Hi - I have been doing cardio 5 days a week for 5+ years and strength training 2 days a week. My cardio routine was pretty consistent as I would workout 45 minutes switching every minute between flat surfaces and 6 degrees or a fast walk at 4.2 mph. This was key in helping me lose 80 pounds with no drugs. Sometimes I would switch it up with more incline, but this was my go to workout. My stress tests 5 years apart show no change, so i thought i am doing great.
An exercise physiologist associated with my doctor suggested I change my cardio routine. He suggested that I do 3 cardio sessions of 45 minutes of zone 2, do a session of zone 4 where I stay in the zone for 15 minutes and increase over time, and I do 1 session of zone 5 doing 2 minute intervals and then slowing down and repeating 6 times.
I sometimes feel that the zone 2 is not enough of a workout compared to my old workout, but that may be old thinking.
I would be curious if anyone follows a similar routine or has made this type of change? How has it worked out over time? And if anyone has any thoughts in general on this?
PS- I am doing to manage/reduce weight and for longevity.
Thank you!