aNewDomain — Professor Izumi Tabata created what is now known as the “Tabata exercise.” This is a specific method of training that athletes use and consists of very short bursts of intense working out.
It begins with 10 seconds of rest — you really begin to enjoy those 10 seconds — and then dives into 20 seconds of intensive exercise. In those 20 seconds you pick one exercise and do as many reps as you can. Repeat this eight times in four minutes, which is the full “set,” and you’ll be huffing and puffing.
I usually use the Tabata method when I’m in a time crunch. I like to alternate between jump squats and burpees for the first set. For the second set I get into isolating various body muscles, like push-up jacks for upper body, lunges and mountain climbers for lower body and I work the abs with crunches or Russian twists. For my third and fourth sets I usually do some cardio, but also alternate with more muscle work. By the end, I’m sore and have thoroughly worked out.
The App
The Tabata Stopwatch Pro does a number of things, but it’s founded on one solid principle: Tabata timing. The app has clear and flawless designs that keep you on track with the Tabata workout. It also looks good, which I like in an app.
There are handy interval beeps, two color themes and a big, perfect stopwatch to keep you huffing and puffing. It’s free for Android on Google Play, though there are in-app purchases that cost $5.99. It’s $5.99 up front for Apple iOS.
Good luck!
For aNewDomain, I’m Cassandra Chin.
Body images: Screenshots courtesy of Google Play
Featured image: Tabata by Sigurbjörg Jóhannesdóttir via Flickr
