"How low-intensity steady state cardio remodels mitochondrial density and enhances your heavy lifting recovery."
Many strength athletes shun steady-state cardio out of fear of losing muscle mass. However, failing to develop your oxidative energy engine limits your ATP resynthesis speed between heavy sets of squats and deadlifts.
### What is Zone 2 Heart Rate Training?
Zone 2 corresponds to your lactate threshold 1 (LT1) point where your body oxidizes lipids as its primary substrate without producing excess blood lactate.
#### Benefits of 150 Mins/Week Zone 2:
- **Increased Capillary Density**: Delivers oxygen and amino acids faster to damaged muscle tissue.
- **Enhanced Fat Oxidation**: Teaches your cells to burn fatty acids for fuel even during sleep.
- **Lower Resting Heart Rate**: Reduces cardiac strain and sympathetic nervous system fatigue.