Will I burn fat faster if I train above my target heart rate?

Once you find your proper training zones it is best to stay within them as much as possible. This does not mean you can’t push yourself and go over your top zone, but you will need to be careful when you do.  If you are doing a high intensity workout, the goal would be to increase your workload (speed, incline, level, watts) throughout the workout. If you push over your top heart rate early in the workout, you might not be able to finish, or if you are able to finish the workout, your form may be poor and you increase your risk of injury. Your heart rate is a good gauge to prevent you from over training. Heart rate can also help gauge hydration. If your heart rate moves over your top zone too quickly, this could indicate poor hydration and is a sign to reduce your workload. When it comes to burning fat, even though training at high intensities will help improve your metabolism, training too high can put you in an over training state which will then cause you to hit a plateau- which may actually hinder your weight loss. Mixing up your intensities and heart rate zones during the week is the most effective way to train. Trying to push to your heart rate limits every day will have a negative effect over time.