New, need cardio heart rate help.

[GunnaBbuff]

Hi,
I am new and am just getting started with weightlifting. I have a lot to learn.
For my cardio , I got a heart rate monitor, and have been reading I should train in the aerobic zone for fat loss. which for me is 134-144 bpm. I just got a stepping machine. It is hydrolic, not electric. unfortunately the stepper raises my heart rate up to the redline zone, 180bpm pretty fast. What should I do? Plug along in the redline until my heart gets stronger and the rate slows on its own, or should I stop and start stepping keeping the heart rate in the aerobic zone. (when I slow stepping my feet fall to the ground, i have to pump to keep up in the air ). Is it true you wont burn fat if your heart rate is too high? I really like my stepper, its challenging, easy on the knees and quiet. Thanks for your help!

Mary Ellen

[craig777]

GunnaBBuff,

I am a guy but this is my take on it.

The answer to your question about whether you do or don't burn fat if you heart rate is too high is yes you do burn fat. I have read that you burn a lower percentage of 65% as opposed to 80%, or something similar to that. I don't know how true that is. The more important thing is the length of time you workout. After about 20-25 minutes is when your body starts burning more fat and less glycogen. If you can do your stepper for a good 45-60 minutes with your heart rate up then I would say go for it. If you can only go for 10 minutes then I would say get off let your heart rate come down and then get back on for another 10 minutes.

I do a killer kickboxing class for 60 minutes and my heart rate gets way up there, and it still seems to work for me.

If you are really committed to this I would say that 75% of getting in shape is what you eat.

[GunnaBbuff]

Thanks Craig,
I can step for about 40 minutes without stopping so Ill go for it. I have my cals pretty low, lower than they say, but ive never lost weight without going low. Thanks.