What is the Tabata Protocol?
No, “The Tabata Protocol” is not the name of a WWII movie. The Tabata Protocol is a high-intensity interval (HIIT) workout created by Dr. Izumi Tabata of the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Tokyo.
The Tabata Protocol calls for a 6-8 intervals of 20 seconds at maximum effort, with 10 seconds of rest between each interval. The intervals are preceded by a few minutes of warm-up and followed by a short cool-down.
This workout has been shown to increase VO2max at a faster rate than any other workout and takes less than 15 minutes to do. It can be used by runners, cyclists, rowers, speed skaters, cross country skiers, and other athletes as part of their training. The Tatata workout has also been found to burn fat long after it is over, by increasing the athlete’s metabolism.
As with any high-intensity interval workout, there is a somewhat higher risk of injury. If you are not used to running intervals, you should do some strides or short intervals at 90% effort before attempting a Tabata Protocol session.
Have you tried the Tabata Protocol? What were your results? Tell me in the comments.
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