Tabata workout

Dr. Izumi Tabata of Japan quantified the positive effects of high intensity training on aerobic and anaerobic conditioning. He developed a regimen now referred to as a Tabata workout. The routine consists of doing a challenging whole body exercise, for example, squats, at top speed for 20 seconds, then resting for 10 seconds (walking in place), and repeating that sequence 8 times. That takes 4 minutes. The routine is repeated with another exercise, like lunges. Then with skaters. And so on. A 20 minute workout (5 exercises) is the limit for most fit people. The point is to do all this at max performance. A simple Google search turned up a dozen web sites with instructions and illustrative videos. Because timing is a key element of the workout, there are Tabata apps for cell phones and tablets to assist in keeping to the schedule. 

 

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I have been going to a fitness class for seniors. It meets for an hour 3 days a week at the community center. The instructors use a lot of different types of stretching, warm up, conditioning, balance, and strengthening exercises. The last couple of sessions have included a Tabata workout.

 

As far as I am concerned, the whole thing is nuts. I am not familiar with the exercise, coordinated enough to complete it properly, nor fit enough to do it at top speed for 20 seconds. So, it is just a lot of flailing and jerking around. It could be downright dangerous. I was looking for a peaceful yoga routine and some gentle movement and balance exercises - old people stuff. However, I am game and the instructors are quick to teach modified versions of the exercise suitable for folks with impaired balance, bad joints, or other ailments. I am trying to substantially improve my fitness and learn new things, so I am sticking with it. It is definitely a pail tale.