tabata vs intervals

RobAMerc

ok, I know tabata is a form of interval training.

I normally do 8 * 30 secs ( @ 80%) plus 1 min recovery on the rower, but read about tabata training the other day so gave it a try as I was running late.

warmed up then 20 flat out plus 10 secs recovery.
Now I realise I am losing out on almost 80 secs of rowing but the intensity is that mush higher and the recovery that much shorter ( i.e. the shortest 10 secs of your life ) that I feel totally pooped after it.

So - is tabata as effective ?
3 * intervals as above plus a fast commute and a longer cycle the odd week is about all the cardio I get really, so I am worried I am losing fitness even if the weight is staying off.

Hanley

There's a lot more to the Tabata method than 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off, but for your purposes the details probably don't matter too much.

Just consider it interval training done in a 20 on/10 off format and don't worry too much about it.

Try to produce a higher average wattage, or higher total distance covered. Or both. Look for progression!!

You're already doing some longer duration cardio too so you've got that base covered.

HammerHeadGym

There is no golden goose. If one method was far and away better than the others, we'd all be doing it. Look for a mixture, to stop your body from adapting.

Mellor

High intensity intervals are good. Don't worry about the name.

RobAMerc

Hanley wrote: »

There's a lot more to the Tabata method than 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off, but for your purposes the details probably don't matter too much.

I've done a bit of searching on the web and I haven't come up with much other than 20 on 10 off. Can you explain what you mean by a lot more pls.

Thanks
Rob

Hanley

RobAMerc wrote: »

I've done a bit of searching on the web and I haven't come up with much other than 20 on 10 off. Can you explain what you mean by a lot more pls.

Thanks
Rob

Check out Lyle McDonald's page (body recomposition) or do a search here. It's been done to death!

RobAMerc

Hanley wrote: »

Check out Lyle McDonald's page (body recomposition) or do a search here. It's been done to death!

thanks Hanley, I did just that. Now I'm even more confused, seems I may be over doing it!

Hanley

RobAMerc wrote: »

thanks Hanley, I did just that. Now I'm even more confused, seems I may be over doing it!

K.I.S.S – how do you feel? Are you recovering ok? Are you making improving your distance/time/weight used for the intervals?

If you feel alright, and things are progressing, you’re probably ok.

RobAMerc

Hanley wrote: »

K.I.S.S – how do you feel? Are you recovering ok? Are you making improving your distance/time/weight used for the intervals?

If you feel alright, and things are progressing, you’re probably ok.

the truth is no, I feel quite shattered at the moment, I really only do intervals after weight's 3 times a week plus, one kettle bells session, some fast bike commuting and the very odd long ride at the weekends. I also follow a fairly low carb diet, fairly low not no carb mind, but 0 sugar, pasta, high carb veg or baked goods of any type.
From reading this, article Steady State Vs Interval, I may be overdoing it.
However I also have a 2 year old kid who thinks he is in the ring with Hulk Hogan for every waking minute which may be part of it.