There is a lot of talk in P90X about being in "The Zone." A friend of mine just asked me if he is hurting his results by exercising above his "Fat Burning Zone."
The answer is no. As the link below describes beautifully, the "Fat Burning Zone" is a misunderstanding of physiology. Keeping your heart rate down so that you burn a higher percentage of fat is not necessarily an effective way to lose weight. It is better than sitting on the couch, but the equation is still calories in - calories out = weight change. By working out at low intensity, you are burning fewer calories per hour overall. You would have to double your workout time to get the same calorie burn. Not an efficient way to lose weight.
Read the article below. It is the best explanation I've seen.
The Fat-burning Zone Myth :: Provided by MyFoodDiary.com
To YOUR success,
Doc
Thanks for the question Bob. If you want to ask a question of TheFitDoc. send an email to Kevin@TheFitDoc.com.
I'll look forward to hearing from you!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
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1 comment:
Clarification:
I think when Tony HOrton talks about the zone, I believe he is talking about the cardio-zone and he means it as a way to manage your exercise intensity suring p90x.
For instance I try to stay between a heart rate of 140 and 160 which is about 80-90% of my maximum heart rate. That is what I consider my "cardio zone".
The fat-burning zone is lower, about 65-75% peak heart rate. IMO that is not working hard enough for big change. It is still helpful for overall health- any activity is. But it is not hard enough to make a body transformation.
Keep pushing play!
-Doc
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