What is Circuit Training?

Circuit training focuses on building strength and muscle endurance through high intensity workouts. It is a programme of exercises completed in turn for short periods before moving on to the next exercise in the programme. This is carried out in quick succession.

Circuit training originated in England in the 1950’s, it allowed people to train with others yet at their own intensity. A programme would be established to incorporate a number of exercises in aerobic and anaerobic disciplines. The body would be treated as a whole, to work all the muscle groups in turn. There are different categories of circuit training, and they are strength, cardio, and sport specific. Strength will consist of strength and weight bearing exercises, using free weights, machine weights, and body resistance exercises.

Cardio involves quick succession movements, such as jump squats, skipping rope, and jumping jacks. Cardio machines, such as treadmill, step mill, and stationary bike can be used for just 2 minutes on each piece of equipment to form part of a circuit. For a total body workout a combination of strength and cardio can burn a number of calories a minute. The programme would consist of alternating the two disciplines. Sports specific circuit training can be tailored to improve an athlete’s performance in their particular sport.

Circuit training has proven to be successful for people looking to lose weight. Research suggests we are more likely to stick to exercising if we join a group, it appears the social aspect is just as important as the exercise. The very nature that exercising is carried on a variety of pieces of equipment in quick succession reduces the likelihood of becoming bored.

CONTENT SOURCES: Health and Fitness Advice by FitFarms Editorial Team

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