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.
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
How To Host The Perfect South Asian Holiday Dinner
-
ANOKHI's Holiday Gift Guide For Thoughtful Desi Presents For The Home & Beyond
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
