Unlocking the Benefits: Why Zone 2 Workouts Matter

You’ve probably noticed our recent trend of introducing a Zone 2 workout once a week in the programming. So, what’s the reasoning behind it? What benefits do you gain? Let’s dive into it!

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First off, what is Zone 2? Zone 2 workouts are meant to keep your heart rate between about 60-70% of its maximum. An easy thumb rule is to take 185 bpm minus your age to get an average Zone 2 heart rate. Think of Zone 2 as the range between easy and moderate cardio, where you can converse, but someone on the other end of a phone would know you’re not sitting down. 

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Endurance athletes have long used Zone 2 training to perform at their best on race day, yielding high results. How so? It’s due to the build-up of mitochondria, the parts of your cells that generate ATP - the fuel that drives muscle contractions. As you age, your mitochondria get sparse, damaged, and inefficient. Zone 2 cardio helps build your “good” mitochondria levels based on the energy systems used at that heart rate zone. Not only does this improve your cardio endurance, but it can also help you make gains in lifting by aiding your recovery between sets. Besides the fitness gains, the added mitochondria can help prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.

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So, the next time you take on that Zone 2 workout, make sure you follow the stimulus of staying in the intended heart rate zone. The rewards are well worth it.

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