1. What is the Fat Burning Zone?

The fat burning zone refers to a heart rate range where your body burns a higher percentage of calories from fat during exercise. This zone is typically 60-70% of your maximum heart rate (MHR).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fat burning zone formula:

Where:

• \( \text{MHR} \) — Maximum Heart Rate in beats per minute (bpm)
• \( 0.6 \) — Lower range multiplier (60% of MHR)
• \( 0.7 \) — Upper range multiplier (70% of MHR)

Explanation: Exercising within this heart rate range optimizes fat burning as a percentage of total calories burned.

3. Importance of Fat Burning Zone

Details: Training in this zone improves aerobic endurance and teaches the body to burn fat more efficiently. It's ideal for weight management and base fitness building.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your maximum heart rate (MHR) in bpm. If unknown, estimate using 220 minus your age. The calculator will show your optimal fat burning heart rate range.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the fat burning zone best for weight loss?
A: While it burns a higher percentage of fat, higher intensity workouts burn more total calories. The best approach combines both zones.

Q2: How do I measure my heart rate during exercise?
A: Use a heart rate monitor or check your pulse manually (count beats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4).

Q3: Does age affect the fat burning zone?
A: Yes, since maximum heart rate decreases with age, your fat burning zone will shift downward as you get older.

Q4: Can I stay in this zone all the time?
A: While beneficial, varying your intensity (including higher intensity intervals) provides greater fitness benefits.

Q5: How accurate is the 220-age formula for MHR?
A: It's an estimate - individual maximum heart rates can vary by ±10-20 bpm from the formula.