questions about fat loss and power.

**DamianWalker** · 07-01-2012 06:59 PM

just joined a new gym and the cycling machine is pretty fancy, i was on it for fat loss, and you click fat loss type in your age and it gives you a heart rate to aim for. my question is are these heart rates worth listening to? i did the cycling after weights and the cycling was very easy, should i workout to a speed where i'm finding it difficult?

also there is a punching bag, i know its not going to help me out in a fight or really benefit me in weight training but i'm looking to increase the power of my punches and kicks, would working on technique and also doing like sets of reps of hitting the punch bag as hard as i can train my cns and muscles to contract quicker resulting in a more powerful kick and punch?

thanks for any help

**Zeigler** · 07-01-2012 07:44 PM

Those heart rate monitors and calorie counters on machines are the most inaccurate thing in the world.

...and thats a near enough direct quote coming from someone who worked for one of the major CV machine companies!

And for boxing, any sort of explosive training would be beneficial. Im sure theres tons of youtube stuff from MMA guys etc

**Pkant2002** · 07-01-2012 08:41 PM

Quote

Originally Posted by Zeigler

Those heart rate monitors and calorie counters on machines are the most inaccurate thing in the world.

...and thats a near enough direct quote coming from someone who worked for one of the major CV machine companies!

And for boxing, any sort of explosive training would be beneficial. Im sure theres tons of youtube stuff from MMA guys etc

Yeh i can second that they are pretty inaccurate having also worked for a major fitness equipment provider.

**DamianWalker** · 07-01-2012 11:17 PM

well even if the number given is not your exact heart rate, they give a constant reading which is most important...the calorie counter yes thats very inaccurate, but obviously its impossible for them to get it exact with so many different builds out there and different metabolic rates, but either way that does not answer my question.

**Pkant2002** · 07-01-2012 11:40 PM

I don’t know the exact science but normally when i go and lift weights i would say i go in and i work hard and i lift about 85% of my max and i presume this is the same with cardio no point pootling along if gran can keep up. Make sure you work yourself hard, you will be able to tell a few hours later if you have worked hard enough. If you think you have more in you next time go for it.

In terms of power for punching ect, if you’re looking at punching for boxing ect practice makes perfect. Get yourself on the bag and practice your power will improve with time. However you may find you can improve you power more through doing some assistance exercises involving weights and in turn making your muscles bigger. Not 100% sure what exercise to do but if you check YouTube there will be thousands of nice workouts you can do.

**DamianWalker** · 08-01-2012 12:18 PM

thanks

**Kazuya** · 17-01-2012 03:05 PM

depends on the type of bag tbh but - if you use the bag to concentrate on your technique so e.g. throwing parallel when hooking whilst pivoting on to your toe on your back foot
chambering your leg when kicking using your hips etc
perfect the technique - increase your power
add weight training to this and youre increasing your strength hopefully which will add to the potential energy you can contribute to the movement e.g. stronger hips, hamstrings, quads add your roundhouse kick's power