I’ve been working in some Tabata routines with some upper level clients lately, anyone else using this technique with clients ?
This 20 second full exertion ( I do record the reps attained ) with a 10 second rest is really strenuous. I do 4 different exercises, back to back, then go through another round, for a 4 minute total time routine. I give a full 2 min cool down, then do it again, with 4 fresh exercises. It’s good to shake things up and use this technique, but I’ve found that the that it is too difficult for most clients and even my upper level clientele seem to have trouble making it through the 8 minutes. Any comments/thoughts/experiences that you can share ?
Hi Jeff,
I use this technique with both my clients and also teach it in a high intensity interval class. As you know, this method is definitely advanced and should be used carefully. I only use it with my more advanced clients, and if I have someone new to my class when I happen to be teaching tabatas, then I modify the moves to make them less intense.
There are a number of things you can do, but it really depends on the goals and level of each client. One, you can use other timed interval methods before you progress them to tabatas. Your clients may need longer rest periods for now. (There are many examples of interval methods–30 seconds on 30 seconds rest; 45 seconds on, 15 seconds rest, etc… As endurance improves, the rest period becomes shorter). Two, if you are using tabatas–you can modify the moves to make them a little less intense for your client. Example: instead of squat jumps have them do a faster paced squat with no jumping. Instead of full burpees with a jump at the end, have your client walk their feet out and in and eliminate the jump at the end.
As endurance improves, you can progress them and make it more challenging. Everything can be modified.
Hope this helps…
Christine
Agree with the others, I teach a group circuit training class 2X a week and I’ll throw in tabatas once in a while to mix it up. They groan and complain but in the end love it. And because it is based on each person’s level of experience it is easy to modify. I started slow with it as well – 4 rounds first and then worked my way up.