tabata vs cardio help|!!!!!

slimsdown
slimsdown Posts: 122 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
i have been recommended by friends to do tabata(high-intensity workout routine ) everyday for 3 mins instead of trying to fit in 30mins of cardio a day.
im still not sure if 3 mins will do enough
i tried a routine last night and was out of breath so i know it does get ur heart racing but will it help me lose weight?

Replies

  • OkRebeccaJay
    OkRebeccaJay Posts: 40 Member
    I started a boot camp on monday and the session uses tabata format, I must say that for me personally, it feels to have done much more than 30 mins on a treadmill/ cross trainer/ other purely cardio workout.

    It mixes up more 'static' exercises like the plank with more explosive ones like burpees, so the cardio is still in there, but you are getting the toning and conditioning also.

    Im not sure about only doing 3 mins tho - we do 30 seconds of work followed by 15 seconds rest, for 5 different exercises totaling 6 minutes, but then this is repeated another 4 times after a 30 sec rest in between 'rounds' totaling 5 6 minute rounds.

    If you want to set your own pattern for 'work/rest' this site is good as you can customise the length of time and the number of rounds http://www.beach-fitness.com/tabata/

    Hope this helps a bit!
  • martinh78
    martinh78 Posts: 601
    I wouldn't use it as your only method of training. It's quite advanced in that you have to work flat out, maximal exertion, a point where you really cannot put anymore effort in and your reaching your heart rate max.

    I don't know how fit you are at the moment but I'd not be trying this as a beginner or if you are very overweight. If you are at risk of heart attacks or strokes I definiately would seek medical advice first.

    It does have benefits as part of a training program, in that it enhances aerobic and anearobic performance. But does 3mins of tabata burn more calories than 30mins of moderate-hard exercise? I doubt it. Be interested to try it though as I am a big fan of interval training.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Tabata or other hiit type workouts are a good way to speed up your metabolism with a short workout. But if you prefer (and have time for) regular cardio go ahead and do it. When I do tabata, I usually stack 3 or 4 of them together for a total of 12-16 mins.

    And tabata is 4 mins, not 3.
  • slimsdown
    slimsdown Posts: 122 Member
    thanks for all your advice, :-)
  • ToBeCountry
    ToBeCountry Posts: 81 Member
    Anyone here heard of Max T3 DVD from Maximized Living?
    Similar concept I'm thinking to Tabata.
    Do you log out as cardio?

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