If you’ve ever wondered, “what is circuit training?”
we’ve got you covered.
Experts explain its benefits and offer a sample workout.
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certified personal trainer and clinical athlete-certified weightlifting coach forBarBend
Heres What Experts Had to Say
When you first hear circuit training, it may sound somewhat complicated.
However, its actually a very straightforward way toimprove your enduranceand strength.
Heres everything you better know about circuit training, plus a sample workout to try.
What is circuit training?
Circuit training is a sequence of exercises performed with minimum rest between each one.
Circuit training workouts incorporate a variety of exercises that can be tailored to practically any fitness level.
Whats more, they may help you combine two workouts into one for a more efficient session.
Its important to listen to your body throughout the workout.
Circuit training is also not a quick fix for many specificfitness goals.
certified personal trainer and clinical athlete-certified weightlifting coach forBarBend
Finally, circuit training can eventually result in you plateauing if you dont introduce enough variety into your workouts.
To keep seeing improvements, try mixing up your routine and adding new challenges.
(In case youre wondering, hereshow often to switch up your workout routine.)
Does circuit training count as cardio?
Yes, because youre moving quickly from one exercise to another with minimal rest.
This can elevate your heart rate and provide cardio benefits, Nielsen-Consiglieri says.
Does circuit training count as strength training?
It can, but it depends on what pop in of resistance exercises it incorporates.
The circuit can be designed to target your upper body, lower body, and core, for instance.
Is circuit training the same as HIIT?
Not quite: While both involve interval training with rest, there are key differences.
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The structure of intervals is another difference, York adds.
HIIT, on the other hand, tends to focus more exclusively on time intervals.
Complete four rounds total, resting for one to two minutes between rounds.
Dumbbell squat
2.
Push-up
3.
Renegade row
4.
Dumbbell lunge
5.
Dumbbell push press
6.
Next, get your equipment and space in order.
Also double-check you have enough room to do the various exercises in your circuit.
Dont be hard on yourself if you end up needing to take a longer break during your circuit training.
Also look out for signs that you may have pushed yourself too far.
If you feel any of these, you should immediately stop the workout.
Drink water before rounds to restore your fluid levels.
Ramos-Campo DJ, Andreu Caravaca L, Martinez-Rodriguez A, Rubio-Arias JA.
Effects of Resistance Circuit-Based Training on Body Composition, Strength and Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Biology (Basel).
2021 Apr 28;10(5):377. doi: 10.3390/biology10050377.
PMID: 33924785; PMCID: PMC8145598.
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