai Nutrition is a 35-day program designed to help busy people get their diets in check. We accomplish this with daily lessons that will educate you on how to eat healthier, personalized weekly nutrition plans from our team of nutritionists and guidance from our trainers.
Kenzai Silver is a 56-day program designed specifically for people 60 and up. The exercises focus on promoting balance and stability, range of motion, and bone and joint health. You'll learn what nutrients your body needs as it ages and which foods are doing you no good. The fountain of youth is real, and it looks like this; a clean diet, daily exercise, a plan, and the will to change.
All of the programs are appropriate for beginners as well as more experienced athletes and ramp up from an easy level to get you in great shape quickly and safely.
When do the programs start?
How do I sign up for a program?
It’s simple: choose the Entry Program that fits best, then click or tap ‘Sign Up Now.’
Do you have an app?
Yes! Download the Kenzai Fitness and Nutrition app now from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store. The app streamlines the workout process to help you get the most out of your exercises. You can also read your daily lessons and have easy access to essential Kenzai features.
There are certain things I can't eat.
Is your diet able to accommodate this? Can vegetarians and vegans join?
Yes! Our programs focus on eating real food in balanced quantities. No one food is a make-or-break item. Before your program starts you’ll be asked about any allergies, intolerances, or personal preferences you have for your food. If you’re vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, allergic to certain meats, fruits or nuts, or have any other foods you need to avoid, we’ll revise the diet to fit your needs.
I'm currently breastfeeding. Can I join a program?
Breastfeeding is no problem, we'll adjust your diet to account for the extra energy you’re expending. We ask that new moms wait 3-6 months after giving birth to join the Kenzai Body program.
How do you determine the diets?
We construct your initial diet based on your height, weight, and your body-type (which we can determine from the body photos you submit via the app). From there we watch your progress through your journal and weekly photo updates and adjust the diet accordingly. The diet changes every week in response to the training and your body changes. And if something isn’t working, your trainer is just a message away.
What equipment do I need?
Every program requires:
- a jumprope*
- push-up bars
- a set of resistance bands
Check out the Kenzai Blue Box, which brings together the equipment you'll need in a convenient package.
*Jumprope not required for Kenzai Silver.
I'm naturally thin and not looking to lose weight.
Are these programs appropriate for me?
Yes. Being healthy isn’t just about being thin, our job is to get you fit and strong. Our programs will help you move better and enjoy more energy throughout your day.
I have an old injury or pre-existing condition that precludes me from doing certain exercises.
Can other exercises be substituted?
Yes. We can work around most injuries and conditions with substitute exercises. You’ll need to communicate your concerns with your trainer at the beginning of your program and keep us updated throughout about what’s working and what needs tweaking.
Will this program make me bulky? I don't want to get large bulging muscles.
No, you won’t get bulky with Kenzai Body or Kenzai Silver. If you’re looking for a healthy, toned look then our programs are a great match for you. Because we only work with resistance bands and body-weight exercises, your body will take on the balanced harmonious look of an athlete, not a bodybuilder. Increasing your muscle mass is a long and slow process. Don’t worry, you won’t wake up one day after doing some push-ups and find bulging muscles in the mirror. We wish it were that easy to put on muscle!
I've never really done serious training before.
Can a beginner handle Kenzai programs?
Yes. We don’t assume any prior experience with fitness for our clients. For our starter programs, the exercise and diets ramp up slowly. In fact, we usually get the best results with inexperienced trainees because they come to the program with a physical and mental blank slate. This means we can teach you the correct way to do things from the start and get you off to a great start in your training life.
How much time will I need daily?
How long do the workouts take?
How much time will I need to prepare food?
The workouts never take more than an hour, and take much less at first. You’ll also need 30-60 minutes for food preparation. Finally, you’ll need to make some time to interact with your trainer, group members, and to journal. All in all, you should allow for an extra two hours a day. Be realistic about this. These two hours won’t appear from thin air. You’ll need to rearrange your schedule to accommodate your training. It’s an investment, we know, but the reward is stellar self-confidence and a great body.
Can I join with coworkers, friends, or family?
Yes. In fact, sticking to your program is much easier if you’ve got people doing it alongside you. If you know someone else on the program, you’ll be able to follow them and share the adventure together. If you want to join with a large group of 8 or more, let us know beforehand so we can plan accordingly.
Can I use a fake name or a pseudonym?
Clearly we can’t stop you from telling us your name is something it isn’t, but we really don’t recommend it. Those who have tried it in the past have gotten very frustrated being called the wrong name, and usually ask us to switch to their real name halfway through. Kenzai programs are very personal journeys which you need to make with your real name. In the worst cases we’ve had trainees who used pseudonyms tell us that they almost felt they had a split personality, the fit healthy person they were on their journal, and the unfit lazy person they felt like in real life. This is a bad place to be mentally and an unnecessary distraction during your training time. Use your real name. Own your fitness!
