What is Circuit Training?

Circuit training routines are a favorite training session for many coaches and trainers. Circuits can be used for just about everything.

Circuit training consist of a consecutive series of timed exercises performed one after the other with varying amounts of rest between each exercise.

For example, a simple circuit training routine might be push-ups, sit-ups, squats, chin-ups and lunges. The routine could be set up as follows;

• Do as many push-ups in 30 seconds followed by a 30 seconds rest.
• Do as many sit-ups in 30 seconds followed by a 30 seconds rest.
• Do as many squats in 30 seconds followed by a 30 seconds rest and so on with the rest of the exercises

What Makes Circuit Training so Good?

The quick pace and constant changing nature of he circuit training places an unique type of stress on the body, which differs from normal exercise activities such as weight training and aerobic exercise.

There are several reasons why circuit training is great form of exercise and what most of the reasons come down to is flexibility.

• Circuit training can be totally personalized.
• A circuit training routine can be modified to give the athlete exactly what they want.
• It is easy to change the focus of the training routine to emphasize strength, endurance, agility, speed, skill development, and weight loss
• It can be time efficient.
• It can be done just about anywhere.
• No expensive equipment needed or even a gym membership
• Another reason is that it is great fun to do in groups or in pairs.

Reference: Walker, B. (2013). The Anatomy of Sports Injuries. Chichester, England. Lotus Publishing.

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