Tabata and you

Tabata protocol

I've been using HIIT training for a while now, but I hadn't heard of Tabata until recently. In short, it's a simple 20 seconds on, 10 seconds rest ratio you perform with any exercise you want, whether sprinting, squats, bench presses, or what have you.

I had first heard about this when I had stumbled into a program used by George St. Pierre of MMA fame. Not a big MMA fan myself, but I can recognize results when I see them. After trying this out a couple of times, I can really vouch for its efficacy; after 4 minutes of sprinting, I'm seeing stars and have bile creeping up my throat. It's brutal, but time-efficient and effective.

I use a treadmill so I can modify and monitor the elements of my workout. I usually do sprints at 8.5 mph, going up .5 mph every two weeks, with a 5-degree incline. If you've already got a fitness plan going and want results, definitely check out tabata.