What is Tabata and why is it such a great workout for fat loss?

What is Tabata?

Originally developed by Izumi Tabata and Irisawa Koichi, Tabata is a type of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) that involves alternating short period of intense aerobic exercises with short rest periods. An example of such a workout would be running very fast up and down on a step for 20 seconds, resting for 10 seconds, and repeating this cycle 8 times.

Why is it a great workout for fat loss?

Let’s talk about human physiology in simple terms. Your body uses energy systems to convert food into energy. Your muscles use this energy to contract, pull on bones, and therefore create movements. Energy is stored in your body as glycogen or as fatty acids and broken down to meet the energy demand that your body needs. Typically, glucose is used to meet your energy needs, and fat is only used under special conditions. When the energy demand during an intense exercise gets beyond the capacity that glucose has to offer, your body turns to burning fat for energy. The higher the intensity of exercise, the more the energy demand, and therefore the more likely it is that your body will turn to fat to meet that energy demand.

HIIT workouts like Tabata are typically anaerobic which means that they are not necessarily designed for losing weight (Since burning fat requires an aerobic state). However, if done correctly, because the workout is so energy demanding, breaking down glucose no longer becomes sufficient in meeting your energy needs. Therefore your body turns to breaking down fat into energy the moment you enter an aerobic state during the workout. Compared to most aerobic exercise programs, HIIT workouts have a better chance of using fat reserve for energy.

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