Totally stumped by all the HR calculators...how to determine my training zone??

Hi

I have a Polar F7 HR monitor and my aim is to lose fat/inches

I run, varying from treadmill HIIT sessions to outdoor runs, and also do spinning and circuit training sessions. Am also about to start new strength routine.

I have done many searches about the ideal training HR zone but am completely baffled by all the info!!

Could anyone give me a heads up in laymans terms please?!!

Many thanks

Oh yes     stats: 5'5"/ f / 144lb / bodyfat 27.8%

Original Post by minnie_uk:

Could anyone give me a heads up in laymans terms please?!!

If your goal is fat loss, then higher intensity = more fat loss (everything else being equal).  The 'fat burning zone' is based on a bunch of misinterpreted and misapplied information.

I had the same problem when I got my HRM.  What I did was a Google search for "interactive heart rate calculators".  You probably already know they are all over the web.   I input my data in 5 of them.  I got different results from each but they were all fairly close to one another.  I wrote down all the results and then took the average of the 5. 

Training Zones are for athletes that are attempting to achieve peak performance for certain targeted events.  If you are looking for fat loss, then you should train as hard as you can for as long as you can as often as you can.  You really don't need a heart rate monitor for that.  And don't get sucked in to to believing that the calorie burn estimate on your HRM is somehow the Gospel.  You can estimate calories just as well with the charts.

OK

I understand that there are many theories out there, all I am doing is trying to find a realistic goal and stick to that

It makes it easier to push and focus

Thats me anyway

Thanks for input!

For health & fitness, you should try to work at HRs between 60 - 90% of your max heart rate. Max HR = (220 - your age). For example, I'm 27 years old so my max HR is 193... I should aim to keep my HR between 115 - 174 bpm.

However, this is just a very basic guideline. I had VO2 Max tested so I know my personal optimal HR target zone is between 132- 170.

One of the nice things about training by HR is you learn to maximize your HR/calorie burn and your enjoyment of the exercise at the same time.  Obviously, the higher your heart rate the more calories your burn and the more difficult it becomes.   There is that fine line where, unless you are specifically training for something, more difficult + higher heart rate = not enjoyable.  Your HRM will help you find that sweet spot.

So I guess it's just a case of suck it and see!!

Thanks for replies all

I totally agree with wesmckean, but you have to remember your goal. If you are trying to loose weight maybe being at the highest peak of your HR is where you do not want to be that is why its important to know where the fat burn zone is for your body. I have a Polar RS300X and I love it and its very challenging and rewarding to work on target heart rate zones..