Written by: Stewart Young, Raleigh Personal Trainer @ O2 Fitness Falconbridge
If you are like most people these days, your time is very important to you. And if you are also one of those people who does not want to spend all of their leisure time at the gym but still want to see results, then let me introduce (or reintroduce) you to something you have probably already heard of – circuit training.
As a basic definition, circuit training is combining several exercises and completing them in sequence for your workout. Circuit training can be as tough or challenging as you want it to be because you can design it! The great thing about circuit training is that it is designed to increase strength, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory endurance (kind of like an all-in-one workout!). If designed properly, only 30-40 minutes of circuit training can burn as many calories as over an hour of aerobic exercise alone!
One great way to get the most out of your circuit training is to add some different exercises in. To really get a great cardio workout in your circuit, try adding some aerobic exercises in between your weight stations (some call this super circuit resistance training). For example, you can do a set of leg press and then hop on a treadmill for a 1-2 min jog/run before moving to the next exercise. These aerobic exercises can be added in between every few weight stations.
As you get in better shape, try adding more time on your exercises and shorten your rest time, this will really increase the intensity of your circuit. Lastly, make sure you plan out your circuit so that exercises are easily accessible and can be moved to quickly from the previous station. Circuit training does take a little bit of planning but it is something everyone can do, so grab a stop watch and get started!
Don't forget: Make sure to ask a personal trainer what exercises are the best to include in your circuit to help you reach your goals and improve your fitness.