In this week's Fit Club segment, Bruce recommended that your maximum heart rate for burning calories is (220-age)*0.7. For me, that's about 130 BPM, which I can do with a slightly brisk walk. Most of the time my heart rate is around 140-150 when I'm putting some effort into it, and 155+ when I start to feel a bit woozy and pull back.

So, I'm not sure that this formula is correct for determining the maximum heart rate. Unless a low BPM and easy effort really is the key to burning calories.

(220-age)*.7 is not for determining maximum heart. It is for determining the 70% of the maximum heart rate. Hence the multipling of .7. To determine max heart is it simply 220-age. Now that is plus or minus about 8 bpm.

Okay, that makes more sense. But why would I want my heart rate so low, comparatively? When I am on the elliptical or wogging (walk/jogging) or swimming, my heart rate is usually between 75-80% of maximum. Should I be slowing down?

The higher your heart rate usually equates to the harder your body is working. The harder your body is working, the more calories you are using. There is a downside. The harder you are working, the quicker you are going to get tired.

I ususally tell new clients to start with a target heart rate of 70% of their max. It gets them moving but makes sure that they don't overdo it too quickly.

If you can hold a steady pace at 75-80% of your max for a long period of time, the go right ahead and do it. I would suggest that you don't try to get your heart rate higher for extended time. Heart rates around 90% or higher mean your body is going though it's energy too quickly and you can't replenish it anywhere near fast enough.

Okay, that makes sense.