The harder you sweat in the gym the more fat you burn. Well, not really. In fact, the maximum fat burning happens at a relatively low workout intensity.
Fat Burn Zone is called so because compared to other heart rate zones a greater percentage of calories we actually burn are burned from nowhere else but fat, although the total calorie burn rate is lower. Simply put you burn more belly fat and not just calories while sweating less. This zone also happens to be a great choice for beginner runners.
To enter the Fat Burn Zone you need to aim at approximately 55 to 70% of your maximum heart rate. If you don’t know your MHR use this standard formula to find out: 220 minus your age. Once you figure out what your fat burning zone is it’s important to adjust the intensity of your workouts. To make the most of this Zone it’s better to run longer distances and maintain a moderate pace to stay within your target heart rate range. Should you stay below this range it won’t do the trick. And if you go above it you’ll only be burning the food you ate earlier that day, not really getting rid of your body fat. Focus on long distance runs at slow pace 3 to 5 times per week and you’re good to go.