What is Circuit Training?
Circuit training is a combination of different exercises that are performed one after the other.
Where circuit training stands out is that the exercises tend to flow into each other, and there is often little or no rest in between them.
An example Circuit could go like this…
10 push ups, into 10 squats, into 10 bicep curls, into 10 crunches. These 4 exercises can be performed without any rest time between them. Rest time can be implemented but it will be deliberately short.
Circuit training can be adapted to suit different goals. If you are looking to build muscle, your circuit could involve resistance exercises, and concentrate on form and tempo rather than on speed.
On the other hand, you might be looking to burn calories in which case you would be concentrating on keeping the intensity high, and use more cardio based exercises. For example… Burpees, mountain climbers, step ups and high knees.
Sometimes a circuit will be aimed entirely at working just one muscle group, you could do an arm circuit that targets just the biceps and triceps, or you could have an abs circuit that just works the abdominal muscles.
What are the Benefits of Circuit Training?
Circuit training has a lot of benefits both practical and physical. Circuit training is relatively easy to set up (some circuits require no equipment), takes up little space, can be performed in a busy gym, and you can do it on your own, or with up to 10 people.
If you are following a cardio-based circuit then you can expect to burn a lot of calories, improve your aerobic fitness, and improve your muscular endurance. If you are performing a hypertrophy-based circuit (aiming for bigger muscles), then you can expect gains in size and strength. An abdominal circuit would help strengthen your abdominal muscles, and again increase muscular endurance.
Words by My Fitness Hub Instructor Adam Cuell
