Circuit Training Workouts

Circuit training is done to keep your body in motion by allowing you to take minimal breaks in between exercises, as opposed to the 1 - 2 minutes breaks taken between strength training exercises. Even if a person has to take a break between exercises, only a walk of 10 seconds is allowed to maintain the continuous motion.

It is different compared to other exercise programs, and there are super sets or compound sets in this training which aim at a specific set of muscles. This way one gets to train specific set of muscles, and has to push the fatigue factor by increasing the intensity of the workout. It works because one has to keep pushing their body aerobically (to enhance one's circulatory and respiratory efficiency), and simultaneously keep increasing their strength.

Many people are under the misconception that to increase the strength of their muscle one has to lift heavier weights. However, the muscles respond to the amount of total tension produced; and hence if you are using lighter weights but can perform more sets at a certain period of time you will produce total tension that will stimulate your muscles to grow

• As circuit training involves working on different muscle groups, the stress of working on a particular bone or joint is reduced, which reduces the possibility of an injury.
• Due to different exercises involved, the program does not become monotonous or boring, and hence a person sticks to these workouts easily.

• It is beneficial for beginners and sportspersons alike. Individuals can build their strength and endurance by performing these workout routines. Many athletes follow this training. For example, circuit training for runners helps to train during off-season or pre-season.

• These workouts allow you to work on your aerobic system and simultaneously help in strength training. As no breaks are allowed, you will be constantly keeping your heart rate up.
• Another good advantage is that as you will be continuously in motion and taking no breaks, you will cut down on workout time. This way you don't have to spend long hours in the gym.

For athletes there are core exercise programs. You can find the sample exercise programs on the Internet, and even buy the home videos if you like. It involves exercises which are full-body workouts, upper body workouts, exercises which target the lower body, and workouts to focus on the core region.

Some of the exercises for total body are skipping, squat jumps, jumping jacks, treadmill, elliptical machines, etc. Upper body training is done using exercises like bench dips, push ups, wide push ups, etc. For lower body exercises like squats, lunges, kickbacks, etc., are used. Core region circuit training is more difficult and involve exercises like double crunch, hip thrusts, oblique crunch, superman, etc.

Consult your doctor if you have any health condition before starting any workout. Make sure you do a good warm-up before the workout, and follow stretching exercises after the workout to improve your flexibility.