Getting into your fat-burning zone when exercising can help in weight loss. The Department of Physiotherapy from Singapore General Hospital (SGH) shares how you can calculate yours so that you can get the most from your exercise.
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What is the fat-burning zone and how to calculate yours
Usually, during prolonged low to moderate intensity exercise, your body utilises a combination of fats and carbohydrates. The so-called “fat-burning zone” is the intensity at which your body utilises the greatest proportion of fat as an energy source.
This intensity is at
60 per cent of your maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), explains Physiotherapist Mr Png Eng Keat from the
Department of Physiotherapy at
Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the
SingHealth group.
An easier way of finding your “fat-burning zone” would be to use a “heart rate reserve formula”.
First, you need to calculate your estimated maximum heart rate (MHR). To do this:
|
Subtract your age from 220 |
Subtract your age from 226 |
To be in the "fat-burning zone", your exercising heart beat needs to be between 60 and 70 per cent of your maximum heart rate (MHR).
E.g. a 40-year-old man's MHR would be 180 (220-40), and his fat burning zone would be between 108 and 126 heart beats per minute (60 to 70 per cent of 180).
However, Mr Png says, “A well rounded weight loss plan should include a restriction in caloric intake as well. It is no use exercising if you don’t restrict your caloric intake.”
Ways to stay fit and fab
Here are some tips to get you going on a regular exercise regime:
Start small
If you are unable to commit 150 minutes a week to exercise then commit 50 minutes. It is better to start small than to not start at all, and gradually increase the frequency.
Find somewhere convenient
If you are very busy then exercise at a location near your work place or your home. Even getting off five bus stops earlier and brisk walking to your home is a good way to exercise.
Include family and friends
Exercising with others is more fun and they can be your source of encouragement when you are feeling lazy or discouraged.
Do something you like
Choose an activity that you enjoy so that you are more likely to keep doing it over the long term.
Which exercise burns more fat, resistance training or aerobic exercises? Click the link to find out.
Ref: P16
Check out our other articles on exercise tips:
Exercising at Home: Essentials and Tips
10-Minute Workout to Start Your Day
How to Overcome Reasons for Not Exercising
How Much Exercise is Enough?
Best Exercises for Seniors
