Cardio: Calories versus Heart Rate for weight loss results

MrsK20141004

Hi,

While trying to lose weight, I am (of course) doing cardio as part of my exercise routine but don't know what numbers on the elliptical I should follow. I usually select the "fat burn" program for the resistance intervals and find myself focusing on the calories I've burnt rather than the target "fat burn heart rate" that is recommended based on my age/weight.

What number should I be following? When I focus on calories I end up raising my heart rate to "cardio" levels (according to the machine) but when I try and follow the "fat burn" heart rate, I find myself wishing I was burning more calories!

What do I do if my goal is to lose weight?

Thanks!

kabertrand63

If I were you, I'd get a HRM. That is most accurate for calorie burn. Then, enter in your calories either from the HRM (if yours does that) or use a web site like http://www.calories-calculator.net/Calories_Burned_By_Heart_Rate.html to calculate the calories burned. More calories you burn, more you lose weight (as compared to total calories taken in).

klackey23

I've never understood the 'fat burn zone' thing that's on the machines. If my heart rate is higher, that's cardio, but I'm still burning fat, right? Honestly, I just ignore it and work as hard as I can for my 30-45 minutes.

Guamybear

my polar ft7 tracks fat burning zone and fitness zone.. I read an article that said it really doesn't matter because the idea is to burn calories..one way you do it faster than the other..

I am rarely ever in the fat burning zone doing Zumba..

Mokey41

Just give'er. Go hard and long and don't worry about those stupid zone settings. Your body doesn't have a switch it flips over when your HR reaches a certain level. Go for the burn!

MrsK20141004

Thanks everyone! I have just been going by the calories burned on the machine but always choose the "fat burn" program for the intervals and was curious if I was doing myself a disservice!

Thanks so much!