Fat Loss Zone vs Cardio Zone (HRM + Calories)

pmsherlock

So I've read that if your in your the fat loss zone it shrinks your fat cells but if your in your cardio zone it improves your aerobic ability. Is this correct?

If it is what actually is the difference from burning 600 calories in your fat loss zone compared to 600 calories in your cardio zone? Surely that equates to the same thing as its a calorie deficit?

Tonight I did some boxing training my Polar F4 reported 56 mins for 601 calories and 18 minutes in the fat loss zone. Average Heartbeat was 131 and Max was 172.

My resting heart beat is 52, my max heart beat is 181 (220 - age) - I'm 184 lbs and 5ft 9.

AJ_G

It's easier for your body to utilize glycogen for energy than it is to oxidize stored fat to use as energy. That's the reason why your body uses glycogen at high intensities when it needs it quickly. The fat loss zone vs cardio zone is confusing to many people. Basically when you're in the fat loss zone, your body is burning a higher percentage of calories from stored fat, but it is burning less calories in total and the amount of total fat burned may still be higher in the cardio zone.

So I've read that if your in your the fat loss zone it shrinks your fat cells

This is not true at all, I'm not sure where you read that.

Basically the more calories you burn, the more fat you will burn in total. The "zone" you burn those calories in is unimportant. As far as fat loss, the size of your calorie deficit at the end of the day is the important thing.

pmsherlock

Thanks AJ!

I've been working on that premise, basically a calorie being a calorie and getting to a deficit .

_Resolve_

This article might help a little

http://www.active.com/a3_articles/b25276e9-c194-4156-8ff7-5e9ea9e47513/1?page=1

has a really good explanation of zone training.

pmsherlock

Thanks I will have a good read