EPISODE · Mar 26, 2025 · 26 MIN
Which "Zone 2"? Comparing 7-Zone and 3-Zone Training Systems
from The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS · host CTS
OVERVIEWSo many athletes are focused on training in Zone 2, but they don't realize "Zone 2" means different things depending on which training system you use. There is a 3-Zone system, a 5-Zone system, a 7-Zone system, and even more! Two of the most popular are 3-Zones, championed by researcher Dr. Stephen Seiler, and a 7-Zone system used by CTS and many other coaching groups. In Episode 241 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Coach Adam Pulford answers a listener question about how an athlete can compare or use more than one training zone methodology, and what "Zone 2" means in a 3-Zone system compared to a 7-Zone system.TOPICS COVEREDWhy training zones were created7-Zone system compared to a 3-Zone systemUsing aerobic decoupling to evaluate aerobic conditioningPractical advice for athletes trying to use training zonesASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTLINKS/RESOURCESComplete Guide to Polarized Training with Dr. Stephen SeilerZones Calculator Overview – TrainingPeaks Help CenterCalculator Compare: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aptCiqhjm6Fn7vG6P50AX54pW1P7XdVWx-lCARzNA5U/edit?gid=965771708#gid=965771708Episode #170 “Leveraging Lab and Field Testing to Create a Bigger Aerobic Engine” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000634902218Aerobic Decoupling: https://help.trainingpeaks.com/hc/en-us/articles/204071724-Aerobic-Decoupling-Pw-Hr-and-Pa-HR-and-Efficiency-Factor-EFAre You Fit? All About Aerobic Endurance and DecouplingEpisode #169 Metabolic Testing:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000634127336Tim Cusick:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000468063825HOSTAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter:
What this episode covers
OVERVIEW So many athletes are focused on training in Zone 2, but they don't realize "Zone 2" means different things depending on which training system you use. There is a 3-Zone system, a 5-Zone system, a 7-Zone system, and even more! Two of the most popular are 3-Zones, championed by researcher Dr. Stephen Seiler, and a 7-Zone system used by CTS and many other coaching groups. In Episode 241 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Coach Adam Pulford answers a listener question about how an a...
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Which "Zone 2"? Comparing 7-Zone and 3-Zone Training Systems
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