Zone 2 Training & Nature’s Medicine

Weekly Resource Roundup

The Importance of Zone 2 Training For Longevity

Steady state, Zone 2 training has been overshadowed by the popularized High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Zone 2 training is critical for maintaining mitochondria  and metabolic health. Zone 2 is working out at a steady state that allows you to hold a conversation with someone without being too winded. You may sound a breathy while talking but you can still hold a conversation. That is a subjective measure to know you’re in Zone 2. In this zone your body metabolizes fat and it stimulates the mitochondria, improving their function. Having healthy, efficient and functioning mitochondria  is a cornerstone to slowing the aging process. If you are an endurance athlete, training in Zone 2 will help with aerobic endurance. It’s ideal to do Zone 2 training three to four times a week for one to one and half hours doing your preferred method of cardio training. Peter Attia has two podcast episodes that take a deep dive into Zone 2 training with Exercise Physiologist, Inigio San-Millian PhD. Episode 1 and Episode 2.

Nature’s Is Medicine

The research on the health benefits of nature is impressive. Having contact with natural light has immediate positive effects on stress, the immune system, and blood pressure. Being outdoors reduces the chance for eyesight problems like myopia. Sunshine provides us with essential vitamin D that’s needed for the immune system to function. Being outdoors evokes positive emotions of hope and happiness. Studies have found that 120 minutes spent in nature each week boost health and well-being.