Ok, so you have your cardio downto a science: You know when, where, how long and how hard you have to work to get that feeling of pure adrenaline – when you know you’re taking your body to that next level of lean. But are you really in the zone?

Although many experts dismiss the notion of a “fat-burning” zone, some studies show that in order to maximize fat loss, you must first reach your “fat burning zone.” That zone is defined as 35 to 69 percent of your maximum heart rate (MHR).

To get started, here’s how to calculate your MHR:

As soon as you wake up, find your resting heart rate (RHR): Feel your pulse by pressing into your left wrist with your right index and middle fingers. Time yourself for 15 seconds, counting the beats of your pulse; multiply that number by four. This is your resting heart rate. Write it down.

Using your RHR, follow this simple formula to find your MHR and fat burning zone:

220 - age = MHR - RHR x .65 + RHR = 65 percent of MHR

(OK, ok, here’s the breakdown)

• Subtract your age from 220 to get your MHR
• Subtract your RHR from your MHR and multiply that number by .65
• Add your RHR to this total
• The number you get now is 65 percent of your maximum heart rate

Don’t be intimidated by this – just plug in the numbers that apply to you and do the simple math.

In the equation, MHR is your maximum heart rate. For best fat loss results, you’ll want to reach 65 percent of that maximum (which is what the equation above will help you determine).

Exercising above your MHR isn’t recommended, as it could lead to burn-out symptoms over a period of time. Listen to your body. If you feel faint, stop or try the good old-fashioned “talk test” – if you can’t even say a sentence without feeling exasperated, then take it down a notch.

Using your MHR as a guide will get you to the fat burning zone you’re after.

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