Does anyone know anything about Anabolic Threshold training?

Factual Questions
1

My gym is implementing new classes and revising their whole approach to exercising based on a heart rate monitor. I did a search and couldn’t find anything on “anabolic threshold” training. Google searches were pretty bad, too (though not extensive on my part). I know there are 4 or 5 zones to work through, depending on who you talk to, I guess. And, correct me if I’m wrong, but does the body burn fat most efficiently at the AT, which is between (or the delineator) zone 3 and zone 4? An explanation of this theory would also be appreciated.

Which also begs another question, how does one find their zones? My Heart Rate Monitor has 4 zones to it, but the description of the zones, according to the manual, all seem the same. It has a zone finder to it, but my zones aren’t as nice and neat and symmetrical as the ones in the gym. How is a zone/threshold calculated? I’ve seen some formulas as 220 - age with modifications with resting heart rate and maximum heart rate. I’ve also seen 180 - age = AT. Which is more correct (for lack of a better term)?

Additionally, does anyone have any good sites on the subject or workouts to peruse through? Any help is appreciated.

2

Is it possible you mean “anaerobic threshold”? I never heard of an “anabolic threshold” and that term makes no sense. In addition, your discussion of “zones” and other info leads me to believe you mean anaerobic threshold. If so, fat is not burned more at this threshold. In fact, more fat is used at a lesser intensity since fat requires oxygen for burning. Carbs can be burned anerobically, which means without oxygen.

3

Here’s one of the many links to Chris Carmichael, Lance’s coach. You can google “Chris Carmichael and aerobic training” and get a ton of hits to DVD’s, books, etc., by him.

4

The whole notion of aerobic training zones is suspect anyway. The traditional formula for calculating your max heart rate, 220 - your age, only applies to sedentary people. Above and beyond that, heart rate only correlates pretty well with oxygen uptake, which is what actually measures how hard you’re working.