Anyone who has frequented a gym or seen a cardio machine lately has probably seen reference to a "fat burning zone" with regard to heart rate. This is an interesting marketing scheme and leads to a foundational misunderstanding of how the body uses fuel at different intensities.
All that to say, you're probably in a fat burning zone as you read this! And as you sleep, as you sit watching TV, even as you walk to the bathroom. It is misleading to say that one must keep their exercise intensity at a lower limit in order to "burn fat," which many equate to weight loss.
We're here to help explain the virtues of different exercise intensities (not just for weight loss) and how to maximize caloric burn, muscle stimulation and generally just feeling good while moving your body...without feeling like you have to stick to a specific "fat burning zone."
Erin Green is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, recovering professional triathlete and owner of Erin Green Racing and Nutrition in Boise, Idaho. After years of regimented training, she is rediscovering the joy of spontaneous movement, social runs and exploring unpaved bike routes. Check out her blog and videos at www.eringreenracing.com.
Michael Gray is a personal trainer, nutritional coach, father of two and a sucker for a bag of gummy bears. See what he's up to at www.michaelgrayfitness.com.
Let us know you like what you hear! Small donations from our listeners help to support Michael's gummy bear habit or go toward a new houseplant that will inevitably die under Erin's care. We appreciate all of our Middleish listeners! Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/middleish/support
