In the ZONE!

Zone 2 training has achieved star status as the training intensity that could hold the key to more endurance and fitness. Here, we reveal its super powers.

- Words: Lucy Miller

If you're used to workouts that leave you breathless and wiped out, zone 2 training might pose a refreshing change. This low-intensity method focuses on building fitness in a more sustainable way - no racing heart, no gasping for air, just steady movement that works with your body rather than against it. It's not new - endurance athletes have used it for decades - but it's now being embraced more widely for its ability to support heart health, improve energy levels, and help you feel fitter over time.

THE OVERVIEW

Despite the buzz, zone 2 training is far from a fad. 'Zone 2 training has been around for decades, and it equates to a low-intensity workout,' explains Nathan Johnson, founder of Autonomy and leading entrepreneur in the fitness industry (instagram.com/nathan.autonomy). 'It refers to a heart rate range - usually between 60-70 per cent of your maximum - which for most women sits somewhere between 125-140 beats per minute. You should be able to hold a conversation, but feel like you're still exercising.'

What does that look like in practice? Think: brisk walking, cycling at a gentle pace, or a steady session on the cross-trainer. 'It's the kind of workout that suits almost everyone,' says Johnson, 'Especially if you're getting back into exercise, managing stress or simply want to make progress without putting too much pressure on your body.'