Tabata Training Method

Tabata Pro 

Ever heard of Tabata training?!?

I'm constantly learning new tips and fun facts about the fitness industry through my Personal Training course at the Australian Institute of Fitness. The latest and greatest training method I've learned about that I'm keen to share with my readers is Tabata!

Tabata is a form of high intensity interval training that was developed by Japanese scientists who were conducting studies on athletes.

They compared athletes that were doing moderate vs high intensity interval training. They found that even though the group of athletes doing high intensity training were actually training less often, they still achieved greater increases in BOTH their aerobic and anaerobic systems over the test period.

The basic outline of the Tabata training method explains that each Tabata session only needs to be 4 minutes long!!

Quicker results from short, speedy workouts. Sounds great right?! But do you think it sounds easy? Think again!

The 4 minute session will consist of:
* 20 seconds of intense training
* 10 seconds of rest
* Total of 8 sessions or rounds

Tabata App for iPhone

The general Tabata timing structure can be applied to any range of exercises. However, as always with fitness it's very important to develop a balanced program which contains push, pull and leg exercises, to ensure you work your body evenly.

Tabata training is short, efficient and can fit into almost any fitness program. Don't knock it until you've tried it (and trained in it!) because if you use decent weights and perform every 20 second set to your maxiumum potential you'll quickly realised it's a hectic workout!!!

Hope you enjoy your session as much as I did. Happy training!

http://tabatatraining.org

Pilates Strength & Stamina

Hadn't planned to hit a fitness studio today but was visiting a friend Bayswater and happened to drive past the WA Pilates Studio. Parked the car to take a better look and realised they had a Strength & Stamina pilates class starting at 5:45pm. Was an opportunity too good to pass up!

Really pleased to have the chance to check out studios on the 'far side' of town. Living up in Sorrento has meant I often visit studios in the northern suburbs. But obviously this is a blog about Perth and I'm keen to get out and hit classes across the city. And want to keep my readers happy! If you know any cool classes, anywhere in Perth, that you think I should visit let me know and I'll join you for a workout :)

Phil led this 45 minute session at a steady and consistent pace. It was really great to attend a pilates class led by a male instructor. There was a lot of initial focus on stretching and moving your body through the postures which gradually built up into stronger and longer exercises. The title of this class 'Strength and Stamina' was spot on and definitely a great way to end a Monday!

• DETAILS: Monday evening, 5:45-6:30pm. The WA Pilates Studio, 1070 Beaufort Street, Bedford.
• COST: $15.00 per casual class
• TEACHER: Phil
• BEST BITS: This studio doesn't look like much from the outside but indoors it is lovely, fresh and clean with nice mats, large mirrors and decent equipment.
• THE WA PILATES STUDIO: www.pilateswa.com.au

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★ 

Pilates for a Healthy Life

Revisited Healthy Life Fitness Centre to use their great facilities and massive upstairs group fitness room. This time decided to check out a pilates class. The teacher, Lisa, was very patient and dedicated effort to explaining and demonstrating each exercise and showing us what not to do. Sounds simple but very important to know because it's often easy to take a shortcut option which will not only minimize the benefit of the exercise but sometimes add additional strain or stress to weak points in the body like your neck and lower back.

Noticed a few familiar faces from the Yoga class I took at this gym a few weeks back. Great to see a few regulars who clearly love this gym and come back time and time again. Based on my experiences I'm happy to say that I'll be back again soon too!

Check below for more info...

• DETAILS: Thursday morning, 8:15am-9:15pm. Healthy Life Fitness Centre.
• COST: $17.00 per casual class
• TEACHER: Lisa
• BRING: You need to bring along your own mat, a towel to support your head, neck or knees and a water bottle.
• BEST BITS: Liked that Lisa spent time explaining the postures for the benefit of everyone in the class.
• HEALTHY LIFE FITNESS CENTRE TIMETABLE: www.healthylifefitness.com.au

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★

Back to Bec for more PT

Although most of the time I believe that change is good, familiarity also has its advantages.

Having felt a little maxed out from the massively varied fitness options I've attempted over the past few weeks I decided to re-group with my close girlfriends and again visit their PT, Bec, who runs training sessions in East Vic Park. This was literally a last minute decision to join in and I was swiftly picked up en-route to training and switched outfits in the carpark. Was well worth the effort though.

Personal trainers are a great choice because they provide variety in the exercises they set out for you, but continuity in the fact that your general expectations of the session can be the same. The trainer gets to know you personally, then tailors your training program to suit your areas of strength... and weakness.

That's right, you heard me. Weakness. Don't be fooled into thinking that getting a personal trainer is a great way to only do the fun exercises that you really enjoy. Their role is to motivate, even push, you into challenging yourself and exceeding the limitations you may perceive are there.

It was great to see Bec again, to combine that familiar recognition element with a variety of new exercises. This time we held weights above our head and in front of us while running and side stepping plus did sit-ups, planks and squats.

Like I said, personal trainers do push you. In a good way ;)