How Hard On Beginner Cardio

Hi Ray, Thanks for the response. In terms of my fitness level i am average and i had knee surgery 8 months ago. The knee is not at its best. I have good days and bad days. I just have to be careful and just see how my knee responds to things. I had another question regarding cardio. You mention that one should stick to 60% of max heart rate for fat burning which is 120 for me. How long should this be? I sometimes use the cross trainer and i like to go for 45 mins (working realy hard for most of it) and my heart rate is usually a little higher at about 150-170. Is that to high ot too much too soon? Will this be detrimental? & Is it ok for me to substitute protein shakes for breakfast and lunch? Its just a preference thing for me.

Thanks. Regards
Patricia

Of course you can go higher with your heart rate! I designed the book to make sure that everyone was taken care of and that includes beginners. So the 60% is a gentle figure to get just about everyone started on their cardio. If you can do more for longer and feel better doing it, then go for it.

As for the protein shake substitute, you can do that. Real food is always better because it sticks around in your system longer and has more nutrients but a shake is better than nothing. I have to do this every once in a while also. Sometimes you just get sick of eating all that volume of food or you need to get on the road quick.

Good questions!
Ray Burton
http://www.buildingbodies.ca/exercise