Circuit training
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Circuit training is a combination of high-intensity aerobics and resistance training designed to be easy to follow, give you a great workout, and target fat loss, muscle building and heart-lung fitness. An exercise "circuit" is one completion of all prescribed exercises in the program; the idea being that when one circuit is complete, you start at the first exercise again for another circuit. Traditionally, the time between exercises in circuit training is short, often with rapid movement to the next exercise.
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[edit] History of circuit training and fundamentals
Circuit training is an evolving training exercise program that was developed by R.E. Morgan and G.T. Anderson in 1953 at the University of Leeds in England.[1]
[edit] Fundamentals
Early in the original format of Morgan and Anderson, the circuit was made up of nine to 12 stations. However, today, this number varies according to the design of the circuit. The program may be performed with exercise machines, hydraulic equipment, hand-held weights, elastic resistance, calisthenics or any combination. Themed circuits are possible, for example with boxing exercises (boxercise). A 15-second to three-minute aerobics station is placed between each station, allowing this method to improve cardio-respiratory and muscle endurance during the workout.
A simpler form of the exercise has the group running round the gym with a trainer simply calling, for example, "ten push ups", "ten sit-ups" at intervals.
Studies at Baylor University and The Cooper Institute show that circuit training is the most time efficient way to enhance cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance. Studies show that circuit training helps women to achieve their goals and maintain them longer than other forms of exercise or diet.[2]
And research from Morgan and Anderson showed:
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Perhaps a most profound finding of this study, from a health perspective, is that this investigation clearly shows that performance of this circuit of exercises, at this level of intensity elicited oxygen consumption values (39% to 51.5% of VO2max) that meet established guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for the recommended intensity (40% to 85% of VO2maxR) of exercise for developing and maintaining cardio-respiratory fitness (Pollock et al., 1998). Thus, this circuit not only provides a suitable muscular fitness stimulus but also helps to meet ACSM cardiovascular guidelines and the newly published Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 for physical activity.[1] |
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[edit] Advantages of circuit training
- May be easily structured to provide a whole body workout.
- Does not require expensive gym equipment.
- Participants normally work in small groups, allowing beginners to be guided by more experienced individuals, as well as benefiting from the supervision of the instructor.
- Can be adapted for any size workout area.
- Can be customized for specificity; easy to adapt to your sport.
| “ | It's the most scientifically proven exercise system. It's time efficient and incorporates strength, flexibility and cardio in the same workout. (The Cooper Institute; Dallas, TX) | ” |
[edit] Disadvantages of circuit training
Circuit training is well suited for developing aerobic endurance or fat burning. It is, however, not so suitable for those wishing to build strength or muscle bulk[citation needed]. The duration of some circuit training stations can be in the region of 45 to 60 seconds, and in some cases as long as two minutes. These circuits typically mean that the number of repetitions performed on each station is relatively high, putting each exercise way out on the endurance end of the intensity continuum.
Those wishing to optimise increase in strength or muscle bulk (hypertrophy) can reduce the number of repetitions performed and increase the weight to be lifted or increase the intensity, when hydraulics or elastics are used. On the other hand, longer station length is quite appropriate for any cardiovascular (aerobic) stations included in the circuit.
Station times can be reduced to 15 or 20 seconds when all of the participants have an adequate level of experience. Reduced station times will encourage the participants to lift heavier weights, which means they can achieve overload with a smaller number of repetitions: typically in the range of 4 to 12 depending on their training goals[3]. However, this provides little time for an instructor to ensure that the activity remains safe and effective by observing technique, posture, and form.
[edit] See also
- Bodyweight exercise
- Calisthenics
- General fitness training
- High-intensity interval training
- Interval training
- Isometric exercise
- Long Slow Distance
- Plyometrics
- Resistance training
- Stretching
- Supercompensation
- Weight training
- VVO2Max
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ a b Kraviz, Len (1996-00-00). ""New Insights into Circuit Training"". University of New Mexico. http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/circuits05.html.
- ^ Heavin, Gary and Colman, Carol, C. Reprint edition (December 7, 2004). Curves: Permanent Results Without Permanent Dieting, ISBN 039952956X
- ^ Robert D Chetlin, Resistance Training - Contemporary Issues in Resistance Training: What Works?, Fit Society, American College of Sports Medicine, Fall 2002.
[edit] Sources
- Kravitz, L. (1996). "The fitness professional's complete guide to circuits and intervals". IDEA Today, 14(1), 32-43.
- Pollock, M.L., Gaesser, G.A., Butcher, J.D., Despres, J-P, Dishman, R.K., Franklin, B.A., & Ewing Garber, C. (1998). "The recommended quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and flexibility in healthy adults". Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 30(6): 975-991.
