Cardio For Cardio Haters: Workout Smarter Not Harder
Learn more about SCL Health's Heart and Vascular Care and Sports Medicine Services and Treatments.
Running isn't for everyone. Between the heat, the impact on your knees, and the whole exercising in public thing. Thankfully, there is another way to get your heart pumping. And it'll burn even more calories.
Staying in good shape is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy. If you don't love running like me, high-intensity interval training or Tabata workouts are an excellent way to get a great cardio workout in a short time.
Introducing Tabata
Tabata training was developed by a Japanese scientist Dr. Izumi Tabata. His team compared two groups of athletes. One that did moderate exercise five days a week for one hour. And the other that exercised four days a week but only for four minutes. Amazingly, The second group improved their cardiovascular system better than the first.
How do you Tabata?
- Work out hard for 20 seconds.
- Rest for 10 seconds.
- Complete eight rounds.
Make it enjoyable by doing a Tabata workout routine that targets different muscle groups. For example, a 20-minute workout could include:
- Push-ups
- Burpees
- Squats
- Mountain Climbers
Disclaimer: Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.
