What is it? A form of high-intensity interval training, developed by Professor Izumi Tabata in 1996. You exercise as hard as you can for 40 seconds, rest for 20, then repeat.

How much does it cost? You can find free tabata programmes (and apps) online, and many gyms run Tabata-based group classes.

What does it promise? The short bursts of intense activity can increase your basal metabolic rate by up to 15 times. This makes you burn fat for the rest of the day, even if you’re not doing anything. This increases both your aerobic and anaerobic capacity (ie it works your heart and lungs as well as your muscles). Best of all, it’s over quickly.

What’s it actually like? The Tabata class I took – called Afterburn Absolute, at a gym in south-east London – was easily the most exhausting thing I’ve tried. Doing 40 seconds of tuck-jumps doesn’t immediately seem that hard, but you barely catch your breath before you’re flat on your back pedalling your legs as fast as you can. After the first five-minute cycle, my instructor walked over, slapped me on the back and yelled, “This is supposed to hurt.” I would have punched him, but I was too busy trying not to vomit. It’s ridiculous, but you feel that you’ve accomplished something after every single workout.

Best and worst bit The best bit is the 20-second rest you get after running yourself ragged. And guess what? The worst bit is the 40 seconds after that.

Is it worth it? It’s tiring, but it’s cheap and it’s short. My perfect workout. Worth it.