Anyone do Tabata and/or crossfit?

[Anonymous]

I just started reading about the Tabata method of internal workouts and wanted to see if anyone here has some good ideas/resources for how to incorporate them. So far I've just tried one, doing intervals on the treadmill at a 10% incline and 7.0 mph for 20 seconds/10 seconds rest. It felt really intense, but I only did that one sequence, so it was basically a 4 minute workout. If you do these, how many do you do? Do you use a stop watch (assuming you're not on a treadmill)? What are some of the moves that work best with Tabata?

I understand that crossfit incorporates this method, but I'm not really interested in joining a crossfit club or gym. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Checkout the workout of the day on the Crossfit website.

[Anonymous]

My trainer had me doing the tabata method. It is a great workout but too intense for me. I had just turned 30 and noticed my weight creeping up (5 feet 3, 115 pounds, very small frame). I didn't really want to lose weight (or more than 2-3 pounds, I have a very tiny frame!) so much as I wanted to stop gaining. I didn't really change my eating habits (pretty healthy eater) and over a year I lost 10 pounds. It was sort of gross. I eventually slowed down the exercise and put back on five.

Anyway, point being - tabata absolutely torched me. He recommended no more than 2x a week, and it's not something you need to do throughout the year. Check out periodicity if you want to do Tabata because it's really intense.

He had me doing 2 sets of the four minutes. They are SO HARD. This was in addition to general strength training and cardio.

I eventually got fed up with being sore and tired all the time and now do really light strength training and yoga in addition to basic cardio. But, I can see Tabatas in my distant future - maybe when the kids are older and I'm in my mid 40s and need to rev up again!

[Anonymous]

Not all CrossFit WODs incorporate Tabata. It is one of many methods CF uses.

As to the comment about revving up with CrossFit or Tabata in your mid-40s, BTDT, got really, really sick from trying to do that, work a demanding job, parent two small children, and get by on 5 or less hours of sleep a night. CrossFit and other very intense met con programs are great if you get enough sleep, eat right, and can devote the time to them. If you don't get enough sleep, you will be toast inside of 6 months.

Signed,
An ex-CrossFitter still in search of the right (and less intense) program

[Anonymous]

I love Crossfit! The great thing about it is that all the workouts are scaled based on ability. I've noticed a huge difference in my body composition. I haven't lost much weight but all my pre-pregnancy clothes fit and some are even a little big. If you are in DC I highly recommend Crossfit MPH --- I really can't say enough good things about the coaches and everyone is super supportive!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not all CrossFit WODs incorporate Tabata. It is one of many methods CF uses.

As to the comment about revving up with CrossFit or Tabata in your mid-40s, BTDT, got really, really sick from trying to do that, work a demanding job, parent two small children, and get by on 5 or less hours of sleep a night. CrossFit and other very intense met con programs are great if you get enough sleep, eat right, and can devote the time to them. If you don't get enough sleep, you will be toast inside of 6 months.

Signed,
An ex-CrossFitter still in search of the right (and less intense) program

Yep, that's my point - when I'm in my mid 40s kids will be almost out of the house. My life is hectic now with working and little ones, but one can hope for a quieter life on the horizon! Agree though, if you want to concentrate on fitness you really need rest and recovery. Right now I am trying to do the bare minimum to stay fit and maintain some muscle, since I just don't have time to commit to something like tabata. But may get into running again when I'm closer to the empty nest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My trainer had me doing the tabata method. It is a great workout but too intense for me. I had just turned 30 and noticed my weight creeping up (5 feet 3, 115 pounds, very small frame). I didn't really want to lose weight (or more than 2-3 pounds, I have a very tiny frame!) so much as I wanted to stop gaining. I didn't really change my eating habits (pretty healthy eater) and over a year I lost 10 pounds. It was sort of gross. I eventually slowed down the exercise and put back on five.

Anyway, point being - tabata absolutely torched me. He recommended no more than 2x a week, and it's not something you need to do throughout the year. Check out periodicity if you want to do Tabata because it's really intense.

He had me doing 2 sets of the four minutes. They are SO HARD. This was in addition to general strength training and cardio.

I eventually got fed up with being sore and tired all the time and now do really light strength training and yoga in addition to basic cardio. But, I can see Tabatas in my distant future - maybe when the kids are older and I'm in my mid 40s and need to rev up again!

OP here, with a question. So, when you say you did 2 sets of four minutes, what actual activity were you doing? I literally have only done Tabata twice, and both times on the treadmill, but they didn't feel that killer. I mean, I felt kind of sick afterward for a minute, but I wasn't any more sore the next day. I guess I'm not doing them at a high enough intensity. I wonder if I should buy a couple of trainer sessions so that I can have someone show me what it's all about. I am 5'8", 156 pounds, and I'm doing weight watchers to get back to my pre-preggo weight of 145. I started out at 170 and have lost 14 so far but these last ten will be difficult, I'm sure.