Kick Cabin Fever to the Curb with Aerial and Tabata

It is nearing the end of February and here in Montana the ground is a mucky mess; and Mother Nature can't quite decide if it should let the earth thaw or freeze. This is the time of year cabin fever sets in for many of those who love our beautiful state.

Don't worry -- I am here to help! I am starting a new four-week series of aerial silks for beginners in March, and you are absolutely invited to join me! Aerial classes are guaranteed to breathe new life into your workouts! There reason aerialists are so fit is NOT because we grind nonstop...it's because we love to play! With just a little work up front to learn some basic skills, every workout thereafter becomes playtime! Contact me today for details about the class.

Or, you might be looking to cross train. Let me introduce you to Tabata training. Tabata training is a HIIT (high intensity interval training) format that involves a period of high intensity activity (typically 20 seconds) followed by a period of rest (typically 10 seconds), in rounds of eight. This training format can be applied to any type of exercise, from standard weight training (squats or pushups) to cardio (jump jacks or mountain climbers), to conditioning for acrobatics. The key to Tabata is its "HIGH INTENSITY" exercise phase, so don’t just work—WORK HARD!

I love to add variety into my workouts by hopping on a treadmill with a Tabata playlist playing on my headphones. The cues in the music will guide you through when you should be working and when you should be resting (on the treadmill, I rest by standing on the edges of the treadmill while the track is still running).

A couple of words of precaution:

· If you utilize the treadmill, be careful getting on and off the track!

· Incorporate rest days and don't over train! Rest days are an important part of the strength building process when you give your muscles a chance to heal and recover. If you are constantly breaking down muscle fiber by training every day, you are missing a very important part of the strength building formula. I use Tabata only about twice per week.

· And lastly, please remember that this and any exercise program should be started after checking with your doc (especially if you have a history of heart disease and/or type 1 or type 2 diabetes).

Favorite Tabata tracks:

• I like to move it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mXlKYuMc7U

• I took a pill in Ibiza: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dy1JmIKuGk

As always, let me know if you have questions on getting started. Also feel free to give me a shout if you are interested in checking out HIIT in a class format. I teach month-long sessions and would be honored to hold space for you. XOXO, Mindy

Article by Mindy Cochran. Mindy is a practitioner, teacher, and performer of aerial silks, aerial hammock, and aerial hoop; as well as a health columnist for Montana Woman Magazine. Her column shares expertise for elevating health & wellness that she has acquired through her certifications as a personal trainer, nutrition coach and life coach. To connect with Mindy on Instagram, please visit: www.instagram.com/aerial.mindy; or visit her Linktree here.