Tabata is definitely not a new concept, people have been doing it for years. Here is what I know on it.
- Very short rest intervals for GH release and subsequent fat loss.
- It is crucial that you choose an exercise which suits this purpose, here are some things to think about;
1) Muscle fatigue and technique. If you do that particular exercise to the point of throwing up (quite a strong possibility) what will your technique look like at the end. Would a Back Extension be a favourable choice for the posterior chain over the Deadlift?)
2) Muscle failure. If you did BB Hack Squats would your grip fail too prematurely to complete the workout in a way which would tax the rest of your body effectively?
3) Equipment. You cannot choose something where a long set up is needed. Having to change set up delays the rest period, especially when tired. An example would be having a bar on your shoulders and take multiple steps out of the rack to do Barbell Lunges.
4) Something requiring high balance/co-ordination is out. For the same reason as point 1. Performing a Barbell Snatch would result in horrible form in the same way anything requiring balance would be a waste. As fatigue builds your proprioception will become very poor and you will spend too much time correcting yourself rather than doing the exercise.
I hope this is helpful. If you do it properly it will be one of the hardest workouts you have ever done
