If you're wondering what is tabata, this energizing workout routine that gets the heart pumping, then look no further! This handy guide will answer all of your questions and get you ready to jump in with both feet (literally!).

Many people enjoy being active and finding workout plans that help them achieve their fitness goals. Some people can stick to that same routine for years, while others like to explore new fitness plans.
If you are looking for a new workout routine that is high energy, fast-paced and goes hard on intensity, then you may be interested in Tabata. Tabata is a HIIT workout that began in Japan and has made its way all over the world.
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If you are intrigued by Tabata, continue reading this article to learn more all about what it is!
What Is Tabata?
First, let's discuss what Tabata is. In order to start a new fitness routine, you must know the ins and out of what it entails. Tabata uses interval training to help you get the most heart-pumping working in the shortest amount of time.
Each interval lasts 20 seconds with 10 seconds of rest in between them. After eight rounds, you take a one minute to a minute and a half breather, then begin again with a new exercise.
Some people do a few rounds, some people go for 20 minutes, and those who have conditioned their bodies can do Tabata for about one hour.
The most common exercises performed while doing a Tabata routine include:
- Burpees
- Jump Squats
- High Knees
- Tuck Jumps
- Planks Jacks
- Jumping Jacks
- Mountain Climbers
- Lunges
- Push-Ups
Each of these exercises is a cardio-based method that will help elevate your heart rate and help you burn calories and strengthen your core. Combine a few together to customize your Tabata workout to better suit your needs.
Tabata is great because you can switch up the workout as needed for your body. If you want to do planks, push-ups, burpees one day, crunches, jumping jacks, and mountain climbers the next day, you can! Tabata is completely customizable!
Can Anyone Do Tabata?
All workouts should first be discussed with your doctor. A routine checkup will let you know if you are healthy enough to begin such a high-intensity workout. Talk with your doctor about what Tabata is, and what you are looking to benefit from it.
Your doctor will let you know if your body can handle such a high-paced regimen, and may give you other advice on which things to watch out for or avoid.
Once you are all cleared to start this exercise, take into consideration your fitness level. If you are new to working out, you may want to take it slow at first.
Begin with exercising for only a few minutes. Don't be discouraged if you can't make it through an hour of Tabata at first. *We couldn't!
Build up to that hour over a course of a few weeks. Start with 5 minutes for week one, and increase each week. Eventually you will become more skilled and have a better ability to achieve longer Tabata workouts.
Should I Do Anything Before Starting Tabata?
As we said above, always consult with your doctor before starting any workout routine, especially a high-intensity workout like Tabata. But should you do anything else before starting Tabata?
The answer is yes. First, you want to always make sure that you warm up before any workout. Warming up helps your body prepare for the stress that it is about to endure.
Warming up increases your core temperature and heart rate. Warming up before exercise helps prevent heart attacks and allows your body to limber up, which reduces your risk of injury.
Once you are warmed up, you are ready to begin Tabata.
Are Their Health Benefits To Tabata?
Yes, yes, and yes! Tabata has many health benefits that we will discuss below. The Health benefits of exercise are anything that enhances your overall well-being.
Burns Fat
One of the main benefits of Tabata is its ability to burn fat. You'll burn many calories per hour, which can easily help put you into a calorie deficit when paired with a proper diet.
Tabata's high intensity helps raise your heart rate. Increasing your heart rate helps improve your metabolism, which essentially helps you burn calories all day.
Doing Tabata a few days per week for an hour-long session can easily help you burn extra calories. However, if you are not wanting to burn fat, make sure to increase your caloric intake!
Increases Endurance
Tabata is great for endurance. Endurance is your body's ability to withstand intense situations. Tabata helps increase your body's endurance. It keeps you conditioned and enhances your overall performance.
Improves Energy
Tabata is great for improving energy. While you may think that Tabata would deplete your energy, because it is so demanding of your body, the opposite is actually true.
Tabata increases your aerobic and anaerobic functionality.
Your aerobic functionality is your body's ability to move oxygen throughout your body, essentially supplying you with the energy needed to complete daily life, and cardio.
Anaerobic functionality is your body's ability to use the glucose stored in your muscles to perform physical activity, such as lifting weights or short bursts of intense activity.
Tabata targets each of these systems allowing your body to function at its full capacity and increasing your oxygen levels.
What We Think
If you are on the lookout for a new fitness routine that will increase your overall health and ability, Tabata may be the perfect solution for you! It will get your systems moving and your heart racing, while keeping your body energized and conditioned.
We especially enjoy this exercise option as you can get a fast workout in without any equipment. Additionally, you don't have to be fit to get started. You can modify any routine to fit you best as you progress!
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