Sports Science Dudes Episode 95 - Zone 2 Training: Hype or Help? Because Suffering Shouldn't be Fast
Jul 11, 2025
Kristy Storschuk, a PhD candidate in muscle physiology at Queen's University, dives into the nuances of Zone 2 training and fasting. She challenges common myths, revealing that exercise intensity may drive better mitochondrial adaptations than heart rate zones. Kristy also discusses how elite athletes' benefits often stem from high-intensity work rather than just Zone 2 training. Additionally, she explores the differences in muscle responses to fasting between rodents and humans, advocating for individualized nutritional approaches and emphasizing the importance of recovery.
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From Naturopathic Path to Research
- Kristy Storschuk transitioned from aspiring naturopathic doctor to muscle physiology researcher.
- Her passion for human health stayed constant despite the career change.
Intensity Drives Mitochondrial Adaptation
- Exercise above Zone 2 intensity likely yields greater mitochondrial adaptations.
- Both intensity and volume matter, but Zone 2 might be below the necessary intensity threshold.
VO2 Max Trumps Zone 2 for Longevity
- VO2 max is a stronger predictor of longevity than mitochondrial content alone.
- Intensity effectively improves VO2 max, challenging the sole emphasis on Zone 2 training.