Tabata Training

Definition

A high-intensity interval training protocol consisting of 20 seconds of maximum effort followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated 8 times. It's essentially organized suffering in four-minute intervals.

Example Usage

I did a Tabata workout this morning and questioned all my life choices by rep three.

Origin

Named after Japanese scientist Izumi Tabata, who published a study on the protocol in 1996.

Fun Fact

Tabata's original research used stationary bikes and showed participants could improve both aerobic and anaerobic capacity simultaneously.

Source: Tabata et al., Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (1996)

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