If you have ever heard about the fat burning zone, perhaps you have stopped to think about your heart rate and how it plays an important role in your weight lose endeavor. The first step is to find your target heart rate zone. Cardio exercise, as you probably know is a key factor in helping you lose weight. Many people are cautioned to stay within their fat burning zone for the best results, but some have found it possible to burn more fat by working at lower intensities. It’s all about finding the most effective way of losing weight.

The truth is the body will burn a higher number of calories from fat in the fat burning zone or at lower intensities at higher intensities; however, you will burn a greater number of overall calories. This is what will concern you the most when trying to lose weight. It is important to remember low intensity exercise has its place. This is endurance workouts come into play. They should, in fact be a staple of a complete workout and need to be combined with shorter, more intense workouts. Interval workouts are also a great way to burn calories.

You can figure out your own intensity levels. To do this, you will want to start by calculating your target heart rate zone. You must first know your resting heart rate. To figure your resting heart rate, place your fingers on your neck where your pulse is located. Time yourself for ten seconds using a stop watch. Count the number of times you feel your pulse during that ten seconds, then multiply it by six. This will give you the resting heart rate. You can do it several times to make sure it is accurate. You can even have someone else time it for you.

You can also take your pulse for one full minute. This will also give you your resting heart rate.

There are several formulas you can use to figure your target heart rate zone. The Internet will show you the various steps, walking you through the entire process. It will help to look at the charts as they will serve as a better description. You may even be able to find websites where you can plug in numbers to have a calculator figure it for you.

One of the most popular means of figuring your target heart rate zone is by using the Karvonen formula. You start by taking your resting heart rate. Take the number 220 and subtract your age from this number. Next, subtract your resting heart fate from the result from the last step. Multiply this number by 65 percent and 85 percent. This will give you two different numbers. You’ll need them when figuring out your range. The 65 percent will signify the low end of your heart rate zone while the 85 percent represents the high end. Take each answer you receive and add your resting heart rate. Again, you will come up with two different numbers. These final two numbers will be your target heart rate zone. In order to work in your fat burning zone, you need to stay around the lower number or below. You can work in your cardio zone by higher than that lowest number. Staying between the two is a good idea.