Lifestyle /
Staying Fit for the Rat Race
Tabata Verses P90X3
Life is a race, and finding time for ourselves – away from work, kids, and the daily grind – requires ninja-like scheduling. But that doesn’t mean you should give up on carving it out, especially when it comes to your health and fitness. A true workout doesn’t start in a gym; it starts with deciding what your fitness goals and motivating factors are, and how much time you have to invest. Fitness has both physical and emotional benefits, both of which I like to focus on – especially after baby #2 when I gained 60lbs and was dealing with the baby blues (which, let’s face it, Indian families never want to discuss!). So, to help you on the path to a better 2015, I decided to compare two high impact workouts, one for the gym and one at home, that most of us can do.
For the past 2 years, I’ve been doing Tabata training, which is a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) focused on repeating an exercise 8 times for 20 seconds, with 10 seconds of rest between each set. Tabata isn’t offered on DVD, so unless you come up with your own workout plan, you do it in a gym. I have always preferred classes with an instructor because, as much as I love working out, I lack motivation to do it alone. I spoke to my (amazing) Tabata instructor Jennifer Stevens about this, and she said, “When performing these intense intervals, your body has to work harder to keep up and this will have a great impact on your metabolism to help you burn fat and lose weight.” Tabata also keeps your metabolism burning long after the workout is over. Combine this with a healthy diet, and you're sure to shed those pounds in no time.
Tabata training using squats and weights
Next, I asked my friend Sean O’Brien, who has been on the P90X bandwagon since 2011, to show me what the hype was about. P90X is a high intensity workout for those who are already somewhat fit but can’t regularly make it to a gym, at the cost of $120 for the 12 DVDs. It’s a 90-day program that combines a nutrition plan with a variety of exercises, most of which are in circuit format, where you continually switch exercises with little rest in between to keep your heart rate up. Sean chose the 30 minute P90X3 Warrior training. It was probably the fastest 30-minutes of my life (thanks Sean!). The DVDs are narrated by celebrity trainer Tony Horton, whose commentary can be unintentionally hilarious as well – like when he complains about his workout partner getting DNA on his face (get your minds out of the gutter – it’s just sweat!). It was an intense, great workout, but also strange just listening to Tony while exercising, when I’m used to a pumped up music playlist (a little Jay-Z's Dirt off your Shoulders, anyone?).
Lunges – a typical P90x exercise
Personally, I prefer Tabata because I enjoy the socialization of working out in a group setting – not to mention the music that keeps me going. But, P90X is just as high impact and, though I couldn't commit to the 90 days now, I would definitely use the DVDs with a friend to get an extra workout in. Ultimately, both are great ways to stay fit in your mind, body, and soul. And, while you're deciding which of these workouts is best for you, just remember that everyone needs some time away from the rat race once in a while!
Amrith Aakre
Author
Amrith K. Aakre is a fitness nut, avid reader, and clings to her youth by going out dancing occasionally. Amrith’s goal is to communicate her thoughts on all topics from the perspective of a busy mom, wife, and attorney who is trying to find a space in the world.
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