Tabata ideas

(image from sfuk.tripod.com)

I found out this week, by sneakily reading a friends facebook page, Gymboss (the wee little gadget that I just LOVE) has its own iPhone app.  My hubby has downloaded it for his gym sessions. I still think the small clip-on version is better than taking your iPhone to the gym, but its somewhere to start.

There are loads of ways to use the Gymboss, but I thought I might post some Tabata ideas to help you along the way. Remember that Tabata is about flat-out rock-hard work. You may not be able to finish all 8 rounds - AND you should try to perform as many reps as possible in the 20 secs work set. And yes making funny grunting noises is permitted!

Bodyweight squats  although when I do the squats rather than walk around for 10 seconds, I hold the squat in the down position, your legs will just burn.
Sprints  I forgot just how hard it is to sprint - it seemed so easy when I was at school!
Try these exercises too, burpees, squat jumps, lunge jumps, dumbbell or kettlebell swings, exercise bike (for some reason this one just kills me! - I keep the cadence about 120 rpm with high resistance)

My friend Jane over at Urbanfitt.com has a great article on Tabata thats worth checking out too! And I believe is bringing Tabata to Toronto! I might just head over and try one of those classes!

Whats your favourite Tabata exercise?

Gymboss Winner!

Congratulations to Michele who has won herself a cute pink Gymboss!!

I *heart* Tabata!!!

My ideal type of workout goes something like this: a 5 min warm-up; followed by supersets of functional exercises with weights; mixed up with tabata, sprints and/or countdowns with burpees; some chin-ups; and finally runs up and down the four flights of stairs at my local gym.

Now if you asked me what part I like best, I'd have to say tabata.  I just love how it hurts like hell, but only lasts four minutes.  My favourite exercises to do tabata-style are squat push/press, dumbbell swings or cycling on a stationary bike.  It's a really challenging workout so the last thing you want to do - or even can do - is try to keep time.  This is where my Gymboss comes in handy: you can set the timer on a Gymboss to do whatever duration you want for however many reps.  For tabata, this means 20 seconds of work, 10 seconds of rest, eight times, but you can use it for any kind of interval training.  It's a real must-have for the fitness fanatic like you and me.

Want to WIN your own Gymboss? Tell me your favourite type of heart-pumping exercise by leaving a comment below. Enter  by Friday, February 12th at 11:59 P.M. EST and the winner will be announced on Sunday.  Good luck!