Dr. Izumi Tabata of the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Tokyo, Japan developed a great method of interval training now referred to as Tabata training or Tabata intervals. This protocol sees eight rounds of 20 seconds of effort followed by 10 seconds of rest. The results were published in Medicine and Science in Sports & Exercise in 1996. Here is a great article if you want more info. We use the protocol a lot at CrossFit Victoria to great effect.
I have been thinking about applying the principle to my work life to see what happens. Perhaps I’ll work hard for 20 minutes and then rest for 10 minutes or maybe 10 on then 5 off. I’ll focus intently for the work periods and then read, surf the web, have a cup of coffee or whatever for the rest period. Given that we waste 40% of our time anyway I think I’ll end up ahead and feel better too.
If you’re game to give it a try, please post a comment about your results.
3 responses so far ↓
coxfitness // December 3, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I use the tabata method with different exercises in my Bootcamp class. Clients hate the work, but love the results.
Greg Cox
BS,MS,CSCS,NSCA-CPT
http://www.coxfitness.com
Adam Stanecki // December 3, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Greg, our athletes ‘love’ it too. It’s an amazing developer of mental as well as physical fitness.
Joanne Butler // December 4, 2008 at 6:33 am
My bootcamp attendees have a love/hate relationship with Tabatas too. They certainly improve fitness quickly though in even the most unfit individuals and everyone can work at their own ‘max’ level at the same time.
Like gas stations in rural Texas after 10 pm, comments are closed.