Tabata Will Be Your New Favorite Exercise For Weight Loss

If you're looking for something fresh and invigorating to spruce up your workout regimen with, we have just the game plan for you. Tabata workouts are a time-efficient way to get your body into shape and surpass your weight loss goals. Here's all the info you need to get into it.

If you're unfamiliar with Tabata workouts, gear up for your new favorite way to sweat. According to Cleveland Clinic, Tabata is a type of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that involves quicker, more rigorous workouts. Read on to learn more about the secret effects of Tabata workouts and why this kind of fitness routine will help you sculpt a lean body. And next, be sure to check out The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.

Tabata workouts boost your metabolism, improve your endurance, and build lean muscle

woman doing mountain climbers for weight loss — Shutterstock

We spoke with Jacquie Smith, a certified integrative nutrition health coach and fitness instructor who defines Tabata as a kind of HIIT workout, but a bit "more intense." Smith tells Eat This, Not That! that Tabata consists of intervals that are performed at a maximum intensity level, with little breaks to rest.

She explains why this routine is such a great choice, and we're honestly Team Tabata. "Tabata workouts are beneficial, as they are time-efficient, require little to no equipment, quickly raise your heart rate, improve your metabolism and endurance, and sculpt lean muscles." And Smith is not exaggerating one bit when she says they're efficient. "These workouts are super effective, as each Tabata round is only 4 minutes—8 rounds of 20 seconds of high-intensity exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest," she tells us.

It's an easy commitment to start, and it can work well with most schedules! According to Smith, a typical plan is to perform one exercise each round, with each workout lasting a max of 20 minutes.

They're a great weight loss method

man doing jump rope Tabata warmup exercise for weight loss — Shutterstock

Trying to work towards your weight loss goals, get toned, and sculpt the figure of your dreams? Well, get excited. "[Tabata] is a great workout to lose weight, as this type of movement is considered an anaerobic workout, which allows you to burn more calories during and after the workout," according to Smith.

She cautions females, though, to only perform a Tabata workout during your ovulation or follicular phase of your monthly cycle. The reason is that during that time of the month, your body is packed with the most energy, making it the best time to "support your hormones." Doing the exercise during your menstrual or luteal phase may increase inflammation and lead to your body storing fat.

These are some of the most productive exercises to incorporate in your Tabata workout

woman doing burpees exercise in gym as part of tabata workout for weight loss — Shutterstock

Smith is a major fan of bodyweight floor exercises in every routine, including Tabata workouts. She shares the absolute best movements you can incorporate in your Tabata regimen: