HIIT vs Tabata Workouts: Which are Better?

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Scrolling through YouTube fitness channels you’ll see a lot of videos for HIIT and Tabata workout, but what’s the difference between these cardio exercises? These routines are intended for maximum effort over short periods of time with brief rest breaks. They burn fat, improve endurance and speed, and help with weight loss. So, what sets them apart?

Tabata

Tabata is a type of HIIT workout that follows a set time period of four-minute rounds consisting of eight rounds of 20 seconds of work at maximum speed (“on periods”) and 10 seconds of rest (“off periods”).

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HIIT

HIIT is a more general term for high-intensity workouts and it’s more flexible with the time frame for maximum effort and rest. Because there’s more flexibility, you have more freedom to do more complex movements like burpee-mountain climbers or crisscross jumping jacks, which you wouldn’t have time for in the 20-second Tabata window.

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Tabata or HIIT?

Both exercises will build muscle and burn fat. The results are based on the amount of effort you put into your workout and the exercises that are in your circuit. If you’re short on time or new to working out, Tabata is a great choice for you. When you become stronger you can increase the length of the workout and do more complex moves by doing HIIT exercises.