We have all heard the old adage that reminds us to “work smarter, not harder.” While it may seem counterintuitive to apply this saying to our weight loss efforts, it is an absolute must to ensure that we are doing the right type of training based on our personal fitness goals. If your goal is to lose weight, there is a very specific type of training that is beneficial and can be easily accomplished through the use of a treadmill.
Training Principles for Weight Loss
The basis of this training relies on the use of your target heart rate. An unfamiliarity with heart rate training may absolutely be the reason why you have put in a great deal of effort into training without achieving your desired weight loss goals. Read on for some valuable advice on shedding pounds quickly and easily on a treadmill.
What Is Heart Rate Training?
When it comes to running, there are a number of different training zones that are defined by your heart rate. Higher-intensity training such as interval sessions are frequently done at 88 to 92 percent of your maximum heart rate, while base training runs are often done at 60 to 70 percent of your max heart rate.
If your goal is weight loss, then you need to be aware of the heart rate training zone in which your body burns fat, which is between 75 and 90 percent of your max heart rate. In order to train in your fat burning zone, you will need to know how to calculate your maximum heart rate, which can be done in several ways:
- Consult your personal physician
- Use the max heart rate formula (220 – your age for men; 226 – your age for women)
- Use a treadmill that calculates your max heart rate for you
The third option is likely best for most runners, as using a treadmill that can calculate this information is a simple way to train while losing weight. These treadmills can be programmed to keep you in your fat-burning zone throughout the duration of the workout, ensuring that you will ultimately achieve your weight loss goals through running.
Your Treadmill Can Keep You Honest
A treadmill is a lot like a highly motivated training partner, coach and exercise physiologist all rolled into one. There are many treadmills that can chart your training progress for you while also keeping track of your heart rate throughout the course of your training runs. Many of these treadmills also have pre-set workouts that are specifically designed to keep you running in your fat-burning zone, which is incredibly valuable as you try to shed those stubborn pounds.
Set Goals and Train Properly
Using a treadmill to lose weight is a very efficient and intelligent option, but you do have to know how to train properly if you are going to see the results you want. Set your fitness goals and hop on that treadmill with the knowledge that by training smarter, you will be able to see rapid and impressive results.