Quick and to the point: The Tabata Protocol may sound like the title of a new sci-fi movie. But it’s actually an effective training method developed by Izumi Tabata, a health and sports science professor and researcher in Japan who was looking for an exercise to help the Japanese speed-skating team. He developed a high-intensity interval training regimen in which participants exercise all-out for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, and then repeat it eight times (or for four minutes).
According to the American College of Sports, if the method is done right, it’s possible to improve aerobic systems and anaerobic systems at the same time, in record time. A four-minute workout? Sign me up! Many Crossfit facilities offer interval training, but Dirt Fitness (7152 Beracasa Way; 561/447-0505;dirtfitness.com) and, as one of our readers pointed out, Beehive Fitness (152 S. Federal Highway; 561/393-7090; beehivefitness.com) offer straight-up Tabata classes in Boca. The Dirt class “Gotta Tabata” is held Sunday mornings at 8 and 9 a.m; call Beehive for info about the Tabata 300 class it offers. If a group class isn’t your thing, but you want to see better results with your current exercise routine, you can incorporate high-intensity intervals into any workout you do from running to cycling to swimming.
Might as well jump: Remember how much fun jumping on a trampoline was when you were a kid? Who knew it was also an amazing workout? Rebound exercises are proven to reduce stress on the joints and improve cardiovascular health. Kangoo Jumps are rebound sport shoes that were originally developed for runners but are now used in popular fitness classes indoors or out. It feels like little mini-trampolines under your feet and only takes a few minutes to get used to. It’s a fun, safe and effective cardio workout for people of all fitness levels. You can buy your own pair and head out on your own (I’ve seen a few people bouncing around Boca lately), or go to a Kangoo Jumps class at Beachside Ryde (346 Pike Road, #10, West Palm Beach; 561/249-6804;beachsiderydeinc.com). They also offer outdoor classes at Okeeheelee Park. A Kangoo Jumps shoe rental is included with the class.
What’s your favorite new fitness routine? Have you tried Tabata or Kangoo Jumps? Tell us in the comments!
