Hello to all:

I've been going to my local gym for 31 straight days now; I started out doing about 30 minutes on an elliptical trainer and then using Nautilus-type weight machines.

The more I've been doing this, my heart seems to be steadily getting to my cardio target rate much faster. In fact, yesterday I tried using a Stairmaster instead, and I got to my target of 150 bpm in half the time as compared to using the elliptical machine. Also, I was able (after 20 minutes on the Stairmaster) to climb on the elliptical and still keep the 150 bpm but using HALF the resistance setting I normally use.

Bottom line: Does it really matter what resistance level the machines are set at as long as I'm in my cardio target range? (150-165 bpm) I am much more interested in losing weight, and the conventional wisdom seems to be that a lower heart rate is required to burn fat. However, after having done this hardcore exercise routine for a month straight, my heart rate just wants to jump straight to cardio but I do not feel out of breath, no chest pain, side stitch, etc...Is it too good to be true? :confused:

Heart rate is what counts.

What you are finding is that, as you're getting fitter your body is able to respond to the demands of exercise much more efficiently than before - it's like having your car engine tuned, it will become much more responsive. This is why your heart rate is able to increase more quickly, but you should also find it is less tiring to keep your heart at that level, and also it should be harder to get it really high, because of the increased efficiency that it is working to. 150 - 165 is a good heart rate to work to, so just keep it up.

If you get bored with this, try mixing up your longer exercises with some shorter, high intensity ones. e.g. try running a shorter distance (say 1km) but run it much faster than you would a 5 or 10k run. This should keep your fitness level improving.