Tabata Training

Tabata Training was developed by Dr. Izumi Tabata in Tokyo. He figured out a way to get maximal anerobic and aerobic benefits from a short and simple workout which can be done with a variety of exercises.

I like to use these as a short workout when I have limited time; Often doing 5-10 minutes of Tabata Protocol followed by some stretching

20/10
Tabata training is simply doing an exercise for 20 seconds constantly then taking 10 seconds off before repeating the cycle for 8 cycles this means you can get a hugely effective workout in about 5 minutes per exercise. Which will test you not only aerobically but will build muscular endurance and size.

Proven Benefits

• A Hugely effective fat burner, due to effect on the metabolism.
• Release of Anabolic Hormones thanks to Lactic acid release in muscles.
• Short and Effective workouts are ideal for those who have limited time to workout.
• Can be done anywhere with anything from Crunches to Heavy Squats.
  

How to Get Started

Getting started with Tabata is easy you just need to pick and exercise and keep your eye on the clock the 20/10 intervals are a rough guideline so don’t sweat it if you rest for a second too long or do the exercise for 23 seconds instead of 20. So long as you are roughly getting things right then you will be fine - Although do try to stick as closely as you can to 20 on 10 off as any other time limits are NOT Tabata Protocol and won’t be as effective…..

Pick an Exercise which can either be a body weight movement like:

• Pushups
• Pull-ups
• Body weight Squats
• Dips
• Sprints
  

Or a Weighted Movement:

• Kettle Bell Swings
• Thrusters
• Squats
• Cleans
  

Whatever you choose simply go all out for 20 seconds. Take a 10 Second rest. Repeat 7 times. This will not only initiate a crazy burn in your muscles it will get your heart rate up making you feel like you have really worked your body. Beware though the first few times you do Tabata Training you will experience some severe soreness the next day.

Why I Love Tabata

It was when I saw Tabata on Crossfit.com a while back that I first experimented with the protocol. I wasn’t expecting too much upon trying it out but was shocked at how hard it actually is once you try it. As well as this I found the shorter workouts make things far more exciting as your always pushing and it makes those 10 second rest periods feel amazing all be it like very little rest. Tabata also seemed to give me a good sense of well-being as it promoted circulation and I felt much warmer and could really feel my metabolism had been jacked out a level for the rest of the day.

Ideal Tabata Workout

An Ideal Tabata Workout would be 8-12 Minutes of Tabata and some stretching with relaxation (Breathing) this keeps the workout short and allows you to stretch out and relax the mind after the workout. Its perfect to do first thing in the morning with something like Pushups or Lunges.

Plus I enjoy knowing that the method has been well researched and is used by a variety of Olympic athletes to great effect.