You THINK You're in Zone 2?
July 2026
Why is my fitness not moving? Why is my weight not shifting? Why is my motivation flatter than a pancake? Does that sound familiar? Well, if it does, then this video is for you because I am going to show you what zone 2 is, exactly what it is, and how to know if you're doing it properly. And the one test you can use your cycling computer that will show you without any doubt if your training is working or you're wasting your time. Okay. Right. First up, let's be clear, Zone 2 isn't some magical number on a screen, some relationship with some crazy algorithm or some interaction with your power meter that just produces this bloody number. It's a physiological state where your body is primarily using fat for fuel. Okay, that's rule one. It's also building mitochondria that are becoming more aerobically efficient. Now, I know what you're thinking, mitochondria, biogenesis. This all sounds like [ __ ] Star Trek, coach, but really it's just your body growing more energy factories. Look, think of it as the number of shoes that your partner owns. They just keep bloody multiplying every time you turn around. But they make her happy, don't they? Okay. So whether it's my wife's shoes or your mitochondria, the foundation is important because that's what this is. It's the foundation of endurance. You see, more mitochondria mean more energy, better fat oxidation. That's burning up fat, but that also means that you're not blowing through your carb stores in the first hour of a ride. And your metabolic flexibility improves. That's just a fancy way of saying your body can switch between fuel sources. Like a hybrid car, for example, petrol, electric, no problem. Look, if you ignore this zone, you'll plateau, you'll burn out, and you'll feel like every ride is uphill, even on the flat. Okay, let's start by creating some simple rules because they are simple. You're just making them complex. And the internet, yeah, it sure likes to make things complex. So, the first thing is, how do I know I'm burning fat for fuel?
Primarily fat. You're going to get about 50/50 fat carbohydrate. your breathing is under control. You can have a conversation. You can sing a little song. You can breathe through your nose for at least 10 times in a row on the ride. Okay. The thing is, it is so easy to lie to yourself, I can't do zone 2... (watch the video)