The recent surge of interest in zone 2 is fantastic, it seems to increase mitochondrial density thus improving running/biking economy (efficiency), and also allows for an insane amount of volume to be done without tipping over into an overtrained state.

However, VO2max specific interval work is still superior in increasing your VO2max thus increasing your aerobic “engine” or output.

VO2max is STILL the strongest predictor of your risk of dying of any chronic disease, it’s by far the most important variable when it comes to health/longevity. It does more for your health than quitting smoking, drinking, eating processed foods, etc. it’s THAT powerful. Although I’m in no way suggesting this, you really can get away with a lot of unhealthy habits if you’re ultra fit.

And if you’re an athlete, it should be pretty obvious why you’d want to have an elite VO2max, so you can go for days while your competitors fatigue/bonk.

1:1 work to rest intervals seem to do a good job of improving VO2max, assuming your pushing real close to max heart rate a few times throughout those intervals.

#powellperformance #exercise #fitness #vo2max #running #cycling #endurance