Tabatas

[Frank Needham]

How often do you do them? I like the method for its effective use timewise. I've not done them enough to really see any of the results so often connected with them like vo2 increases and dropping fat, but I'd like to. How often could they be worked into a one's WOD without getting burnt? I know, lots of factors could be at work in that last question but I'm thinking in broad terms here.

[Danny John]

Offseason: once every two to three weeks. Basically, just with Front Squats at 65 to 95 pounds. Season (comps) once a month?

[Frank Needham]

Thanks Dan. Have you ever had anyone do them more often than you recommend and had a chance to observe the effect on them first-hand? I came across this while pondering about Tabata protocol: http://cbass.com/FATBURN.HTM
In the discussion it is stated that during the program the participants did Tabata intervals five days per week.

[Bill Ripley]

Big difference between tabatas on an exercise bike and tabatat front squats

[Allen Yeh]

Originally Posted by Bill Ripley

Big difference between tabatas on an exercise bike and tabatat front squats

Yep!

Tabata on a cardio machine - hard but doable, never felt like crumbling on the floor afterward

Tabata front squats - Holy....

[Frank Needham]

Granted the difference but my question remains. I'd like to hear from someone who has tried to do them on a more frequent basis is all. Maybe its nuts to give consideration to doing them with weights more than Dan states above.

[Gant Grimes]

Frank, if you're still interested in Tabatas, check this CF thread.

I've been doing weekly Tab intervals (6 rounds instead of 8) for three months with dramatic results. It's also improved my ability to recover in between workouts and during the workout session itself.

I'm embarking on a new project where I will be doing Tabata every single week to determine the necessary frequency.

[Frank Needham]

Nice work Gant, will you be posting the results of your new project as well?

[Gant Grimes]

Yes.