Are you short on time but really need to get an intense workout? Are you ready to push your 5K time a little lower? Are you prepared to take your HIIT to a new level? Then it’s time to try tabata training.
Tabata training, or tabata intervals, came out of a 1996 study by Izumi Tabata. The study compared short ultra high intensity interval training with long steady state cardio (the “fat burning zone” intensity on your favorite cardio machine).
The study found that the tabata group, performing just eight cycles of 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest, had similar VO2max improvements to the group performing longer steady state workouts. But the tabata group was the only group to show improved anaerobic capacity, meaning you can push a little farther and little faster when running, cycling or any other fitness activity.
Got your interval timer ready? Set it for eight rounds of 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest. Then pick one of my five favorite exercises for tabata intervals. Let’s get started!
