What I Learned While Riding My Bike - Zone Two Training Benefits

_{As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All affliiate links are marked with an asterisk (*). Thank You! Read more here.}

Zone 2 Training Benefits and Goal Setting

I picked the name "Why Edify" for this site because it represents life long learning and improvement to me. In the most general sense I think it is learning to become better mentally, physically, morally and spiritually. It aligns with things I want to improve upon.

Currently I'm in the process of defining my goals for this year. I've been reading a book called "Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling*" by Matthew Dicks. I looked him up online and found his blog. Reading through his posts I noticed that he shares his goals publicly and then reflects on his progress each month. I'm going to try it out. It will give me a nudge to set more specific goals and revisit them regularly. A chance to try, win or learn and repeat.

That was a long intro leading up to Zone 2 training. 🤔

One of my goals to set a certain amount of time aside each week to exercise in my Zone 2 heart rate. Most of my Zone 2 time comes while spinning on my bike above the garage. I watch videos and listen to podcasts and music. Sometimes I write down what I learn during these sessions.

Zone 2 training occurs when we perform a steady activity while maintaining a particular heart rate for longer periods of time, say 45 or 50 minutes, twice or three times a week. It can be accomplished while walking, rowing, swimming, or working out on an elliptical machine or stationary bike. It is NOT the 30-minute class with the instructor yelling at you through the screen and leaving you staggering. -Hudson Valley Functional Medicine

Here are some benefits of Zone 2 Training.

• It builds an aerobic base and improves endurance.
• Zone 2 training is a great way to improve metabolic health and longevity.
• It seems to improve your mitochondrial function.

After watching the video below, I've settled on the the goal of at least 3 hours of Zone 2 training per week. This will stretch me and I am sure there will be some weeks I fall short, but the benefits are worth the attempt.

I use my Apple Watch * to track my heart rate and the Zones for Training app to analyze my workout and keep track of the times I spend in each heart rate zone. I also find that these workouts are a great way to relieve any stress accrued in my school day.

Today I learned about Zone 2 training while spinning away. It feels like positive multi-tasking.

Thanks for reading. Subscribe using the button below. And, as always, please share your feedback and comments on Twitter. What's your recent teacher win? What are you reading and learning lately? Just say "Hi". Send a tweet to @jeremyajorg.