Heart Rate for Fat loss

[azzeretti]

Hello,
I am failry new to CV and I exercise primarily for fat loss. In the Gym I notice the CV equipment have heart rate charts illistrating the max heart rate for fat loss, aerobic and anerobic exercise. I am concerned with fat loss, so according to the chart my heart rate should be around 133-144 for my age. The question I have is this:
I find it very difficult and boring to try and keep my heart rate so low. I typically work out for about 30-40 mins on various machines and I notice my heart rate stays between 150-164. Will this have an adverse on fat loss? Should I try and take it a bit easier and try and lower my heart rate?
thanks in advance

[Octagon]

Originally Posted by azzeretti

I typically work out for about 30-40 mins on various machines and I notice my heart rate stays between 150-164. Will this have an adverse on fat loss? Should I try and take it a bit easier and try and lower my heart rate?

No, you should *not* try to lower your heart rate.

Without going into all the details (you can do a search on 'fat burning zone' if you're interested) suffice to say those charts are pretty much worthless.

In fact, they're worse than useless in that they often steer people toward workouts that are less efficient.

Also, just on a general note, don't get too caught up in tailoring your workouts (be they resistance or cardio) specifically to fat burning. Instead, focus on getting your nutritional house in order and getting quality workouts and let the fat burning benefits come as they will.

That way instead of learning short-term tricks and shortcuts you learn to look at each as an element of life-long health and fitness.