Why Zone 2 Training Isn’t the Whole Story for Women
You’ve probably heard that Zone 2 training is the holy grail for health, longevity, and performance. That slow, steady pace for long periods is supposed to boost fat burning and improve metabolic flexibility.
But here’s the thing — according to Dr. Stacy Sims, Zone 2 doesn’t work exactly the same way for women. And recent research suggests it might not be the perfect fit if it’s the only thing you’re doing.
The Empower Takeaway
Instead of sticking only to Zone 2, it’s time to mix things up. Women’s bodies respond incredibly well to high-intensity sessions. That means pushing your limits, breaking a sweat, and giving your muscles and mitochondria the challenge they deserve.
Here’s why: high-intensity workouts give your MCTs — short for MonoCarboxylate Transporters — a serious workout. These are the little transporters in your muscle cells that move lactate and pyruvate, helping your body use energy more efficiently. And research shows they get more benefit from intense intervals than from those easy Zone 2 rides or runs.
How Empower Fits In
At Empower, our training is designed by women, for women — with your physiology and goals in mind. We combine strength training with HIIT and SIT intervals to help you get the best of both worlds: endurance benefits and the high-intensity stimulus your body thrives on.
Ready to take your fitness to the next level?
Learn more about the Empower program here
