GOOD day, all!
When we think of training zones, we think of heart rate measurements while running, cycling or the like. Today, I just want to discuss something a lot simpler. A lot of people exercise but don’t get the results they want/need. Here are simple training zones to remember:
Comfort Zone
When you’re training here, you’re comfortable and relaxed. You’ve probably done this a thousand times. You can exercise at this level forever (well maybe not forever, but you get the point). You’re used to this. Is this useful? Yes, if you just want to exercise to maintain whatever fitness level you have. Exercise at this level can also help you with your recovery. Light exercise hastens recovery by increasing circulation and the removal of metabolites.
Discomfort Zone
You’re training at an uncomfortable level, albeit tolerable. This is where the “magic” happens. Your body is at the limit of its abilities, but not totally over its abilities. At this point your body is stressed to the point of adaptation. Training at this level over time leads to favorable adaptations.
Pain Zone
Have you ever tried pushing through pain? In our fitness journeys, we probably have all tried that. Is it beneficial? Perhaps in the short term, there’s something in your head that is unleashed when you do something you thought you couldn’t do. Pain is a response in the body that it doesn’t like what it’s doing. When we’re constantly training in pain, we’re forcing our body to train over and beyond its capabilities. Sometimes it’s okay, and there aren’t any negative effects. But oftentimes, training through pain leads toward injury and over-fatigue, both unfavorable as physiological adaptations.
So which training zone are you consistently in? What are your goals? Do they match the training zone you’re in? Train in the discomfort zone, recover at your comfort zone, and challenge your pain zone.