Target Heart Rate

jeffinkentucky · Mar 25, 2005

I just heard on the tv that you burn more fat at a certain heart rate. I calculated that my max heart rate is 185. Now what percentage of my heart should I be at to burn fat ? 60,80?
I use the cardio machines alot, and I usually stay at a heart rate of 130- 150, and I was told I know if I am not at max if I can talk while exercising. Is there a formula to calculate what my ideal heart rate is for fat loss?
Thanks,
Jeff

neenaw · Mar 25, 2005

how did you calculate your max heart rate? you need to do a physical test to get an accurate max heart rate reading.

i wouldn't worry too much about target heart rates. the trick is to keep it as intense as you can for about 30minutes. there's little point in telling someone to keep their heart rate at 140 if they feel they can work harder.

malkore · Mar 25, 2005

Well, the eliptical machines at my gym say that my target fat loss heart rate is about 130-140, and i'm 27 years old. The cardiovascular 'zone' is 140-158 for me.

neenaw · Mar 26, 2005

how can a machine tell you your target heart rate? everyone is gonna be different. i know a guy who can't get his heart rate above 120 - the machine would probably tell him his cardio "zone" is 150. all this stuff about "fat burning zones" and "cardio zones" is a waste of time. just do a high intensity workout and voila!

spockafina · Mar 26, 2005

neenaw said:
all this stuff about "fat burning zones" and "cardio zones" is a waste of time. just do a high intensity workout and voila!

well-said.

WOLVERINE1 · Mar 26, 2005

neenaw said:
i know a guy who can't get his heart rate above 120

who's your friend, lance armstrong? seriously though, hats off to him. sounds like he's got a really powerful heart.

aevans410 · Mar 26, 2005

the 220 - age is theoretical max heart rate, it will get you in the ballpark.

malkore · Mar 26, 2005

aevans410 said:
the 220 - age is theoretical max heart rate, it will get you in the ballpark.

on those elipticals, you enter your weight and age...it does the 220 - your age calculation, and that how it determines your 'targets'.

I'm of the opinion that ANY elevated heartrate (not exceeding your max) is ideal. The average american is so inactive that any decent level of cardio will start to shed the fat.

rip · Mar 26, 2005

neenaw said:
how can a machine tell you your target heart rate? everyone is gonna be different. i know a guy who can't get his heart rate above 120 - the machine would probably tell him his cardio "zone" is 150. all this stuff about "fat burning zones" and "cardio zones" is a waste of time. just do a high intensity workout and voila!

Give him to me for an afternoon... I will get his heart rate above 120... I guarantee it!

They don't call me rip for nothin'!