Explaining the “Zone Zero” Trend

The Trend: If you thought Zone 2 training dialed back the intensity, just wait until you try Zone Zero. (Yes, really.) It’s easygoing exercise that doesn’t actually feel like exercise, like a slow post-dinner stroll, light yardwork, household chores, or stretches. 

What People Are Saying: Zone workouts focus on your heart rate. Zone 2 exercise keeps you at 60% to 70% of your maximum heart rate. Zone Zero stays below 50% of your max. It’s meant to add more movement bites into your routine and offset the significant amount of sitting many of us do each day. Another way to think of Zone Zero is as active rest or recovery following more intense workouts. 

What to Know: Zone Zero training does have real benefits. It can lower stress, improve circulation, and lower blood sugar (especially if you do it after eating). Less-active people seem to benefit most from Zone Zero exercise, and it’s a smooth, easy way to work up to more activity. For those who exercise already, Zone Zero is intended to supplement, not replace, your existing workout regimen. And turn off those fitness trackers: Zone Zero is meant to also be zero stress.