Why Zone 2 Cardio is the Secret Sauce to Supercharging Your Workouts—and How Less Really is More
Hey besties, let's chat about something that might just flip your whole workout game on its head. I'm talking about Zone 2 cardio—the low-key, slow-and-steady approach to fitness that is definitely not getting the attention it deserves. And honestly, it’s a game-changer!
So, what even is Zone 2?
It's that sweet spot where your heart rate is elevated but you're not out of breath, where you can carry on a conversation (or sing along to Drake, obviously) without gasping for air. We’re talking about 60-70% of your max heart rate here, which, for most people, feels like a brisk walk, easy jog, or a light spin on the bike. Now, my go-to Zone 2 workouts include walking on an incline treadmill (hello, glutes!), fast-paced walks outdoors—especially if it ends with a beach view—and hitting the stair climber at a moderate pace. These activities keep my heart rate in that perfect Zone 2 range while still allowing me to feel strong and energized by the end.
Here’s the kicker: Zone 2 is all about building endurance without the stress. Yup, you heard me right. Instead of going full throttle every single workout (guilty as charged), this method lets you go the distance without burning out.
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Less Hustle, More Gains: The Zone 2 Magic
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “FAB, how could doing less possibly help me achieve more?” Believe me, I used to be the queen of overworking myself at the gym—thinking that if I wasn’t drenched in sweat and utterly exhausted by the end of a session, I wasn’t doing enough. But, babes, let me tell you: Zone 2 has taught me that pushing too hard, too often, can actually slow your progress. 🤯
Here’s the thing—when you’re constantly operating in the higher heart rate zones (aka the “no pain, no gain” mentality), you’re putting your body under a lot of stress. It’s like revving a car engine at top speed nonstop—it’s gonna break down eventually. With Zone 2, you’re giving your body a chance to build a strong aerobic base. Think of it as the foundation that allows you to go harder, faster, and longer in the future, without the risk of overtraining or injury.
Zone 2 Benefits: The Receipts
Increased Fat Burning: Zone 2 is the fat-burning zone. Your body taps into fat stores for energy at this intensity, which means over time, you’re turning into a lean, mean, fat-burning machine.
Improved Endurance: Want to crush that half-marathon or survive a weekend without huffing and puffing on your city adventures? Zone 2 improves your overall stamina (literally better sex), making those longer workouts or runs way more manageable.
Reduced Stress on the Body: By not constantly pushing your body to the max, you’re reducing the risk of burnout, overuse injuries, and keeping your cortisol levels (that pesky stress hormone) in check.
Doing Less to Achieve More
Zone 2 is a metaphor for life, babes. Sometimes, the hustle culture tells us that we need to go harder, do more, and never slow down. But the truth is, sometimes doing less—being intentional, strategic, and steady—is the real power move. Whether it’s in your workouts or your career, don’t be afraid to take a step back, reassess, and find that sweet spot where you’re working smart, not just hard.
So next time you hit the gym, hop on that treadmill, or take to the streets for a run, give Zone 2 a try. It’s a vibe, and I promise, your body will thank you for it.
Until next time, keep it fab, keep it fun, and remember: the journey is just as important as the destination.
XO,
FAB
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