Need HELP with my Target Heart Rate for weight loss.......?

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amandavictoria80
amandavictoria80 Posts: 734 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi.

I'm looking for some advice on my target heart rate when working out. My goal is fat loss. I do strength training as well. Of course, I need to lose body fat in order to achieve muscle definition.
I have many fatty deposits. I even saw a specialist yesterday and found out what I thought was my rib cage (on the left side) protruding, which is causing me discomfort, is actually a large fat deposit on top of the rib cage. :-/ Yikes!

When I do cardio, my heart rate is always anywhere between 89%-95%. But more often than none it's at at least 90% (I have a HRM). :)
Recently I heard that for best weight loss results, I should be in my "fat burning zone", which is about 60% to 70%. Is this true? Cause it seems too easy. It would be quite easy to work at 70%. I always here to push myself, so that's what I tend to do when I do cardio.

Any advice and suggestions would be really appreciated. :)

Replies

  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
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    There's no such thing as set target heart rates. Some people have naturally lower or higher heart rates. Then add in fitness level and it changes even further. The percentages you are seeing are probably based off of some canned max heart rate chart, which is at best a vague guideline.

    Exercise where you feel comfortable. Going faster just means you're burning more calories and improving your conditioning even more. Listen to your body, if you feel you're going too slow, you probably are! I like going as fast as reasonably possible. I'd rather do boring but hard cardio for 30 minutes instead of dragging it out for an hour.
  • JAcerz
    JAcerz Posts: 5
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    Hi Amanda,

    The tried and proven way to accomplish fat loss, is resistance training with barbells and dumbbells along with conditioning and good nutrition.

    I agree with Dope, forget the heart rate levels. If you lift heavy enough and use weights for conditioning work, fat loss should follow.

    You can review these 2 products:

    http://realmensworkoutreviews.com/review-of-matt-marshalls-how-to-build-a-classic-physique

    It is geared more towards men, but women can use it also.

    http://realmensworkoutreviews.com/review-of-rusty-moores-visual-impact-muscle-building

    This has a program specifically for women.

    Eat right and train right and repeat.

    Hope that helps

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