Short and sweet: Tabata provides intense workout Published Jan. 20, 2012 By Christopher Kratzer Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Maxwell Fitness Center has something new and exciting for people who are looking to get fit. The center now offers Tabata classes from 11:30 a.m. to noon Friday. The Tabata method uses short bursts of very intense exercise with short periods of rest and combines cardio and resistance training, according to Sarah Martin, the instructor for the class. "It's a good work out. It keeps you moving for 20 minutes straight, and it's a lot of fun. I'm really looking forward to teaching the class," she said. Another advantage of the class is its length. Participants short on time can get a full workout in 20 minutes. "The short duration of a Tabata workout increases an individual's willingness and faithfulness to work out regularly," said Laura Bohannon, a recreation aide at the center. The class is also offered at the Gunter fitness center from 11:30 a.m. to noon Thursday. Bohannon said the class at Gunter has been very popular and the center is excited to bring it to Maxwell. "December was the first month we are offering Tabata at the Maxwell Fitness Center, but the class at Gunter has been a huge hit," Bohannon said. Melissa Nichols of the Air University's plans and programs branch, a fitness center regular, said she's looking forward to the increased muscle tone the workout will provide. "Gym goers are excited about the prospect of something new at the center," she said. "It's something new and different, and it takes us out of our mundane routines of regular strength training or plain old cardio. I'm looking forward to a good, fun workout."