If we at Method 78 were to categorize our three main training approaches into restaurant styles, circuit training would fall into the all you can eat buffet section, right up there among Golden Corral and Fogo de Chão. This type of training involves a myriad of exercises, increasing your heart rate, strengthening your body and gripping your attention. Circuit training can be done solo, or with a group— you’ll workup a sweat either way.
What is circuit training?
Registered dietician/ nutritionist Jacqueline Kaminski defines circuit training as a form of body conditioning that combines endurance training, strength training, and high intensity aerobics. Circuit training differs from other forms due to its versatility of exercises, and the pace at which they are done. Kaminski writes that each exercise has a target rep or time cap in which it must be completed.
At Method 78 we include circuit training one to two times a week. Our workouts integrate a blend of cardiovascular, power, and functional movements with resistance training to enhance muscular endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
Benefits of circuit training
Circuit training is popular due to its ability to provide an effective workout in a short time period. Kaminski writes that circuits can last between 15-60 minutes, but many studies show that people have seen major improvements even with sessions lasting a mere 7 minutes.
Out of the two types of circuit training (high intensity or low intensity) high intensity circuit training shows greater overall improvement on the areas of blood pressure and cholesterol. Along with this, it provides increases in muscle mass in both trained and untrained populations. If you’re one who prefers lighter weights, it may please you to know that this training requires less weight due to shorter rest periods between sets.
There is something for everyone in circuit training, with versatiles movements alternating between muscle groups frequently. If performing an exercise you dislike, you only have a few more reps until you’re onto a different one! This training is accessible for any skill level and provides an efficient workout with lasting effects.
