Tabata Bodyweight Workout

January 30, 2007

This program can be used outdoors or indoors if you live in the chilly Northeast like I do.

The phrase Tabata Interval originated from a study performed by Dr. Izumi Tabata at the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Tokyo, Japan.

Tabata Intervals consist of 20 seconds of maximum intensity exercise, followed by 10 seconds of rest. This cycle is repeated 8 times (for a total of 4-minutes). Although Dr. Tabata used a mechanically braked cycle ergometer, you can apply this protocol to almost any exercise. A few popular examples include hitting a heavy bag, sprinting, jumping rope, or performing bodyweight calisthenics (ex. squats and pushups).

Your first reaction might be, “How effective can this protocol be with just 4 minutes of exercise?”

Let me answer this question for you… VERY EFFECTIVE!

You will be amazed at how intense 4 minutes of exercise will feel. These intervals will tax both the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Tabata Intervals are excellent for those athletes who participate in high intensity sports such as boxing, MMA, or wrestling.

This form of training is also effective for fat loss. Tabata Intervals will raise your body’s metabolic rate long after the exercise session is completed. You will continue to burn fat throughout the day. Many recent studies have confirmed that the powerful “after-effect” of interval training is much more effective (for fat loss) than low-intensity, continuous exercise.

As mentioned, the Tabata protocol can be applied to almost any exercise. The most obvious choice is outdoor sprinting. For example, sprint 20 seconds, then rest (walk) 10 seconds, and continue until you have completed 8 x 20 second sprints. Always begin with a moderate warm-up and cool down session.

This workout will consist of 4 separate Tabata Intervals, each consisting of 4 minutes. The total workout will last 16 minutes.

Incorporate variety into your Tabata Interval workouts. A few sessions per week will offer plenty of intensity. Don’t forget to warmup before performing the workout.

Tabata Bodyweight Workout

Jump Rope or Sprints
Pushups
Hindu Squats
Chins

Understand that to be successful in any weight training program – hard work is a must! Half-hearted effort does nothing for you. If you’re new to weight training or grossly out of shape, consult a physician first. End of disclaimer.

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