What is Strength Training Zone 2?
Strength Training Zone 2 is a type of workout that’s aimed at increasing your endurance level. It involves working out at a moderate intensity level, which is somewhere between 70-80% of your maximum heart rate. This is the point where your body is working hard enough to improve your endurance level, but not too hard that it becomes too strenuous.
In other words, Strength Training Zone 2 is the sweet spot where you can work out with a moderate level of intensity, which allows you to build up your endurance level, without causing too much strain on your body.
Why is Strength Training Zone 2 Important?
Strength Training Zone 2 workouts are important because they improve your cardiovascular health. When you work out in this zone, your body is forced to adapt to the stress of the workout, which results in your heart and lungs becoming stronger. This, in turn, improves your overall fitness level and endurance, making it easier for you to perform physical activities for longer periods of time.
Additionally, training in Zone 2 can help you burn more calories and lose weight. Since you’re working out at a moderate intensity level, your body is burning a higher percentage of fat as fuel, which means you’ll be able to lose weight more efficiently.
How to Determine Your Heart Rate for Zone 2
One of the easiest ways to determine your heart rate for Zone 2 is to use the Karvonen Formula. This formula takes into account your resting heart rate and maximum heart rate to determine your target heart rate range for Zone 2.
Here’s how to use the Karvonen Formula to determine your heart rate for Zone 2:
- Calculate your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220.
- Measure your resting heart rate by taking your pulse first thing in the morning before getting out of bed.
- Subtract your resting heart rate from your maximum heart rate.
- Multiply that number by 0.7 and add your resting heart rate to get your lower target heart rate for Zone 2.
- Multiply the number you got in step 3 by 0.8 and add your resting heart rate to get your upper target heart rate for Zone 2.
For example, if you’re 30 years old and your resting heart rate is 60 beats per minute, your target heart rate range for Zone 2 would be between 133 and 150 beats per minute.
Benefits of Training in Strength Training Zone 2
There are several benefits of training in Strength Training Zone 2, including:
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Improved Cardiovascular Health: As mentioned earlier, training in Zone 2 can help improve your cardiovascular health by strengthening your heart and lungs.
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Increased Endurance: By working out at a moderate intensity level, you’ll be able to increase your endurance level, making it easier for you to perform physical activities for longer periods of time.
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More Efficient Fat Burning: Training in Zone 2 can help you burn more calories and lose weight more efficiently by burning a higher percentage of fat as fuel.
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Reduced Risk of Injury: Since you’re working out at a moderate intensity level, you’re less likely to experience injuries compared to working out at a higher intensity level.
How to Incorporate Strength Training Zone 2 into Your Workout Routine
Incorporating Strength Training Zone 2 into your workout routine is easy. Here are some tips to help you get started:
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Use a Heart Rate Monitor: To ensure that you’re working out at the right intensity level, use a heart rate monitor to keep track of your heart rate during your workout.
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Mix it Up: Incorporate different types of workouts into your routine, such as running, cycling, or swimming, to keep things interesting.
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Gradually Increase Intensity: If you’re new to Zone 2 training, start off slow and gradually increase the intensity over time as you become more comfortable.
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Stay Consistent: To see the best results, it’s important to stay consistent with your workouts. Aim to work out in Zone 2 for at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week.
Conclusion
Strength Training Zone 2 is an effective way to improve your cardiovascular health, increase your endurance level, and burn more calories. By working out at a moderate intensity level, you’ll be able to achieve your fitness goals without putting too much strain on your body. Remember to use a heart rate monitor, mix up your workouts, gradually increase intensity, and stay consistent to see the best results. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your Strength Training Zone 2 workout today!