Tabata Intervals – The Ultimate Quick Workout

February 20, 2009 · Filed Under Fast Fat Loss 
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Today I’m going to talk to you about Tabata Intervals which are one of my favorite exercises to burn fat, build more muscle, build strength and improve your cardiovascular endurance in some pretty incredible ways.

So if you’re looking for something that’s going to do all these things, tabata intervals are the way to go!

And unlike other people, I’m going to tell you about the truth about tabata intervals. Because although most people make them sound like they’re some magical exercise, the truth is..they’re not.

They’re just close :)

So What Is A Tabata Interval?

Essentially it’s just 20 seconds of 100% all out high intensity exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest. This would complete 1 cycle.

You would do this for a total of 8 cycles.

Now the big premise about this is that you can get an incredible workout in just 4 minutes, and that’s completely true.

Trust me, by the end of 4 minutes you’re at the point where you’re contemplating suicide (haha, just kidding of course!).

Ok so let me give you an example of 1 workout you could do. Keep in mind that with various fitness levels you’re going to use different exercises, just do something hard enough that by the end of the first 20 seconds, you’re already breathing hard.

Remember, this is supposed to be very intense!

Ok so here’s an example:

Round 1 – Sprints 20 seconds
Rest 10 seconds

Round 2 – Pushups 20 seconds
Rest 10 seconds

Round 3 – Pullups 20 seconds
Rest 10 seconds

Round 4 – Burpees 20 seconds
Rest 10 seconds

Now you just repeat all 4 rounds for a total of 8 exercises and you’re done!

By the way you could also use just 1 single exercise and do it 8 times, such as jumping rope as fast as possible, just make sure it’s a full-body workout.

Gymboss Interval Timer

This tabata interval timer makes it much easier!

By the way, here’s an AWESOME timer you can use (I personally use it) that you can set up in 10 and 20 second intervals so you don’t have to be bothered with looking at the time, which is a huge concentration killer in a workout like this – www.gymboss.com

Can Tabata Intervals Really Give You The Workout Most People Say They Do?

Well in my opinion, that’s a yes and a no.

You see, a lot of people out there try to make them sound like they’re some kind of miracle workout when they’re really not.

Sure they’re absolutely incredible, but they’re not going to burn more calories than a 30-45 minute workout (maybe unless you’re simply walking).

The real power of tabata intervals lies in the fact that you can get a very similar workout in 4 minutes instead of 30 or even 45 minutes.

However, you have to be able to handle how intense it can be.

Plus, your intensity level is also going to dictate how many calories you burn. For example, if you did 8 intervals of sprints, you’re going to burn a lot more calories than if you did 8 intervals of pushups, squats, etc.

What I would suggest doing is maybe starting off with this 4 minute workout, then finishing it with some moderate intensity exercise. So instead of working out for 45-60 minutes, you can cut that down to 20-30 minutes.

But That’s Not Even The Biggest Benefit Of Tabata Intervals

Sure tabata intervals are fun and great and everything, but in my opinion the biggest benefit comes from the fact that you’ll NEVER have an excuse to not workout again.

If you’re running short on time, just drop down and do some of these intervals and in 4 minutes you’re ready to go!

I mean come on, who can’t spare 4 lousy minutes?

So if you think this is something you’d like to try out, I highly recommend it. And if you try it out and like it, I VERY highly recommend taking a look at this timer and grabbing one for yourself.

It’s cheap, effective, and makes for a great workout – www.gymboss.com

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Here Are A Few Related Posts To Check Out

  1. This Bodyweight Exercise Routine Will Leave You Breathless!
  2. Why Slow, Traditional Cardio Is NOT Dead
  3. What Happens When You Stop Being “Healthy”
  4. 5 Reasons Ab Exercises Are WORTHLESS

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