Tabata Training is one of many forms of HIIT (high intensity interval training), and one of the largest growing trends sought after to achieve a marveled muscle makeover. The benefits are endless; you burn more fat, build a healthier heart, and increase your metabolism all the while. Not to mention, it’s an efficient use of your time, since HIIT offers a larger margin for results in a shorter time frame. Did we mention you don’t even need equipment? There’s also that beautiful attribute.
To better prepare our Sweat Journalers, we turned to Love Sweat and Fitness curator Katie Dunlop for her expertise advice on the subject matter. Below are a few FAQ on Tabata workouts paired with Katie’s responses. See what she has to say before you decide if you’re really about Tabata life.
Q: What is involved in Tabata Training?
Katie: Tabata is a style of HIIT. Typically, you chose an exercise and do it as hard as you can for 20 seconds with a 10 second break and repeat this 8 times. You can also chose 8 different exercises to challenge your entire body even more.
Q: What are the benefits of this type of workout?
Katie: The biggest benefit of these style workouts is that you’re able to burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time and continue to burn even more after your workout is over. Some research has shown that a 4 minute Tabata workout can be more beneficial than a full hour of spin! It also helps increase endurance and stamina which makes it a great workout for everyone, even if weight loss isn’t your goal
Q: Sweat Journal: How would you rate the intensity level of this HIIT program?
Katie: HIGH! The goal is to push your body to the max for the 20 second burst which will leave you out of breath. Also, with such short recover periods, it’s one of the most intense HIIT style of workouts.
Q: Sweat Journal: What’s something everyone should know before signing up for this sort of workout?
Katie: Tabata is an extremely intense style of workout. It’s intended to push your body to the next level and create major change. The 10 seconds breaks will feel like they fly by, but try to get focus on getting your breath back and getting back at it. Make sure you listen to your body, rest when you need to and remember, every time you push your body a little harder, you get stronger!
Q: What’s one of the biggest misconceptions associated with Tabata Training (that you’ve encountered)?
Katie: I think many people are confused about the difference between Tabata and more traditional HIIT workouts. While they are similar, Tabata is truly intended to only be a 4 minute workout. You give your all out effort for each 20 second burst and that’s it, but when you are giving your full out effort, 4 minutes will be plenty! I like using the to push myself after a weight training day or by itself on a day I have SUPER short on time.
Sound good? If you’d like to explore other HIIT options, check out Katie’s YouTube video below.
