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so i have just bought a elliptical trainer ( i think that's what they are called) and damn that puppy really makes me build up a sweat and i feel like im really working out on it so i was just wondering what do u think that a good work out heart rate should be ??? 

Primarily, you just want to make sure you keep it above 120bpm. How high it goes will depend on your max heart rate.

What's your heart rate get up?

Ray

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My new book: Winners Do What Losers Don't

there's like a heart rate thingy on the handles of the machine and it say's that my heart rate was 112, how reliable are the heart rate monitors on these machines ? is there another product that will give me a more accurate reading?

They are not too reliable. The best product is a Polar heart rate monitor

Other than that, just take your pulse on your wrist or throat for 10 sec then multiply by 6

Ray

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My new book: Winners Do What Losers Don't

cheers!!! will do also  when i'm on the elliptical the balls of my feet start to really hurt after about 20 mins does this mean that im doing something wrong ????

the HR handles on my treadmill seem quite reliable, i wear my Oregon HR monitor all the time and they seem to be pretty spot on when i check them, i stick to between 120-130 atm which is what im told the optimum fat burning zone if i want cardio and fat i need to be up around the 175+, is this correct Ray? I did some running (before my ankle) ran at 12km/ph my HR went up to 185, lasted about 10seconds then jumped off didnt want to die :P.

GL with it carrie, btw what brand elliptical did you purchase? and how much was it?

it is called yorke and it cost me $550 is that good? to cheap to expensive? it was kind of an impulse buy you know what its like i woke up one day and i wanted one then and there. I have always wanted one i use to go to the gym and i had a personal trainer and i loved them but i started working fulltime so there went the gym. i have a liitle set up going on at home teadmill,stepper,bike,weights,elliptical hoping that it will give me the motivation to get on it but yeh...... what can i say things arent working to plan 100% hehe

michael_:

i stick to between 120-130 atm which is what im told the optimum fat burning zone if i want cardio and fat i need to be up around the 175+, is this correct Ray?

I'm glad you asked Michael. The Fat Burning Zone is not a total myth but it is totally misunderstood by most. Don't feel bad that you've been following it because some trainers still promote it too!

Working at a lower percentage of your max heart rate does mean that you will burn a higher percentage of fat incomparison to carbs, but training at a higher percentage burns a higher TOTAL amount of fat. So you're better off training in that higher zone. It is a better idea to start out in the lower zone though because it will be easier on the muscles and joints.

Carrie - It sounds like you may be staying up on the balls of your feet. try keeping your feet flat throughout most of the movement.

Ray

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My new book: Winners Do What Losers Don't

cool carrie, $500 isnt cheap but its obviously not the top of the line but to me aslong as it does the job it doesnt need to have all the bells and whistles, my new treadmill cost me $3500 mainly because it could handle my current weight and has a stronger motor than most and i know it will last longer than 6 months as opposed to my old one which was only $900 or so and burnt out. 

so Ray the higher zone is between what 160-170? and thats when you do short bursts of exercise? like 1min sprints, rest 1 min, 2 min sprints rest 2 min? that sort of stuff?

Yes, but not only during intervals. Try doing some sessions where you keep the heart rate up right through (obviously not 160-170), but also do the odd session at a slightly lower intensity.

The main thing is that you push yourself. Start out slow and build up the intensity as your fitness improves. Sticking to the Fat Burning Zone will only hold you back.

Ray

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My new book: Winners Do What Losers Don't

Hi...

I'm so glad that I read this post! I too thought that you were better off sticking to the fat burning zone. Although most times I do tend to push myself and then back off a bit because I think I should be in the fat burning zone.

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Nat aka Natz

Hi Natz,

As I mentioned to Michael, it's still a very common belief as some (ill-informed) companies still push it. Work above it and see how much your fitness improves

Ray

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My new book: Winners Do What Losers Don't

carrie:

cheers!!! will do also  when i'm on the elliptical the balls of my feet start to really hurt after about 20 mins does this mean that im doing something wrong ????

 I also get this, as I find I don't have my feet flat enough.I try to but all those years as a child walking on my tipy toes has made things harder for me as I get older.....lol!!  The other thing I do is wiggle my toes and it helps. So maybe you could try that too and see how you go.

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Nat aka Natz

Natzjax,

            it's really annoying i have tried everything like different shoes thicker, thiner socks etc but i keep pushing through and keep hoping that it will get better but i have say i'm glad that it happens to you aswell atleast i'm not the only one. so we just have to keep those toes a wiggling hey!!! haha 

How'd you go? You try wiggling the toes yet? LOL

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Nat aka Natz