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Whether you knew it or not, you've experienced working out in the 5 different training zones. Resting, walking, jogging, running, sprinting -- or other various activities that increase how hard you're working.
Oftentimes, where we go wrong with our cardio workouts is guessing on how hard we are or should be working. While listening to our bodies is crucial and becoming in-tune with a negative mindset vs. true fatigue is imperative, it's not your best bet for determining workout type, intensity, and duration.
A better option is using an equation to help determine your approximate Anaerobic Threshold (AT) -- or the point at which you switch to using primarily carbohydrate as fuel (rather than fat).
Our bodies typically burn fat as the primary fuel source in Zones 1, 2 and 3. At that point, you hit your Anaerobic Threshold, and start using carbohydrates as the fuel source in Zones 4 and 5. This is why we do heart rate training...
Not only do we want to make sure we're burning primarily fat as we do cardio, but we also want to make our bodies BETTER at burning fat. Working out in Zones 4 and 5 burns carbs, but it makes our bodies better fat burners as well, which is why we want to balance our cardio between all 5 heart rate zones.
This equation is a "good" option to assist you in your training. However, this is not specific to you and your metabolism, nor does it tell you your zone ranges.
The BEST and most accurate way to find out exactly what your heart rate zones are (in other words, how you should be training, and take the guesswork out of your workouts!) is by an assessment via VO2 Max Testing. This will tell you exactly at what zones and intensity you are burning fat for fuel. Too much time training in higher intensities and/or too much training at lower intensities can both cause staleness, plateaus, and lack of term sustainable results.
With Cardio Coach, your VO2 Max is assessed by calculating breath intake during activity, then compiling the data into a program that will break down your body's ability to burn fat vs. carbs during that activity.
Speak with your Trainer today to learn more!