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tuh-bah-tuh

Noun

A type of high-intensity interval training used by cyclists.

Example usage: 'Let's do a Tabata session to finish off this ride.'

Most used in: Cycling circles in the United States.

Most used by: Cyclists looking to improve their speed and endurance.

Popularity: 8/10

Comedy Value: 4/10

Also see: Interval Training, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Sprints, Fartlek,

What is Tabata Cycling?

Tabata cycling is a type of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that is used to improve aerobic and anaerobic fitness. It is named after Japanese scientist Izumi Tabata, who developed the training method in 1996. Tabata cycling involves performing a series of short, intense bursts of exercise followed by short periods of rest. The typical Tabata protocol is 20 seconds of high-intensity exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated 8 times for a total of 4 minutes.

Tabata cycling is a great way to get a quick, intense workout in a short amount of time. Studies have shown that just four minutes of Tabata cycling can improve aerobic capacity by up to 28% and anaerobic capacity by up to 14%. It can also increase the body's ability to burn fat and calories in the hours following the workout.

Tabata cycling is an effective way to improve fitness, but it is important to remember that it should only be done by those who are already in good physical condition. It is a very intense form of exercise and can be dangerous for those who are not used to such high levels of exertion.

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The Origin of the Term 'Tabata' in Cycling

The term 'Tabata' has been used in cycling circles since the late 1990s. It was first used in Japan, by Dr. Izumi Tabata, during his research at the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Tokyo. The research focused on the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical fitness.

The original Tabata protocol involved a 4-minute workout with 20 seconds of intense cycling followed by 10 seconds of rest. This protocol was repeated 8 times, making it a total of 4 minutes. The results of the research were published in a 1996 paper in the medical journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

Since then, the term 'Tabata' has been used to refer to any type of HIIT workout involving short bursts of intense exercise followed by short periods of rest. Tabata workouts are popular among cyclists due to their effectiveness in improving cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance.

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