Are there any benefits to short Z2 workouts?

[DaveWh]

@Bioteknik

In the context of if that was all you were doing (1 4hr ride vs 4 1hr rides), I might have to challenge that idea. No proof either way…

Yep. I’ve not seen a head to head comparison on 1x4 vs 4x1. However if your goal is to train fat metabolism, here’s a post that says longer rides are better.

Shorter endurance rides

One of the main benefits of doing longer, lower intensity, endurance rides is to promote fat metabolism. In this study, they found that for the first two hours of endurance exercise (at 57% VO2max), the primary fuel source used was carbs, whereas in the 2nd two hours, the primary fuel source used was fat. So to train your body to better use fat as a fuel, longer rides are helpful. [image]

And the following is another link with same conclusion ie longer rides better.

https://www.peakendurancesport.com/endurance-training/base-endurance-training/fatmax-fat-fact-fat-fiction/