#571: Is Zone 2 Training Actually Best for Health? – Prof. Brendon Gurd

#571: Is Zone 2 Training Actually Best for Health? – Prof. Brendon Gurd

Author: Danny Lennon July 29, 2025 Duration: 38:27

In recent years "Zone 2 training" has gained immense popularity in fitness and health circles, often being proclaimed the "best" cardiovascular training for metabolic health.  Zone 2 training is sustained, low-intensity exercise below the lactate threshold that is commonly employed by many elite level endurance athletes, with a variety of proposed performance benefits. This led to interest from health-conscious folks about its ability to  improve markers like VO2 max and mitochondrial function, which are associated with better health outcomes and longevity. 

Prof. Brendon Gurd, an exercise physiologist at Queen's University, is  the co-author of a recent review published in Sports Medicine that examined some of the claims made around zone 2 training and health in the general population.

This episode looks at whether the evidence truly supports Zone 2 as a uniquely effective training zone or if this hype has outpaced the research. These insights help professionals and individuals make evidence-based recommendations and avoid unintended negative consequences of following certain ideas.

About The Guest

Dr. Brendon Gurd is a Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen's University, where his research focuses on exercise physiology and skeletal muscle adaptation. His work explores how different intensities and types of exercise influence mitochondrial content and function in muscle tissue, with the goal of understanding how to optimize health and performance through training.

Timestamps

  • [03:23] Discussion with Professor Brendan Gurd
  • [05:56] Zone two training: Mechanisms and misconceptions
  • [10:56] Practical applications and recommendations
  • [22:16] Research gaps and future directions
  • [35:47] Key ideas segment (Sigma Nutrition Premium)

Links to Resources


Sigma Nutrition Radio, hosted by nutrition scientist Danny Lennon, moves beyond the noise of diet trends and simplistic advice to explore the complex, fascinating world of human nutrition. This is a space for deep, evidence-based conversations that acknowledge the nuance and often contradictory nature of scientific research. Each episode delves into a specific topic within health, fitness, or dietetics, breaking down the underlying physiology, examining the latest studies, and discussing practical implications with expert guests. The goal isn't to hand out rigid meal plans but to cultivate the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing landscape of nutritional science. You'll hear detailed analyses of how research is conducted, thoughtful debates on contentious issues, and explorations of how evidence translates-or doesn't-into real-world recommendations for different individuals. Tuning into this podcast means committing to a more sophisticated understanding of how food, movement, and metabolism interact, leaving you better equipped to make informed decisions about your own health and skepticism towards the next big headline. Danny’s approach is both rigorous and accessible, making even the most detailed biochemical pathways relevant to everyday life. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the real story behind a nutrition claim and values substance over soundbites.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Sigma Nutrition Radio
Podcast Episodes
Caffeine Metabolism and Individual Variability [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:50
Questions Answered in This Episode [02:28] Caffeine metabolism and individual variation. [14:47] High-sodium electrolyte supplements & recreational trainees. [32:55] Is a "too low" BMI a problem? [41:38] Are claims about…
#536: Improving Sleep in Combat Sports Athletes – Ian Dunican, PhD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:57
In the world of combat sports, optimizing performance extends beyond physical training and nutrition—sleep plays a critical role. Maladaptive sleep behaviors, such as inconsistent sleep schedules and inadequate sleep dur…
Timing of Eating: Energetic Hypothesis (SNP32) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:06
In the ongoing exploration of weight loss strategies, the timing of food intake has emerged as a fascinating area of study. While traditional advice often focuses on what we eat, growing evidence suggests that when we ea…
#531: Correlation, Causation & Cliché [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:26
In the realm of nutrition science and health, understanding the intricate relationship between various factors and health outcomes is crucial yet challenging. How do we determine whether a specific nutrient genuinely imp…
What is Regression to the Mean? (SNP31) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:32
Regression to the Mean (RTM) is a statistical phenomenon where extreme values on one measurement tend to move closer to the average on subsequent measurements due to natural variability. In this Premium-exclulsive episod…