Get Sweaty and Torch Calories Anytime, Anywhere With These 8 Tabata Apps

Updated on 1/31/2019 at 11:10 AM

Tabata burns calories and forces you to really work. It's a form of high-intensity interval training — short bursts of activity performed at close to your max capacity followed by even shorter rest periods — proven to shed fat and benefit cardiovascular health.

Tabata specifically follows intervals of 20 seconds on, working as hard as you can, followed by 10 seconds off for four minutes. Each four-minute round of, let's say, burpees consists of eight sets. Sounds fun, right?

Whether you're a fan of this HIIT variety or just getting started, we know booking a class isn't always the best option. Tabata apps make it easy to get that interval training done in the comfort of your home without breaking the bank. From timers that guide you through each round to instructor-led videos, here are some Tabata apps you'll want to download ASAP for that quick and effective sweat session. Oh, and almost all of them are free.

8fit

Cost: Free (three months of 8fit Pro is $30; 12 months is $60).

Available for: iOS and Android devices.

The 8fit app features customized workout and meal plans to help you reach your wellness goals. It offers a number of guided Tabata classes (for example, 16-minute and 15-minute workouts that include squats, army crawls, and Jack knives). And, good news: you can listen to music on Spotify while you follow along.

Tabata Stopwatch Pro

Cost: Free.

Available for: iOS and Android devices.

This simple app acts as a timer for your Tabata workout. It tells you when to exercise (for 20 seconds) and when to rest (for 10 seconds) during each four-minute round. You can also connect the Tabata Stopwatch Pro app to Apple Music and customize your intervals as needed.

Active by POPSUGAR

Cost: Free.

Available for: iOS devices.

If you search "Tabata" in the Active by POPSUGAR app, you'll find a range of different videos like 30-Minute Advanced HIIT and a "Fast-Blasting, Full-Body" Tabata class. Download it and see for yourself how easy it is to get into Tabata!

Seconds

Cost: Free (Seconds Pro is $5).

Available for: iOS and Android devices.

Seconds has a Tabata template that lets you create workouts. It's important to note that if you download the free version, you may only use the timers you create on the app once. To access them again, you must upgrade to Seconds Pro. You can use the free app for as long as you want, you'll just have to set up new workouts every time.

Keep

Cost: Free.

Available for: iOS and Android devices.

Sign up with your email, phone number, or Facebook. Once you fill out information regarding your fitness goals and activity level, you'll be directed to a page of workouts. Click through to find Tabata in the "plan" and "workouts" tabs. (Note: to unlock certain workouts you'll need "calorie coins" earned by completing sessions on the app.)

Tabata Trainer

Cost: $2.

Available for: iOS devices.

The Tabata Trainer app is specifically designed to assist you with this type of HIIT workout. You can customize your Tabata by selecting any exercise you want, or pick one of the workouts already on the app.

MyTabata

Cost: Free.

Available for: Android devices.

MyTabata includes instructional videos and a timer to help you stay on track during your workout. Hear that? It's calling your name.

SWIFT

Cost: Free.

Available for: Android devices.

SWIFT walks you through the basics of interval training. It has a five-star rating on Google Play. Get ready to take on Tabata and burn calories at home.