Heart rate while working out

austepants

I have been working out at the gym lately and had a few questions. When you are working out most of the machines have fat burning and cardio spots on them that go along with what ur heart rate is. When I work out I am usually always pushing myself so I am in the cardio phase. Is there really a difference?? If so what happens if I am working out at my peak heart rate (above both fat burn and cardio)? Is my workout really doing me any good? I am trying to lose weight and tone my body I have 12 pounds til my goal weight (but a flabby belly from having 2kids) and want to make sure I am getting the best out of my workouts. Any suggestions would be helpful. I know for toning I need to do weights I am more concerned about the heart rate stuff.