The warm sun on your skin, the salty ocean breeze, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore – there’s nothing quite like working out on the beach.
And when it comes to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), there’s no better method than Tabata. Originally developed in Japan, Tabata is a type of HIIT that involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief periods of rest. With its simple yet effective approach, Tabata can help you burn fat, build muscle, and boost your overall fitness.
Here’s what you need to know to get started:.
What is Tabata?
Tabata is a type of HIIT that was developed by Dr. Izumi Tabata in the 1990s. It involves working out at maximum intensity for 20 seconds, followed by a 10-second rest period, for a total of four minutes.
During the 20-second work period, you perform an exercise at maximum effort – whether it’s sprinting, push-ups, or squats. Then, during the 10-second rest period, you recover before going back into another 20-second work period. This cycle is repeated for a total of four minutes, or eight cycles.
Why is Tabata Effective?
Tabata is one of the most effective types of HIIT because it pushes your body to its limits.
During the 20-second work period, you’re giving your all – which means you’re elevating your heart rate, building strength and endurance, and burning calories. Then, during the 10-second rest period, you’re allowing your body to recover just enough to go back into another intense work period.
This type of training has been shown to increase your metabolism and improve your cardiovascular health, making it a great option for overall fitness and weight loss.
How to do Tabata on the Beach
If you’re ready to take your workout to the beach, here’s how to get started with Tabata:.
: Step 1
Choose your exercises. Whether you’re running in the sand, doing burpees, or jumping jacks, choose exercises that challenge you and work your whole body. You can use your own bodyweight or bring along some resistance bands or dumbbells.
: Step 2
Set your timer. You can use your phone, a stopwatch, or a Tabata timer app to keep track of your 20-second work and 10-second rest periods.
: Step 3
Warm up. Before you start your Tabata workout, make sure you warm up your muscles with some light cardio and dynamic stretches. Try jogging on the beach or doing some lunges.
: Step 4
Start your workout. Once you’re warmed up, it’s time to start your first Tabata cycle. Pick an exercise and perform it at maximum effort for 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat this cycle for eight rounds, or four minutes.
Then, take a one-minute break before moving on to your next exercise. Repeat this cycle until you’ve completed all your exercises.
: Step 5
Cool down. Once you’ve completed your Tabata workout, it’s important to cool down with some static stretches. Focus on stretching your hamstrings, quads, and calves.
Beach Tabata Workout Routine
Here’s an example of a beach Tabata workout routine:.
Exercise 1: Jump Squats
Perform jump squats for 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat for eight rounds.
Push-Ups: Exercise 2
Perform push-ups for 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat for eight rounds.
Burpees: Exercise 3
Perform burpees for 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat for eight rounds.
Exercise 4: Mountain Climbers
Perform mountain climbers for 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat for eight rounds.
Plank: Exercise 5
Hold a plank for 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat for eight rounds.