Tabata Workouts

If you have been following my blog, then you have read my posts about how short, high intensity workouts are far better for you and that long cardio sessions are NOT.

Tabata workouts are an example of short, but very high intensity workouts. They are typically 4 - 8 minutes long. That's it.

Based on a research of of a man named Izumi Tabata at the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Tokyo, Japan, Tabata is a method consisting of 20 seconds of all out effort followed by 10 seconds of rest for a total of 4 minutes.

And get this - it is JUST AS EFFECTIVE as 45 minutes of endurance exercise. 45 minutes!!!

This exercise method puts both the aerobic and anaerobic systems at peak stress, and can be used with body weight exercises, sprints, Kettlebells and the like. It NOT recommended to use on a treadmill (cannot stop and start the treadill or you have to jump off) or with weights (too clumsy, Kettlebells have a different grip). Interval training will save you time, your muscles, and deliver scientifically proven superior results.

So try it - do 20 seconds on 10 seconds off of jump rope for the first 2 minutes, then burpees for the other 2 mnutes. OR Kettlebell swings and pushups, OR sprints and pull ups - the combinations are endless. Make sure you go ALL out effort for those 20 seconds.

Let everyone else sweat it out for hours :)