December 28, 2021

Aerobic & Zone 2 Training

Q&A on Zone 2 Exercise with Peter Attia, M.D.

This was originally recorded as an Instagram Live in March 2021.

Read Time 2 minutes

In this Q&A, Peter answers all your questions around Zone 2 exercise and training. This was originally recorded as an Instagram Live in March 2021.

To learn more about zone 2 training, listen to our episode with Iñigo San Millán, Ph.D. and AMA #19: Deep dive on Zone 2 training, magnesium supplementation, and how to engage with your doctor.

During this Q&A, Peter answers the following questions:

00:00:00 – Intro
00:00:23 – What is Zone 2 exercise?
00:02:52 – Why does Zone 2 exercise matter?
00:03:20 – How often should I do Zone 2 exercise?
00:06:42 – Can I do other exercises before or after Zone 2?
00:07:52 – Does it matter if I slip into Zone 3, 4, or 5 during my Zone 2 workout?
00:09:48 – What are the benefits of Zone 2 exercise?
00:11:18 – Is Zone 2 exercise beneficial at any age, young or old?
00:12:54 – Why should I do Zone 2 exercise compared to HIIT?
00:14:20 – How can I use a lactate meter to measure if I’m in Zone 2?
00:16:53 – How do I measure if I’m in Zone 2 without a lactate meter?
00:18:54 – Peter begins to answer live questions
00:19:11 – Why do some wearables have different definitions of zones?
00:20:22 – How do you find Zone 2 on a treadmill?
00:21:27 – How to use a lactate meter to test your lactate levels?
00:22:50 – Does your Zone 2 range change over time as you change your fitness level?
00:24:31 – How does MAF work in measuring Zone 2?
00:25:58 – Should I do Zone 2 before or after eating?
00:28:00 – How does Zone 2 compare to Functional Threshold Power (FTP)?
00:29:58 – Zone 2 for patients taking metformin?
00:33:47 – Does Zone 2 exercise increase HRV?
00:35:33 – What is the role of Zone 1 exercise?
00:37:12 – How do you find max heart rate on a treadmill?
00:38:31 – Does it matter if I do Zone 2 exercise on different devices (bike, treadmill, rower)?
00:40:15 – Can you swim for Zone 2 exercise?
00:42:24 – In Zone 2 on a rower, is 3 watts per kg good?
00:43:10 – Why can’t you do Zone 2 at 3 mM of lactate?
00:44:00 – What are the differences in lactate thresholds and functional thresholds?
00:45:42 – When do I check my lactate post-workout?
00:46:15 – Have you used your CGM to check Zone 2?
00:46:48 – Is there a benefit of hot and cold therapy to bolster Zone 2?
00:48:13 – Does Zone 2 exercise help the CNS?
00:48:40 – Can you take UCAN before Zone 2 exercise?
00:49:44 – Will your lactate be the highest at the end of a ride?
00:50:56 – What do you do for Zone 5?
00:53:06 – How does body comp fit into watts per kg?
00:54:06 – How does glucose disposal increase longevity?

Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user's own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
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