How Fit Did I Get Doing Zone 2?

Summary by Krater

Cyclist Manon Lloyd visits the Sports Science Centre after six weeks of training exclusively in zone 2 to review her fitness test results with Coach Lawrence and evaluate her physiological progress.

From the video

Answers: Did six weeks of zone 2 cycling training improve my fitness?

• zone 2 cycling training
• lactate threshold testing
• metabolic adaptations
• heart rate and power zones
• aerobic capacity

What it concludes

• Six weeks of zone 2 training resulted in 15 percent increases in both lactate threshold and lactate turn point power.
• Lactate threshold power increased from 140 watts to 160 watts and lactate turn point power increased from 160 watts to 180 watts.
• Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) increased from 44.2 to 47.5 ml per kg per minute, and power at VO2 peak increased from 263 watts to 295 watts.
• Blood lactate accumulation during testing showed a more favorable flat line and lower overall levels compared to baseline testing.
• Training in zone 2 without high intensity intervals effectively improved aerobic adaptations and metabolic thresholds over six weeks.