The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Why Everything You Know About Zone 2 Training is Probably Wrong

81 snips
Aug 11, 2025
Brendon Gurd, a muscle physiologist at Queen's University and co-author of 'Much Ado About Zone 2', breaks down the real science of Zone 2 training. He clarifies common misconceptions and reveals that the benefits are overstated. Gurd discusses how higher intensity workouts may actually drive better adaptations for cardio fitness and fat metabolism. Listeners learn about the complexities of exercise intensity and the importance of engaging in sports in enjoyable ways for all fitness levels.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Zone Two Messaging Became Distorted

  • Ross Tucker warns that Zone 2 messaging morphed into oversimplified, sensational claims on social media.
  • That distortion caused people to overvalue easy Zone 2 work and undervalue necessary higher-intensity stressors.
INSIGHT

Narrative Review Versus Systematic

  • Dr. Brendon Gurd explains a narrative review tells a focused story rather than following strict systematic protocols.
  • The team still searched broadly to fairly fact-check Zone 2 claims from the literature.
ANECDOTE

Social Media Sparked The Review

  • Christy Storstruck prompted the review after encountering repeated Zone 2 claims on social media and podcasts.
  • Dr. Brendon Gurd joined to fact-check those claims using his expertise in muscle metabolism.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app