Exercising Heart Rate Goal

[hearthealth]

I need some guidance about exercise heart rates. My doctor wants me to work at 75% max for 30+ minutes 4-5 days a week. That makes my target HR 132. I vary my exercise routine sometimes, and get up to 85-90% max. My question is, if the weighted average max of my total workout is 132 (including warm-up and exerting times), is that the same as working out for 30+ minutes at 132 continuously? If a car is more efficient at a steady speed, is that true of the human heart? Which method will be more effective for weight control? Thanks!

 

[Georgina]

I'm no expert on the subject, but from what I remember being told it's better to go continuously with bursts of exertion, rather than do cardio in bits and pieces. It's stamina building and burns fat more effectively. Also, if you stop-start you'll find it harder to get started each time and to keep going. So I guess this is why we get yelled at alot in training to keep going and are literally dragged by the others if we start to lag behind - just so we wont stop! It's fine to slow down, but always a fatal mistake to stop dead.

But as I say, I'm no expert, so I could be wrong!