Thinkling about trying Tabata training in Norwich? One of the new training methods we have been using down at EMS Fitness is Tabata training. If you have been working out with Xavi you have probably worked through this high intensity program that requires you to do 20 seconds of very hard exercise, before taking a 10 second break – then repeating the cycle over and over again through a four minute period.
The Type of Exercise
Tabata exercises are usually at the harder end of the scale. Squats, sit ups, short but hard sprints, planks and burpees are often included in the cycle of exercise, giving you a short burst of strong physical activity that can often leave you feeling a little drained. The 10 second break gives you a little time to relax, but not enough to recover fully, helping you keep up your energy and commitment levels.
Warm Ups
As with all exercises, Tabata workouts must start with proper warm-ups. Due to the extreme physical nature of this exercise, it is very important to get the muscles moving and the body acclimatised to the exertion needed for successful Tabata workouts. In the beginning it also pays for people who are starting exercise programs to use easier exercises as a basis for their repetitions.
The Science
Tabata workouts were first developed by Izumi Tabata, who used different lengths of exercise time to see how the energy systems of the body could be maximised. Speed skating athletes used his research to improve peak performance, proving it had a real world application.
Further tests followed on two groups of athletes, one completing traditional long distance endurance training whilst the other adopted Tabata training. The surprising result was that athletes training using the Tabata method could get the same kind of aerobic benefits as hours of physical training making this a very attractive method of working out.
But Not…
Naturally the temptation to extrapolate the benefits of Tabata means that people believe that if you extend the exercise over 20 minutes the benefits will be compounded. However, this is not the case. The trick with Tabata is that the exercise needs to be of a sufficient intensity to really benefit you.
For instance, performing leg raises and bicep curls as part of your Tabata workout will not be as efficient as using other more hardcore exercises like push-ups, squat to overhead press kettlebell exercises or the dreaded burpees.
Want More Information?
If you would like to know more about all kinds of workouts, not only Tabata training, that are perfect for people with busy lives, then you have come to the right place with EMS Fitness. Our trainers have a range of techniques and exercises available for you that are designed to maximise the effectiveness of your activity in limited time windows.
Want to know more about tabata training in Norwich? Simply give Xavi or Beatrice a call and come work out with us…