Cardio vs. Fat Burning

I keep wondering if I'm going about this wrong. I often do alot of cardio exercise but my heart rate is typically between 160-180. I feel like I'm getting a good cardio benefit from it, but its not really helping me to lose weight.

Am I over thinking this or are my suspicions justified?

Also- can you recommend your "fat-burning" workout?

Re: Cardio vs. Fat Burning

weight training is way better than cardio for fat burning.

if you go to a gym, speak to one of the trainers

Re: Cardio vs. Fat Burning

working out at the 'fat burning' zone on a cardio machine - isn't that working at a lower heart rate?

there are different components to your work outs

Frequency
Intensity
Time
Technique

Intensity is the most important of those four fa. So I would I continue working out at a higher intensity as it is best for your heart and lungs and does burn more calories.

Weight/fat loss is all about calories in vs calories out. You have to burn more than you consume.

Are you doing any resistance training? Building lean mass will increase your metabolism (you burn more calories maintaining muscle over fat). If you work out at a gym, you can probably speak to a trainer for some tips.

eta - as far as suggesting 'fat burning' work outs - I suggest that everyone try new activities and find things that they love - that don't feel like 'work.' For weight/resistance training, I like kettlebells and suspended body weight training.

Message edited 7/11/2011 4:13:18 PM.