Circuit Training

Yours truly a whopping 80 lbs heavier!!!  A little younger too ;)

Yours truly a whopping 80 lbs heavier!!! A little younger too 😉

When I used to think of circuit training I would picture myself almost twelve years ago trying to lose some of the 80 lbs (yup 80!! ) I gained during my pregnancy with my daughter – at Curves going around the circle,  dancing on the platform – in between strength exercises. It helped me get started and get moving again.  Now my circuits are a little more intense but the basic idea is still the same.

What is circuit training?  Well basically, circuit training is when you take several exercises and you perform them back to back with little to no rest in between exercise. You can rest at the end of each round. I usually incorporate 8-10 exercises per round (but that can vary) and complete each round three times.  At the end of each completed round, take a minute or so to catch your breath and have some water before starting from the top.  Because you are going from one muscle group to the next, there isn’t a need for the rest in between exercises.

I often base my own workouts as a circuit as I do  with most of my clients, I have them follow a circuit training type workout. I feel doing a circuit is a very effective work out and makes the most of your precious gym time. For me, it often comes down to time.

Kim working through her circuit.  First round isn't so bad, second round is the hardest, third and final round you know the end is near, you can do it!!!

Kim working through her circuit. First round isn’t so bad, second round is the hardest, third and final round you know the end is near, you can do it!!!

Some benefits to this type of workout:

Circuit training is a way of exercising that lets you work on cardiovascular as well as your muscles simultaneously.  The strength training works your muscles, and the cardio keeps your heart rate up.  It’s important to keep your heart rate up, because the higher it is, the more calories you’re burning.

Circuits are a flexible way to exercise as you can do them in a class, at the gym or even at home.  Circuit training workouts can be all-equipment, no-equipment, or a combination. You can also make them suitable for most fitness levels. You can be a beginner to a seasoned athlete.

Circuits mix it up and keep it fresh: a variety of exercises, equipment, and intensities will make a circuit workout more fun. You won’t have time to get bored doing the same exercise over and over.  It will keep your mind and body busy adjusting to the different exercises.

Do it with friends:  while circuit training is great to do alone, it also is something that is great to do in a group.   Ever see a bootcamp type workout class in the park? Doesn’t it look like fun? Ok – fun might be a bit of a stretch (pun intended), but knowing others are struggling right along with you and encouraging each other until the circuit is complete.

So give it a try and let me know what you think!!!

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