Tabata Workout For The Classroom and Therapy

One of my favorite fitness activities has become  Tabata workouts.  Tabata workouts are intense, short duration training that follows a specific format.  The name Tabata comes from the doctor and researcher that came up with the workout.  The Tabata workout is quick and effective making it a nice option to incorporate into the home, classroom and therapy.

Tabata Workout

Tabata Workout

Tabata workouts consist of:

  • 20 Seconds of a high intensity exercise. – During this time period I encourage working hard!
  • 10 seconds of rest.
  • Repeated 8 times for a total of 4 minutes.

Why Tabata Workouts For The Classroom?

Research Shows Us…

  • Regular participation in physical activity improves academic performance.
  • Single sessions of physical activity can enhance attention and memory.
  • The effects of physical activity on brain health may explain improvements in academic performance.

Tabata Workout Resources

I love the free tabata timer apps that you can get on your iPad or smartphone.  You simply have to do a search to find several to choose from.  There are free and paid versions.  I’m currently using a free version on my iPad.

Exercises

I come up with these on my own based on the skill level of the kids that I see.  The exercises can be as simple as squats, running in place, lunges etc.    I also have a ton of brain break cards that have several different ideas of activities that could be incorporated into tabata workouts.

Other Considerations

  • I like to warm up before if time allows.  That may be simple dynamic exercises (marches, arm circles etc.).
  • When doing tabata workouts I always try to include as much full body exercises as I can.  For example, if I am having someone run in place I encourage pumping there arms really fast as well.

More Movement In The Classroom Ideas

Follow Pink Oatmeal’s board Kinesthetic Learning on Pinterest.

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My Teachers Pay Teachers store has ideas to get the kids moving at home, in the classroom, and in therapy!

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