Fat Burning Zone Myth
The fat burning zone sounds great and is labeled on almost every aerobic machine in the gym; however the whole concept is based on a misinterpretation of the sports science. When exercising some of the energy is burned from carbohydrates and some from fat stores; at lower intensity levels a greater proportion of the energy is burned from fat stores, it is for this reason that the ‘fat burning zone’ was widely recommended (60 – 75% of Maximum Heart Rate).
This completely ignores the fact that this low intensity workout will burn less calories in total and will have smaller fitness and weight loss effect than a more intense one.
Here’s the Science: As exercise intensity levels rise, the percentage of fats used in relation to carbohydrates decreases but the important fact is that total calorie expenditure rises and is likely to burn more fat in total. Recent research from Birmingham University concluded Fat Burning Zones are ill-founded and without metabolic profiling in a laboratory it is impossible to tell where a person is burning the most fat.
Bottom line – Ignore the easy pace and push your workouts so you work hard for maximum fitness gains and weight loss effects.
Let me know if you have any questions!
m: 07932 757 636