What if the most popular cardio advice is actually slowing member progress — instead of accelerating it?

In Episode 4 of The Research Debrief, Rachel Chonko, our hosts examine new scientific research questioning the effectiveness of “Zone 2” cardio training for the general population — and what it means for health clubs, operators and fitness leaders.

This episode explores:

-Why Zone 2 training became so popular in media and podcasts

-The difference between endurance athlete training and everyday member needs

-What current research says about low-intensity vs. high-intensity cardio

-How short, higher-intensity workouts can outperform long steady sessions

-Why time efficiency is one of the biggest opportunities for clubs

-What this science means for programming, coaching and cardio messaging

If you operate, lead or work in a health club, this episode will challenge how you design cardio offerings — and help you better communicate results-driven guidance to members.

📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed:

https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/02/rethinking-zone-2-how-clubs-should-coach-cardio-now/

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdTzDt3DUmM

👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research

Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox:

https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/