What are Tabata workouts? Should I be doing them at the gym?

The question: A friend keeps on telling me that Tabata workouts are the best way to lose weight. What do you think of them?

 

Read the answer in the article:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/ask-a-health-expert/what-are-tabata-workouts-should-i-be-doing-them-at-the-gym/article5243016/

 

But once again the Tabata protocol is misunderstood:

 

"Any exercise can be made into a Tabata interval. At home, or in a hotel room, make a Tabata set out of jumping jacks or running the hotel stairs. At the park, use a bench to do step-ups or push-ups. At the gym, you have tons of equipment to choose from, so be creative!"

No, any exercise cannot be used, else it is not Tabata..because to reach 170% of VO2max you need to activate large muscles groups, and at least 2/3 of your muscles. Tabata exercice which doesn't use the legs is unlikely to trigger the intensity required. And did I mention that push-ups are not appropriate for Tabata? :-)