Zone 2 Cardio: Pros, Cons and Tips From Experts

Whether you're an endurance athlete or a beginner starting your fitness journey, you've probably heard about zone 2 cardio. But why is it trending, and more importantly, should you be doing it? Zone 2 cardio is a low-intensity, steady-state workout that allows you to sustain effort for an extended period while primarily using fat as fuel, says Gene Schafer, a NATABOC-certified athletic trainer and NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. It involves exercising at 60-70% of your maximum heart rate and can be effective for losing fat, building endurance and improving heart health. Lately, zone 2 cardio has gained popularity as more people focus on a long-term and sustainable approach to fitness rather than chasing fast results. Keep reading to see if you should add zone 2 cardio to your fitness routine. What are heart rate zones? "Heart rate zones are ranges of an individual's heart rate that suggest what energy course the body is using for fuel as they exercise. It's als ... Read full article.