The Neuro Experience

Exercise Expert Reveals: The One Thing Blocking Women From Burning Fat Faster

30 snips
Mar 10, 2026
Guest
Kristi Storoschuk
Kristi Storoschuk, PhD researcher in exercise physiology and mitochondrial health. She challenges the gospel of zone two, explains why higher intensities often drive stronger mitochondrial adaptation, and unpacks fasting, fasted training for women, and what lactate really reveals about metabolism. Practical intensity guidance and why elite 80/20 advice may not fit recreational exercisers.
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INSIGHT

High Intensity Still Triggers Fat Breakdown

  • You still break down fat at high intensities even if carbohydrate oxidation dominates during the effort.
  • Kristi points to post-exercise rises in glycerol and non-esterified fatty acids showing adipose lipolysis occurs during/after high-intensity work.
ADVICE

If You Have Limited Time Do Intervals Not Mostly Zone Two

  • Do prioritize intervals or harder efforts if you only have limited weekly cardio time instead of doing mostly low-intensity zone two.
  • Kristi recommends pushing into zone three/four (heavy domain) for people doing ~30–60 minutes several days a week for greater adaptation.
ADVICE

Use Heavier Efforts And Ignore Cortisol Fearmongering

  • Do include zone three/four efforts regularly and don't fear cortisol from harder sessions; acute cortisol is part of normal adaptation.
  • Kristi emphasizes exercise-induced cortisol is transient fuel mobilization, not chronic stress, so heavier work is appropriate for most people.
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