is too much cardio working against me?

[tellico]

Hi,

as I've said on another thread, I'm a couple months into getting back in the gym. My most obvious goal is fat loss. However, I happen to really enjoy exercise, and I like working hard. I push myself, especially in cardio, because it is more fun that way than to just half-way go at it and get bored...

I've been watching my heart rate, and I realize that I am keeping myself in the "cardio training" zone or even a little above that, rather than in the "fat burning" zone. Last workout I burned nearly 1000 calories easily... but only 30% were fat calories according to my monitor, since my average heart rate was well above the limits for fat burning.

Am I shooting myself in the foot? Do I really need to ease up and work in the recommended 160-170 bpm range, or will I still see the same fat loss results working at a more enjoyable 175-185 bpm range? I had been operating under the assumption that is some is good, more is better in regards to how hard I work.

Thanks for any input!

As I said in my other thread, I'm 25 years old, 5'10", female, looking to lose ~40 lb., and my body naturally builds and carries muscle quickly and easily. My workouts are usually 4 times a week, where schedule allows, 10 min warm up run (10 min. mile pace), machines in circuit fashion alternating body parts (HR staying around mid 150's, sometimes into low 160's), then 20-35 min. cardio (HR ranging 175-185, depending on how vigorous I'm feeling that day, and mixing it up throughout the cardio session).

~tellico joe

[Adonis]

no, your doing fine.

You burn even more calories, and utilize even more fat stores post workout, it has been coined "the afterburn" by some coaches

[pliny_2001]

The 'number of calories burned' that machines give is vague at best, so their listing as to calories of fat burned really has very little basis in reality. While sport science may say "x" pulse is best for fat loss (or may not - there's so much variance between people that generalizations are difficult), it would - at most - be a question of efficiency. If you want to do more work, it won't set you back with regards to weight loss - just remember that diet is the most important part of weight loss.

So long as you're in good enough condition to maintain a 185 HR, your workout sounds fine.

[tellico]

Thanks for the input. I'll keep at it. I just assume I'm in good enough condition to maintain the higher heart rates... not really sure how to tell. I can talk in short phrases at 180-185 bpm, and I feel fine, still able to control breathing at that level... I certainly am not at maximum effort at that point.

Thanks for the help!
~tellico

[super_hero]

maybe get off the machines and try some circuit training. it's a great way to burn calories fast. i've read in multiple magazine that this is one of the best ways to lose fat (quickly).