Circuit Training: The Perfect Workout for the Time-Starved (& Easily Bored) Among Us
The first time I heard the term Circuit Training was probably some time in the ‘90s. I remember my initial thought, knowing nothing about it but the term and that it related in some way to exercise, was that it sounded like something only really serious gym goers would ever engage in. The Body Builders. The real Athletes. Any of you who have ever tried it, know how wrong that first impression was.
So what actually is Circuit Training? According to TheFreeDictionary.com:
A method of physical conditioning in which one moves from one exercise to another, usually in a series of different stations or pieces of equipment.
That pretty much sums it up. Once I realized what circuit training actually was, versus what I guessed it was based on absolutely nothing, I was intrigued. What adds to this workout method’s appeal, and part of what has led to its rise in popularity over recent years, is its success as a fat burner and metabolism booster. Combine that with the ability to knock out a full-body workout in as little as 15 minutes and even customize your own circuits and it’s no wonder there are entire gyms dedicated solely to circuit training.
Shape.com (Shape Magazine’s website) sums up the benefits of the workout quite well:
- Get Maximum Results in Minimum Time
- Challenge Your Whole Body
- Mix Cardio and Strength Training
- Send Your Metabolism Soaring
- Never Waste Another Minute
- Try All the Latest Fitness Tools
- Beat Gym Boredom
The only downside, and on this both Shape and I agree, is that setting up your own circuit at home can sometimes be difficult if you’re pressed for open space. One way I’ve found to work around this, especially during the Spring and Summer months, is to set up my circuit in the backyard. To make it easy to set up and put away quickly, I put all of my supplies in a large basket that I keep near the back door. That way, when I’m ready to work, everything is easy to grab, and when I’m finished, and exhausted, I can just grab everything and throw it back in the basket.
If you want to set up your own at-home circuit, check out this Shape article.
Whether it’s at the gym or at home, hopefully you’ll all find your own perfect circuit! See you on the next go around!