And keep in mind that anytime your name appears on Kenzai, it will always be your first name and last initial only. So Jane Smith would always be Jane S.
Do I have to put my face and photos on the internet?
Can I do a private program or just have my blog visible to others within the group?
When you write on your Kenzai journal, you always have the option to make the post open to the public, or only viewable by the Kenzai community. The same goes for your photos. Being a visible part of the community is an important part of the Kenzai experience, so we don't allow anyone to go through their program completely "in the dark." You have to at least share with the Kenzai community! This accountability is what gets results.
I'm going out of town on business or on vacation during my training time.
Will I be able to keep doing the program while on the road?
Yes, absolutely. All the equipment you’ll need will fit in a carry-on bag and you’ll have access to your Kenzai dashboard and website from anywhere you can get a web connection. If you’re going off the grid for a while we can work with you to get the information you’ll need ahead of time so that you don’t miss a day.
I do other sports and physical activities.
Can I keep doing these while I do Kenzai training?
Yes, this is possible. At the start of a program, the workouts aren’t particularly long or taxing, which will leave you time and energy for your other physical pursuits. However, most trainees find that as the workouts become more intense they scale back their other activities to focus on their program. Our hope is that you use your Kenzai training time to build a solid bedrock of fitness, and then go back to your favorite sports or activities stronger and more skilled than ever.
Do I need to belong to a gym?
Absolutely not. Kenzai workouts are designed to be done in the living room, in a hotel room, in an airport waiting area, or outdoors.
I'm training for a big event, (marathon, triathlon, sports competition, martial arts match, etc...) can you help me get ready for it?
While our entry programs are designed to get you lean, fit, and strong, they don’t involve targeted training for a specialized event. We advise doing an entry Kenzai course well before or well after a big physical challenge. Our entry programs are intense enough that trying to do a major physical challenge on top of it will severely tax the body and end in poorer results.
The exception to this is the Kenzai Nutrition program, which can get your diet on-track while you’re preparing for your event. Just be sure to let your trainer know so your diet can be adjusted accordingly.
Once you’ve completed a Kenzai Body or Kenzai Silver program, you’ll have access to a wide range of Advanced Programs such as Kenzai Run or Kenzai Ski which DO prepare you for specific activities, or programs such as Kenzai Sculpt that target particular areas of your body. Programs are also available focusing on building strength using weights or the kettle bell. You can learn more about all of our Advanced Programs here.
I'm pretty overweight. Can I handle these programs?
If you’re more than 45 kg (100 pounds) overweight, then we recommend that you start your journey with Kenzai Nutrition, which includes personalized weekly nutrition plans and daily cardio exercise. We also strongly encourage you to engage in this program under medical supervision.
Do people rebound or gain back the weight they lost?
No. We’re very proud that Kenzai graduates don’t backslide once their program is over. Most gain a bit of weight back, which is what we encourage when you’re coming off peak condition, but no one has reported that they go back to their original pre-program weight. This is because over the course of your training we’ll totally change how you look at food and fitness. We’ll form new healthy habits and teach you how to approach rich and fattening foods. These lessons will never leave you. Once you finish a Kenzai program, even if you’re having an indulgent food, you’ll know you’re having it, how it’s affecting your body, and what to do to offset it. In addition, you’ll get the opportunity to become a Kenzai Member and have a year-round structure to continue your fitness pursuits in between more formal Kenzai programs.
Why do I have to do Kenzai Body or Kenzai Silver first?
These programs are our version of “Fitness 101”. During these introductory courses you’ll learn the fundamentals of eating and exercising, and get your body fat and muscle mass levels to a good starting point for sustained wellness. Until you learn these basics, there’s little purpose in pursuing more advanced training. That would be a bit like trying to play a complicated piece of music before you’ve learned how to tune your instrument.
Can I start on a day of my choosing?
Yes and no. We have set start dates throughout the year. You'll launch with a group of people from all over the world. You’ll form teams and support each other through the ups and downs of training. So although you can’t choose your exact date a program is always starting soon! See the training page for launch dates
What does Kenzai mean?
Kenzai is a Japanese word that literally translates to "sustained wellness" or "vitality". Our company began in Japan and we strive to keep the Japanese principles of harmony, order, and mindfulness in everything we do.
What is Kenzai Membership?
When you purchase an annual membership to Kenzai, you get access to an entire year of training programs and support from the Kenzai community, our trainers and the nutrition team. This includes any Entry or Advanced Program; unlimited Skill Courses; and 4 nutrition plan update requests as your body changes through the year - all for one flat annual price. For more details about the benefits of becoming a Kenzai Member, please visit our Membership page.
Question not answered here?
If you have additional questions or need more detail about any of the questions above, don't hesitate to contact us!
And, be sure check out the latest Kenzai podcasts and articles on staying well in the modern world on The Pulse!