Universal Pictures International Entertainment & Big Shot Acquire Rights To Tabata™ Fitness Regime

Feb. 20, 2013 - PRLog -- The Japanese scientist behind the hottest trend in fitness has agreed to become the face of a new exercise superbrand. Joining forces with global distribution company Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE) and fitness programme producers, Big Shot Productions, Tabata™ is now a licensed exercise system based on Professor Izumi Tabata’s research findings. Recognised as the father of HIIT – High Intensity Interval Training – Professor Tabata, figurehead of Tabata™, is renowned for his discovery that short sharp bursts of intense exercise are the best way to get fit fast and consume more calories.

The official Tabata™ system will be launched in America and the UK initially as a group exercise class. It’ll be based around the so-called ‘Tabata™ Protocol’ of 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest. This system was developed by Prof Tabata when he was working as an advisor to the Japanese Olympic speed skating team. It is scientifically proven to be the most effective way to increase both aerobic and anaerobic fitness. In laboratory trials, this ‘20/10’ system was shown to be significantly more effective than other commonly used forms of HIIT.

Tests using the Tabata™ system increased VO2 max – the gold standard test for fitness – by 13% in 6 weeks. In contrast a trial using 30 seconds bursts of intensity, with 2 minute rest periods was not as effective even though the exercise was more intense and longer-lasting. Tabata™ classes will also be short and effective at 30 minutes with the most intense section being just four minutes long. Prof Tabata’s latest research shows that if this method is followed correctly, using the authentic Tabata™ Protocol, the body will continue to consume more calories for up to 12 hours after the exercise class. These are additional calories to those consumed by the body at rest – so over and above the so-called RMB or Resting Metabolic Rate.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for UPIE and Big Shot Productions said “We are thrilled that we have signed Professor Tabata to be the figurehead for this new fitness brand. This is an exercise system that works – and in double quick time, so we’re sure it’ll be a big hit with gym members– around the world. We also feel that gym operators will welcome a fitness system which has scientific credibility and a format which is flexible enough to be used for group personal training as well as group exercise classes.”

There are plans for a marketing campaign built around international celebrities and world class athletes who already use Tabata™ to get themselves in the best possible shape. Tabata™ will launch in the United States in March at the IHRSA Trade Show in Las Vegas, and then in the UK in April at Fitpro Convention 2013 Loughborough University (Stand 47), using the key marketing messages ‘Tabata™ – Get Fit Fast’, ‘Tabata™ – Four Minute Fitness’ and ‘Tabata™ – The Science of Fitness’. Fitpro delegates can sign up for Tabata™ Presenter Sessions, which will also include a practical demonstration. Professor Tabata himself will visit London on March 14th for a Tabata™ Presentation Event to leading sports scientists and health journalists.

About Universal Pictures International Entertainment

Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE) is the international home entertainment division of Universal Pictures, headquartered in London and headed by President, Eddie Cunningham. UPIE markets and distributes all Universal new releases, catalogue, special interest and local content titles, as well as some third party product, via direct operations in the UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, New Zealand and Japan. UPIE also has distribution partnerships in Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Spain and Russia, and sells and distributes home entertainment product via licensees covering another 55 territories.

UPIE is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.