Circuit Training
Michigan Fitness Association: What is circuit training?
Circuit training is a form of exercise where participants move through a series of different exercises or stations, usually in a specific sequence, with very little rest in between. This is different from interval training, which has high-intensity exercises followed by periods of rest before the next interval begins. Interval training primarily targets cardiovascular fitness and metabolic conditioning, while circuit training focuses on total body conditioning. A complete circuit may include 8-12 stations, depending on the workout design and goals. Participants move from one exercise station to the next, completing a set number of repetitions or exercises for a specified time period before moving on to the next station.
Benefits of circuit training
Circuit training workouts have a variety of benefits that set them apart from more traditional interval training. It’s an efficient way to work out because it combines strength and cardiovascular exercises, allowing for a full-body workout. It’s a great way to improve aerobic capacity and endurance while also improving muscular fitness. It’s also highly adaptable and able to accommodate beginners as well as more advanced fitness buffs. Circuit training might also help to keep you more motivated by being more dynamic and engaging than interval training.
How to do circuit training
Some business models are set up exclusively for circuit training (examples include Orange Theory, F45, and Burn Bootcamp).In other cases, gyms may have dedicated circuit training classes or spaces that you can take advantage of. Some of these spaces might have pre-set circuit training regimens with instructions on which exercises to do and the number of reps. Otherwise, if you prefer, you can create your own circuit by selecting a mix of cardio and strength exercises that target different muscle groups.