Tabata Training – A One Exercise Cardio Workout – The Bear

Tabata Training in it’s true form is doing one exercise for as many reps as possible in twenty seconds. You then take a ten second rest and repeat.

If you have tried using Tabata Training for your weight loss and cardio workouts you know they are killer and so effective. Tabata may just be the ultimate in weight loss- cardio workouts. The purists usually consider dumbbell thrusts and front squats as the two best exercises for Tabata Training.

If you have read any of my other writing’s you know I like to experiment and change things up allot. I am a big believer that in order to make your workouts as effective and time efficient as possible combination exercises are great.

Tabata training as I said is top notch but I also like variety in my workouts I think it keeps your enthusiasm high and you are less likely to skip workouts.

What is one of the keys to weight loss and building lean muscle? Consistency. If you do the same workouts over and over again your body will adapt to those workouts and boredom and you will get discouraged and start to miss workouts.

Okay so having said all that let me show you a great total body exercise that just requires a barbell. We will do it in Tabata style although for the amount of movement it is more Interval Training than Tabata if there is any real difference.

The Bear.is basically five moves in one:

1. With a barbell at your feet get into position to clean the barbell – Clean it to shoulder level.
2. Do a front press.
3. Bring the bar down behind your neck and set it to do a squat
4. Squat on your way up press the bar overhead
5. Return the bar to the clean position ( you can return it to the floor or go from a hang clean position.

Well that’s how you do the Bear. Do it Tabata/Interval style working up to as many reps as possible in your allotted time. As in Tabata work on increasing your reps in your time frame while working up to eight sets.

I would advise as with Tabata and Interval Training doing the Bear on your off days from weight training.

Before charging in with the Bear I would walk thru some sets with an empty bar so you get the proper form to do it.

Well ther you have it give the Bear a try I think you will find you have a real challenge on your hands. You will probablly curse me for showing it to you. But I bet you will thank me for it later.

Jag252 Building Lean Muscle, Losing Fat and Getting Fit and Healthy