Circuit Training
For those who like a little variety in their workout, circuit training may be the ideal way to get in shape. Circuit training means doing a series of different exercises in sequence a set number of times, or for a specific amount of time. In most cases participants are expected to take only short breaks between each activity, usually only a few seconds or a couple of minutes, to ensure that they maintain an appropriate heart rate. The exercises in a circuit may include running, jumping, stomach crunches, skipping, press ups, pull ups, bench dips and many others. Each exercise in the circuit will test a different muscle group allowing for a full body workout. Circuit training is also a good way to improve your cardiovascular and respiratory systems, build strength, and increase stamina.
During circuit training, exercise stations are usually laid out in a circular pattern to make it easy for people to move quickly from one activity to the next. The exercises in the circuit usually rely on a combination of aerobic and resistance activities. While many athletes getting in shape for a specific sport can use circuit training as part of their daily routine, it is also popular among people who simply want to stay in shape. A typical circuit training session usually lasts anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour, making it convenient for those who stop at the gym on their lunch break or on their way home from work. Many teachers like to use circuit training in gym classes because it gives children an opportunity to exercise their heart, lungs and all their muscles in one session. The variety of activities also suits the short attention span of younger children.
Hydraulic machines, such as treadmills, leg presses, deadlifts and rowing machines are quite often used in the resistance portion of the circuit training. However, unless you have the space and cash to build your own exercise room, you'll likely have to leave the house to circuit train with hydraulic equipment. A gym, fitness club or recreation centre in your area may have an area set up especially for circuit training. Those locations may also hold special circuit training classes where groups can work their way around the circuit together or provide personal trainers who can work one-on-one with individuals to design a circuit training program with a specific goal in mind.
Teachers and those exercising at home can use more common or less expensive equipment such as medicine balls, hula hoops and jump ropes for various circuit stations. Many different websites offer free circuit training routines and recommendations for equipment that you can purchase to use in your circuit. On the web many circuit training regimes are centred around a specific activity, such as training for a triathlon or marathon. As well, many creative health enthusiasts have designed circuit training programs around common daily activities such as doing housework or spending time in the garden. Exercise videos, DVDs and books are also available that outline various circuit routines you can perform in your own home.