I bought my first HRM last week and I've been wearing it to my usual workouts. I have lost 10 pounds through diet and exercise in the past few months and have 10 more to go to my goal weight. My question is about the target zone I am supposed to be in. I'm assuming you are burning stored fat while you are in the zone they recommend and then burning sugar/carbs when you are above the target zone? I guess I'm not sure what I should be doing. When I do my step aerobics, Boot Camp classes and run I am usually above the target zone for most of the workout. My goal is to burn calories, lose weight/fat and improve my cardiovascular endurance and running speed. So is what I am doing okay, or should I be lowering the intensity to stay within the target zone? FWIW I feel fine when I am working out (not like I am over-doing anything).
From the HR training I have had in my Spinning continuing education workshops, you have a few options, and none are bad, they just do different things for your body.
Keep in mind - you are burning fat, carbs, etc. all the time, even when you are sleeping.
If you work aerobically, 75% of your max HR or so, that will help you to burn more fat. This zone can be used in all workouts and also helps to build your aerobic base. Check out this article:
To me, if you've been having success doing what you're doing I probably wouldn't worry too much about what the HRM monitor says and just keep doing what you're doing.
I dont think every one's target heart rate zone is the same or fits into to one mold.
My HRM you can adjust the rates manually (target heart rate, max heart rate etc), which I've done. Once you figure out your patterns you might think about adjusting the heart rates to something that actually fits in with the way your body runs.
Thanks ladies! I kind of figured if I was headed in the right direction I shouldn't really change anything, but then I started questioning myself and the purpose of the HRM. I just want to be sure I'm getting the best results out of the time I spend exercising