Should I be following my HRM ?

shirlandmews
shirlandmews Posts: 45
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi ! I have used my Polar FT7 HRM for over a year now. I only used it to track my calories since the beginning but always wondered what was that "burning fat" and "improving fitness". As I want to lose weight, this morning on the elliptical I tried to stay in the "fat burning" zone. It was quite challenging to do because I usually go with my music, and here, I had to keep a very low pace in order not to go in the "improving fitness". I usually go around 800/900 calories and 5/6 kms for 1h20 and today was 690 calories for 4.4 kms. I am asking for your opinion and advice here. If I want to lose weight, do I need to stay in this "burning fat" zone or can I go to my own pace without thinking about it ? Which way seems the most effective ?

Replies

  • brianpperkins
    brianpperkins Posts: 6,124 Member
    The fat burning zone describes a level of intensity where the highest percentage of calories burned comes from fat. As you found out, it is a rather low intensity zone where the total burn is relatively low. Higher intensity aerobic activity burns more total calories, and more total fat although the percentage of fat as part of the total is lower.
  • shirlandmews
    shirlandmews Posts: 45
    Thank you for taking time to answer me. It felt obvious reading that but it wasn't in the first place so thank you.

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