| Circuit training is a type of interval training
program which combines components of both strength training and cardiovascular
training. It is often a set up of stations or ‘circuits’
which individuals will complete before moving onto the next. Within
each circuit participants will perform exercises for a specific count
or a specific time period before they venture to the next station.
The goal of circuit training is to increase strength and agility at
the same time as increasing fitness. Some studies have even found
that circuit training is the most efficient way to enhance cardiovascular
training and muscle endurance.
There are many advantages to opting to take part in a circuit training
regimen as opposed to a weight training or cardiovascular routine
in addition to combining the benefits of both into one schedule.
Circuit training can easily be assembled to include a full body
workout. A circuit training routine does not require expensive gym
equipment, a gym membership, or any traveling to find facilities
to fit your needs. The small groups that typically are a part of
circuit training routines assist beginners by allowing them to more
easily be paired with advanced and experienced people to learn the
basics. Circuit training also allows for the routine to take place
at any venue and can be customized for any person or athlete of
any age, gender, or physical ability.
The goal of circuit training is to force individuals to display
their maximal physical effort at the same time of achieving your
maximal target heart rate. You should not rest in between exercises.
Each exercise should burn out the targeted muscle groups as well
as increase your heart rate to fat and sugar burning zones. Lean
muscle gains along with simultaneous fat losses are highly possible
from adopting a circuit training program.
When constructing a circuit training routine you should remember
to combine both strength and cardiovascular training elements. For
instance your can assemble a circuit where stations involve exercise
machines, hydraulic equipment, hand-held weights, elastic resistance,
or calisthenics. In between each station you should force yourself
with some type of aerobics such as jogging for 1 to 3 minutes between
each circuit. Typically circuit training sessions last anywhere
from 20 to 60 minutes with a variety of different sprinting, strength
gaining, and jogging exercises intertwined. See some circuit training
examples below to get an idea of how to construct your very own
customized program. Good luck and happy training!
|
