Circuit training is a form of training which alternates between different physical activities and rest periods.http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/circuit-training-routines.php Each segment is completed within a time limit. The four types of circuit training are timed, competition, repetition, and sport-specific. From beginners to experienced athletes, many individuals use the circuit method because of the low investment in resources.http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/take-shortcut-fitness-circuit-training A workout session can be completed within thirty minutes. It can be done with no equipment or with inexpensive equipment like stability balls or dumbbells.http://www.motleyhealth.com/fitness/circuit-training-workouts
The benefits of circuit training include improved flexibility, coordination, strength, and endurance.http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/circuit-training.html Weight loss is another benefit. In addition, it provides participants with both resistance training and a cardiovascular workout. In a WebMD article, a fitness research director stated that circuit trainers receive an extra third of calorie burn after their sessions.http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/take-shortcut-fitness-circuit-training
Main Types of Circuit Training
There are four main types of circuit training -- timed, competition, repetition, and sport-specific.http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/circuit-training-routines.php#types In timed circuit training, individuals perform each exercise in conjunction with a rest period within a time limit.
Competition circuit training involves repeating one physical activity as many times as possible, increasing the reps within the same amount of time.
Participants in repetition circuit training are a group with varying fitness levels. Each member of the group performs the workout at the intensity relative to his ability.
Sport-specific circuit training consists of exercise elements focused on a particular sport like running or swimming.
Some Circuit Training Exercises
Circuit training can include any number and combination of physical activities. These are a few circuit training exercises for getting into shape.http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/circuit-training-routines.php#sample
- Walking Lunges
- Jumping Jacks
- Push ups
- Squats
- Abdominal Crunches
- Jump Rope
- Calf Raises
- Runninghttp://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwfit/circuit.html
- Jogging
- Weightlifting
Circuit Training Workout
Certified fitness trainer Yuri Elkaim performs a six exercise circuit training workout. He demonstrates the proper techniques for step push offs, ball planks, back extensions, push ups, squat presses, and side planks. The required equipment includes a box, two dumbbells, and a stability ball. Each exercise is performed for forty-five seconds and followed by a thirty second rest period. The workout consists of three complete circuits.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.
References
Fast Facts
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Definition
Workout plan performed within a time limit, alternating between exercise elements and rest
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Main types
Timed, competition, repetition, and sport-specific
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Benefits
Develops strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination
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Equipment
None required but can include items like medicine balls, dumbbells, and stability balls
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Where performed
Various places including gyms, parks, and homes
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Who circuit trains
Individuals of varied fitness levels from beginners to experienced athletes
