Tabata is a form of high-intensity interval training, also known as HIIT. This program is designed to pack maximum muscle-burning into a four minute timeframe. As you build endurance you can add on more rounds to go into a full 20-minute circuit.
Work out hard for 20 seconds
Rest for 10 seconds
Complete 8 rounds
Don’t be fooled, just because the interval times are shorter doesn’t mean this is any easier. Tabata is an intense cardio and strength workout.
You’re going to need a timer, you can use your iPhone, follow along with a YouTube video or use an app that’s designed specifically for instances like this.
Here is a four minute Tabata burpee workout I recently did on my YouTube channel. You can follow along with the timer I included and if you’d like to see me do a specific exercise, let me know in the comments section.
You can do pretty much any exercise you wish, but these are some of the most common ones:
Push-ups
High knees/running in place
Skate lunges
Mountain climbers
Burpees
Squats
Jumping jacks
Crunches
The Benefits of Tabata:
Tabata is one of the most effective workouts when it comes to improving your cardiorespiratory endurance in a short period of time. It improves the outtake of oxygen in the lungs and heart helping you build endurance in both:
Aerobic Exercises: Activities which increase the body's demand for oxygen like swimming, cycling, biking, walking or hiking.
AND
Anaerobic Exercises: Activities involving quick bursts of energy performed at maximum effort for a short time like weight lifting, circuit training, Pilates, yoga and other forms of strength training.
Not to mention, training at such a high level of intensity raises your metabolism and heart rate. It also places your body in the “fat-burning zone” by the first round which allows you to keep burning it hours after your workout ends.
Clearly I’m a big fan of incorporating Tabata into your daily routine. If the information I provided wasn’t enough, just know that when it comes to me and my brand, trial and error is a BIG part of my process. I only recommend things that I have not only tested out, but researched as well. That’s exactly why I can confidently recommend Tabata.
If you do decide to try it out, let me know your experience. Remember, it’s not easy but you have to stay consistent.