Cardio Exercise at Different Intensities

One of the ways that I like to train my body while doing cardiovascular exercises is with varying heart rates and intensities. If you think about it, most fitness related exercises or activities will not be performed at just one heart rate, so why should we train at only one?

Consider mountain biking, soccer, hockey, football, basketball, baseball…pretty much any sport…the hear rate is constantly going up and down when moving from rest periods to light periods to full out running. So it then makes perfect sense to use the concept that training through different hear rate zones will not only get us in shape for all events, but that it will also get is into generally better physical condition.

Now this idea does not rule out the use of a heart rate monitor…not at all. It is important to be able to watch your heart rate levels to be sure you are training in a zone that is not too low. It may also be necessary to know your heart rate for special populations such as those who have heart conditions, those who are pregnant, those who have very high or low levels of fitness.

The argument will arise that we should keep our heart rates within a certain range for optimal ‘fat burning’. While there is a strong case to be made for optimal fat burning range, doesn’t it also make sense that being above this range will burn more calories? We will also be going in and out of this optimal range when changing exercise intensities, so we get the best of both worlds of fat and calorie burning…PLUS we get to train the heart through multiple heart rate zones!

The bottom line is that this ‘interval style’ of training will produce the best overall fitness levels from the majority of people.

Now go out and do your exercise!

By Brett A. Riesenhuber
©2007 PrimePhysique, LLC
www.BrettsFitnessBlog.com