target heart rate ???

[dreams91]

What do you use to check to make sure you are within your target heart rate? I read a book that said if you go above the fat burning zone that it doesn't help you lose weight. I've started to really work on going faster...wondering if maybe I am above my target and thats why I'm gaining weight slowly? I was running slower....

I know I can check it through my wrist, but I'm not very good at that. Is there something I can wear like a watch and check it while I'm running?

I just figured if I ran faster, I'd lose weight faster...

 

[Herkemer]

Indeed, heart zone training has really worked well for my weight loss.

A couple of things to make sure of when you travel down this path. First off as you said, you need something to actually monitor your heart rate. I suggest a heart rate monitor from Polar. A good starter model is the Polar RS300X which is what I use now. It has just enough features to give you everything you'll need starting out. If you also get the Polar Flowlink it will allow you to upload your work outs so you can view them over time to see how you're doing.

The other piece of the puzzle is finding out what your actual heart zones are. You can guess or apply several formulas to come close but the best way is to take a test to determine your zones. Typically it involves hooking up to a mask that measures how many calories you are burning and walking on a treadmill.

When I took this test the first time I was surprised at the results and realized that I had been training well below my optimal value. Once I adjusted I lost 20 lbs in a 3 month time frame working out 3 days a week in my training zones and eating well. When I plateaued I took the test again and realized I'd increased my fitness level and moved my heart rate zones about 10 beats higher, so I had to adjust again.

Good luck.
Herkemer

 

[dreams91]

Indeed, heart zone training has really worked well for my weight loss.

A couple of things to make sure of when you travel down this path. First off as you said, you need something to actually monitor your heart rate. I suggest a heart rate monitor from Polar. A good starter model is the Polar RS300X which is what I use now. It has just enough features to give you everything you'll need starting out. If you also get the Polar Flowlink it will allow you to upload your work outs so you can view them over time to see how you're doing.

The other piece of the puzzle is finding out what your actual heart zones are. You can guess or apply several formulas to come close but the best way is to take a test to determine your zones. Typically it involves hooking up to a mask that measures how many calories you are burning and walking on a treadmill.

When I took this test the first time I was surprised at the results and realized that I had been training well below my optimal value. Once I adjusted I lost 20 lbs in a 3 month time frame working out 3 days a week in my training zones and eating well. When I plateaued I took the test again and realized I'd increased my fitness level and moved my heart rate zones about 10 beats higher, so I had to adjust again.

Good luck.
Herkemer

Thanks for your help! Where did you take the test with the mask? I have never heard of that. I really had no clue that going faster mmight not actually help me lose weight! I really dont want to put back on the weight that I have lsot already!!

 

[Herkemer]

Thanks for your help! Where did you take the test with the mask? I have never heard of that. I really had no clue that going faster mmight not actually help me lose weight! I really dont want to put back on the weight that I have lsot already!!

I did it through my gym, Lifetime. They call it the Cardio Point test. I'm not sure what it's called in other places. My suggestion, find a good local gym with a personal training program and ask them about it.

Herkemer