Subject :Tabata training (4 minute cardio training that actually yields great results)
Hi all,
After many years of searching for a fitness regime that works for me, I have discovered what is known as Tabata training. I've had some major issues with my back in the past, and beyond that, I get pretty bored and frustrated with long sessions of moderate cardio. I'm not a huge fan of staring at the wall, or a TV in the gym! I wanted something intense that yields real results, with none of the marketing hype that comes with it.
Tabata training is essentially a four minute workout which demands that you use as much of your cardio capacity as possible. You exercise hard and fast for 20 seconds on, and then have 10 seconds rest. There are four different exercises per session, and you go through two sets of each.
I looked online for some solid workout routines to follow, and after exerting too much of my search-fu energy, I finally found some cool vids from Bex at bexlife.com.
I've been using her workouts as a guide for about two months now, and although I'm not a fan of using scales, I have gone down two notches on my belt, and most of my jeans are getting loose. My stamina levels have improved alot too.
The youtube series Bex has created for the Tabata training is called 'You have four minutes.' You can watch it here
Wikipedia has some interesting info on Tabata training and research that has gone into it. Lots of people are saying that short sessions of Tabata/interval training results in greater weight loss than lengthier sessions of moderate cardio exercise. Take a look here on wikipedia if you'd like to do some research on the topic :)
PS: I have developed a hard-hitting audio file that you can use while doing the tabata workout. I will put it up online for free download if anyone is interested in using it. Alternatively, you can find other Tabata timers for free if you search for them in google. I find that the one I developed is a little more 'powerful' as it has a strong rhthmic beat and some powerful guitars and electronica to keep your energy up during this punishing workout. Yes, this workout will really test your limits, but the results are awesome.
Enjoy! |
