Definition: In this zone of exercise intensity, the body uses stored fat for energy. At 60-70% of your maximum heart rate, 85% of your calories burned are fats, 5% are proteins and 10% are carbohydrates.
Find your fat burning zone by using the target heart rate calculator, then taking your pulse during your walking workout either by hand or by using a heart rate monitor.
The walker should first warm up by walking for 10 minutes at an easier pace, as this burns off blood sugar and stored glycogen so that fat-burning can begin.
Speed up to the fat burning zone for 30 minutes to an hour. Then cool down for 5-10 minutes at an easier pace.
If you walk at a higher heart rate, you burn less fat and may kick over into anaerobic metabolism where you have run out of blood sugar and are now burning protein instead of fat, resulting in a build-up of lactic acid.
Pronunciation: fat burn-ing zone
Also Known As: fat-burning zone, fitness zone
Alternate Spellings: fat-burning zone
Common Misspellings: None
Examples:
Walk in the fat burning zone to lose weight.
