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Denise Austin

Your Zone 2 Cardio Summer Plan!

Denise Austin
by Denise Austin | 
 | 
Workouts

Hi everyone! It’s summertime, meaning the BEST time to get moving!! This summer, I want you to make a pledge to yourself and your health to get some zone 2 cardio in each and every week! This summer will have 11 weeks, so read on about what zone 2 cardio is, why everyone should be doing it, and my suggestions to keep you moving, blasting fat and burning calories all summer long!

Zone 2 cardio is a low- to moderate-intensity level of cardio exercise that you can sustain for long periods while still being able to talk comfortably. Think of a quick-paced walk while talking to your friends, where you may be slightly out of breath, but able to chat. 

I suggest zone 2 cardio workouts because out of the five zones of cardio, zone 2 uses 60-70% of your maximum heart rate. This means your body is using fat to fuel your workouts. Zone 2 cardio is great for:

  • Improving your heart health
  • Boosting endurance and metabolism
  • Helping you burn more fat (and in turn, calories)

Plus it reduces chronic inflammation and helps you recover from other workouts - all great things when we are trying to age gracefully and with resilience!

To figure out your zone 2, take 220 and minus your age. Then determine what 60-70% of that number is - that’s your own zone 2 beats per minute! Trackers and apps can help you figure out your zone 2, if you need.

Now the fun part: getting in your zone 2 cardio this summer! You should aim for these 3-5 times per week, for 30-60 minutes. You CAN do it!! Try these suggestions:

  • Weeks 1 and 2: Go for three brisk walks on your own to help set your zone. My Indoor Walking Workout in my Denise Austin membership is a great place to start! In week 2, do it with a friend - they help keep you accountable and make things fun!
  • Weeks 3 and 4: Let’s dance! Try some of the dance workouts in my Denise Austin Membership! I have dozens of fun, easy and engaging dance routines that will help you blast fat!
  • Weeks 5 and 6: Repeat your weekly walks but add light hand weights or a weighted vest to take things up a notch. Burn more calories - even when you sleep!
  • Weeks 7 and 8: Try my barre workouts. They are a great way to lengthen while building lean muscle.
  • Weeks 9 and 10: Step time! I have 8 step-aerobic workouts that are perfect for zone 2 cardio - join today to access all of them! 
  • Week 11: Take a celebratory lap - you did it! Go for a walk on the beach, a hike in the mountains, a leisurely bike ride, or my favorite - play some pickleball! You have achieved your zone 2 cardio summer goal!

And if you want on-demand zone 2 cardio workouts, join my Denise Austin Membership. Dozens of workouts to keep you interested, engaged and on the path to health. I am your personal trainer working out right there with you! You have this!!

Let’s live FIT, HAPPY and HEALTHY - together!!

Denise