calhoon2005Running General Chat - Weekly Thread Sat 13 July 2024
superduperpirateHow important is heart rate zone for training? I’ve been told to stay in zone 2 for weight loss due to still having another 30 or so pounds to lose. I have a heart rate monitor which talks to the treadmills at my gym, which have the ability to vary my speed a bit based on whether I’m above or below the target heart rate (zone 2 midpoint is 116 for me).
For the last couple months I’ve been doing two cardio sessions per week of 45 minutes each. I don’t cover the exact same distance each time but it’s consistently in the 2.95 - 3.05 mile range. That works out to a brisk walking pace most of the time.
If I aim for zone 3 instead so that I’m actually trotting instead of brisk walking, does that mean I no longer get weight loss benefit? I’m reluctant to pay for a consult with the trainers at my gym as they all seem to focus only on strength training, so I’m hoping maybe someone in the hive mind has some insight.
ZagorathOh just a quick word regarding the other points. I agree with the other user. Running, like any exercise, should be about fitness and feeling good. Weight loss can be another thing that helps you feel good and get healthy, but exercise itself is not great for weight loss. Your body naturally tells you to eat more after exercise leading to neutral or even gained weight, if you don’t accompany it with good diet.
If you don’t want to talk to the trainers at the gym, there might be someone at a local running club, or an online professional coach you could talk to. I can’t help you with vetting them or knowing how to talk to them though, I’ve never done it.