Are you looking for a new, quick, high-intensity workout routine? Then Tabata may be the training style for you! Be prepared to go all-out for short durations of time to increase your strength, while improving your cardio at the same time! Tabata facilitates a workout which is so intense that 8 rounds will be completed in only 4 minutes! If 4 minutes are enough, then you have completed a full Tabata set, if not, choose a different exercise and repeat the Tabata!
The general set up of Tabata:
- Go all-out for 20 seconds
- Rest for 10 seconds
- Repeat 8 times (8 rounds)
The key points of Tabata:
- Do as many repetitions as possible in the 20 seconds of work.
- Pick weights which are hard enough to make you breathless after 20 seconds, but light enough to be able to complete all 8 rounds.
- Pick an exercise which works most of your body.
- I.e. Kettle bell swings, squat jumps, jump lunges, step ups
Tabata Exercise Example 1 – alternate between the following two exercises
- Round 1,3,5,7 – Squat presses with a medicine ball
- Round 2,4,6,8 – Burpee with push up
Tabata Exercise Example 2
- Tabata 1: Round 1-8 Squat jumps
- Tabata 2: Round 1-8 Plank one-arm dumb bell rows
- Add on more rounds with different exercises to increase length of workout
Remember
- Tabata training should be intense, always listen to your body and use modified options if necessary
- Have the proper equipment to complete the exercises, if needed
- Not all Tabata exercises need equipment, body weight exercises can be done at home with no equipment
Have fun, work hard, be creative, and make the workout yours! What is your favorite Tabata style workout?
