There is a good article in Alex Hutchinson’s “Sweat Science” newsletter (to which you can subscribe here) On the cardiovascular formation of zone 2. I have discussed this in the past, and my favorite way to train is to spend most of my time in zone 2 and to throw two shorter sessions of sessions of sessions ‘higher intensity per week. In his book on longevity SurviveDr. Peter Attia recommends training zone 2 for healthy aging. This is based on the work of Dr Inigo San MillanOne of the great supporters of zone 2 training, who claims that it is optimal for the health of powerful mitochondria in our muscle cells. I was therefore interested in seeing a scientific study relevant for this in Alex’s article: a group of people exercising the recommended amount of 150 minutes per week against a control group of sedentary people. The latter showed early signs of mitochondrial dysfunction, which if they are not controlled can progress towards insulin resistance and possibly type II diabetes. Better to bite it in the egg with exercise.
According to interviews with various scientists and coaches of the exercise, Alex discovered that you would not have to be too precise on the exercise rate. Essentially, a good quick rhythm will bring you in zone 2.. The walk is too easy, while going hard enough for your muscles burning is too difficult.
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I am a mechanical engineer born in 1953, Ph. D, Stanford, 1980. I have been active in the mechanical CAE field for decades. I also have an interest in life for outdoor activities and physical form. I had the two hips replaced and a replacement of the heart valve due to a genetic condition. This blog tells my adventures by remaining active despite these bumps on the road. See all articles by Bionicolduy
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