People often use this form of workout to improve their cardiovascular fitness, but Tabata training is versatile and can also be used to improve weight training and core strength. Beginners should concentrate on cardio, such as running, cycling, and rowing, or bodyweight exercises. Whatever your focus, to get the most out of your workout, it is important you choose exercises that engage a large number of muscles.
It’s recommended that you do a 5-minute, full-body dynamic warm up before you attempt your first set of Tabata. A dynamic warm-up consists of a series of movements that will engage the muscles you are going to use in your workout. This warm-up will increase your body temperature and range of motion and activate your nervous system. When done properly a dynamic warm-up can improve your performance.
Mix and match these exercises to create a 5-minute dynamic warm-up. Make sure you choose exercises that engage the muscle groups you plan to work out.
If you’re new to fitness or are short on time, do one set of Tabata exercises two to three times a week. To get the most out of your workout, it is important to give your body time to rest. Leave a day or two between workouts for your muscles to recover. Once you’re ready to get started, all you will need for most of these exercises is a stopwatch (we use the timer on our phone) and lots of motivation. There are endless options for exercises you can use in your Tabata workout. I have listed below a few for you to choose from based on your fitness level and goals.
Tabata doesn’t involve many risks; however, due to its high intensity, I don’t recommend it for heart patients or people with high blood pressure. This type of interval training rapidly increases your heart rate, so it is recommended that you consult your doctor before adding Tabata to your workout regime.
There is also a risk of injury when you are performing any exercise; however, this risk can increase when you increase intensity and speed. Make sure you are comfortable performing the exercises and can maintain proper form at a moderate pace before incorporating them into your Tabata routine. If you have questions about form or technique, seek out a professional trainer for advice and assistance.
