Sunday, June 22, 2008

The Bodyweight Tabata workout is where you perform a multi-joint exercise for as many reps as you can in 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, and then do the next exercise in the circuit.

It'll take you 4-minutes to complete two circuits. You may then try and go on to do more circuits (up to 8 sets max) based on your fitness level and conditioning.

For more workouts like this check out my Xpress Workouts site that has tons of quick and effective workouts you can do in 30 minutes or less!

Robert Garza, CPT, RTS

Exercise
Standard Pushup
1. Lie face down on the floor with hands palm down, fingers pointing straight ahead, and aligned at the nipple line.
2. Place hands slightly wider than shoulder width, and feet should be at hip width with toes on floor.
3. Start position: Extend the elbows and raise the body off the floor.
4. Lower your entire body (legs, hips, trunk, and head) 4-8 inches from the floor.
5. Return to the start position by extending at the elbows and pushing the body up.
6. Remember to keep the head and trunk stabilized in a neutral position by isometrically contracting the abdominal and back muscles. Never fully lock out the elbows at the start position and avoid hyperextension of the low back.

Trainer's comments:
Do as many pushups as you can in 20 seconds time, rest 10 seconds and then do the next exercise in the circuit.
Reps Weight/
Resistance
Time
Many as you can Bodyweight 20 seconds




Bodyweight Squats
1. Start by placing feet shoulder width apart and holding your arms out in front of you.
2. Proceed to squat down like you are going to sit in a chair. Your upper body will lean forward slightly and your hips will shift backwards while going down.
3. Remember to keep your knees from going out in front of your toes while squatting.
4. Repeat according to your required repetitions. If you want to make the exercise more challenging hold your arms at your sides or behind your head.

Trainer's comments:
Do as many squats as you can in 20 seconds time, rest 10 seconds and then do the next exercise in the circuit.
Reps Weight/
Resistance
Time
Many as you can Bodyweight 20 seconds




Modified Pullup
1) Adjust bar at waist height on power rack. Lie on back and position body under bar so that bar is directly over chest region.
2) Start position: Grasp bar with overhand grip (palms facing forward) and shoulder width apart. Elbows should be facing forward with the backside of body off the floor Only the heels are together in contact with ground.
3) Pull body up towards bar until bar touches chest.
4) Return to start position.

Trainer's comments:
Do as many pull-ups as you can in 20 seconds time, rest 10 seconds and then do the next exercise in the circuit.
Reps Weight/
Resistance
Time
Many as you can Bodyweight 20 seconds




Jumping Jacks
Start with your legs side by side and your arms by your side.
In one motion jump and spread your legs out to the side while your arms raise out and up over your head.
Land in this position and then return to the starting position and repeat.


Trainer's comments:
Do as many jumping jacks as you can in 20 seconds time. Rest 20 seconds and then repeat this circuit for 4 minutes total time.
Reps Weight/
Resistance
Time
Many as you can Bodyweight 20 seconds