[matze]

Hi all,

So far I understood that the main goal of the low-intensity endurance training (at or below the AeT) is to become efficient in fat burning, i.e. to train the body to use as much as possible the aerobic pathway for the ATP generation.

Given this aim of efficient fat burning, I also thought that the AeT is also the heart rate at which the maximum fat oxidation (FATmax) occurs. However, I recently learned that this is not the case.

Is the difference between the FATmax and the AeT an indication for the fitness level? For example, is the FATmax equal to the AeT for well trained athletes?

Thanks

Matze

[Scott Johnston]

Matze:

I undertsand your question but I would like to correct one thing before we move on to answering what you asked about.

Unless your interest is in losing fat the main goal of aerobic base training is to be able to move faster at your aerobic threshold.  I think most athoetes will have improved performance as their primary goal and the increased fat metabolism will be a follow on effect.

FATmax does not always coorespond to AeT.  In my experience those two events tend to coinside in very well endurance trained athletes.

If these two points are far apart and your goal is to improve your fat useage you will need to train close to your FATmax.  In that same athlete if on the otherhand you want to improve your speed at AeT you will need to train closer to AeT speed/HR.

I hope this helps.
Scott

 

 

 

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