Zone 2 Training: Burn Fat with Easy Workouts Like Brisk Walking

Imagine a workout that torches fat without leaving you gasping for air like you just sprinted from a bear. Enter Zone 2 training, the fitness trend that’s got everyone buzzing for its promise of burning fat at a leisurely pace. But what’s the deal with this so-called "fat-burning zone"?

Zone 2 training keeps your heart rate at 60-70% of its maximum, a sweet spot where your body burns roughly 65% of its calories from fat. To figure out your max heart rate, subtract your age from 220. So, a 50-year-old’s max is about 170 beats per minute, making Zone 2 roughly 102-119 bpm. Wearable fitness trackers or gym machines can keep tabs on this for you.

Why Zone 2? It’s like the Goldilocks of cardio—not too hard, not too easy. You can still chat with a friend during a brisk walk or a gentle bike ride, though you might pause to catch your breath. Experts say this moderate effort lets beginners build stamina without overdoing it, while seasoned athletes use it for recovery. It’s exercise that feels like a stroll in the park, not a death march.

Activities like swimming, cycling, or even pushing a lawnmower can get you there. The beauty? You’re burning fat without the stress of high-intensity workouts. But don’t expect miracles if you’re already a fitness buff—Zone 2 shines brightest for those easing into exercise.

So, lace up for a brisk walk or hop on a bike. Zone 2 might just be the chill workout your body’s been craving.