Sunday Zone 2 Training

Zone 2 training is becoming a hot topic and for good reason. So, what’s the deal with Zone 2, and why should you think about adding it to your routine?

Simply put, Zone 2 training involves working out at a pace where your heart rate is up but you can still chat comfortably. This usually means you’re exercising at around 60-70% of your max heart rate. The goal here? To boost your endurance and aerobic capacity without pushing your body too hard. How to estimate max heart rate?

Take 220 and minus your age. Let's say you're 40 years old, so max heart rate = 180. Now 60-70% of this would be staying around 108- 126bpm.

For our CrossFit athletes who are used to intense, fast-paced workouts, Zone 2 can be a nice change of pace. Here’s why it’s worth a shot:

1. Boosts Endurance: By getting your body used to working at a moderate intensity, you build a solid aerobic base. This is super helpful for those longer WODs and competitions that demand steady energy.

2. Aids Recovery: Zone 2 workouts improve blood flow, helping clear out metabolic waste and speeding up recovery. This means you can hit your workouts more often without risking burnout or injury.

3. Burns Fat: When you stick to Zone 2, your body learns to use fat as a main fuel source. This not only helps you stay lean but also keeps you energized during long activities.

4. Builds Mental Toughness: While high-intensity sessions push your physical limits, Zone 2 training tests your mental endurance. Maintaining focus during these steady workouts can boost your mental grit for tough competitions.

5. Balances Your Routine: Adding Zone 2 days to your CrossFit schedule gives you a more rounded approach, preventing overtraining and promoting overall wellness.

To get started with Zone 2, RSC is running Zone 2 Sundays. This means this class will be great to set up up for a great week of training and not leave you gassed or sore to start off the week. The goal of Sunday classes - keep it steady at a chill pace. Keep an eye on your heart rate to make sure you’re in the right zone. Over time, you’ll likely notice improvements in performance, stamina, and recovery. We will also finish these classes with some group mobility to help keep you moving well.

In a nutshell, Zone 2 training is a great way for CrossFit athletes to up their endurance, enhance recovery, and create a balanced fitness plan. By embracing this moderate-intensity style, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success. Hit your strength and metcon days- but try and add 1 or 2, Zone 2 days in the week and see how your gains grow!

Want help navigating your training? Book your consultation so we can help get you started!